The f(x) Factor: How SM's Experimental Darlings Defined K-Pop

[@sur_un_nuage]

it’s kind of crazy how shinee and f(x) mirror each other in some way i just wish we still have f(x) as a group like shinee

[@jyanneskye2535]

Thank you for your tribute to f(x). Only true MeUs can understand all the tears, sweat and sacrifices that each member had contributed, in order for this girl group to be so legendary. I hope that we MeUs can be united and that when the time comes in the future when all our girls are reunited once again on stage, that we can provide endless support for them and not fail them.

[@00WatName00]

I will forever wait for them 😢💕

[@ARC--eh5zt]

it's insane how f(x) literally paved the way for more experimental girl groups in kpop and how much of female kpop nowadays can be traced back to their legacy and sound and yet new kpop fans don't recognise their influence, and their own former company doesn't even recognise it either. f(x) will always be iconic, tysm for your video, as a longtime MeU it meant so much

[@GleeChan]

Yeah, I think f(x), 2NE1, and 4Minute all fell under that category of trying something new, only for their predecessors take what was learned and capitalize on that. Those three were the groups at the time who were taking the risks and gaining major popularity for it. But companies be companies afterall and wanted to make the prettier/cuter version of that. While I do think all three had other factors in their disbandment, I also think f(x) was the one sort of ignored. It wasn't that they were done dirty like 4minute or that the members has huge clashes with the higher ups like 2NE1, they simply were just forgotten about. That's sort of sad.

[@poonderings]

Yep I totally agree

[@ygnightkid6529]

I was just thinking that the other day! Those 3 groups all had the curse of being sort of “the oldest child”. Their companies neglected them and instead of helping them become the best version of themselves they decided to move on to the next group. Now we have Blackpink, G-Idle, and Billlie.

[@merrytunes8697]

Completely agree. These three groups were some of my favorite.

[@jamesmason5576]

I know everyone loves The Pink Tape, but there is something about that 3rd LP "Redlight" that is edgier and fun and definitely more replayable to me. Its in my top 10 of Kpop albums for sure!

[@poonderings]

Ugh yes this! Personally I’d prefer Red Light to Pink Tape too. Milk, Dracula, Rainbow - there are just so many bops on it

[@Yointrovert]

​@poonderings 4 walls is my favorite album, but I feel like Red Light is way more experimental in terms of vocal styles and beats.

[@AyAReI00]

All red light albums is replayable ... I love all the songs specially milk .... Is like how i love the red from red velvet.... Both albums are Masterpiece from beginning to the end .... Nowdays is hard ro find kpop idols with great besides, companies go full rogué with the title and forgot about the rest of the songs like if they don't matter and now mini albums have 4 songs instead of 8 or 6 like before, are kpop idols buying music ? Really ? Mini albums with 1 good song and 3 very questionable extras that don't Even fit the vibes of the whole album too ... Think about that.

[@bittahgenius3915]

As a long time f(x) fan, thank you for this incredibly detailed and well produced video💜 Since f(x) has been inactive for a long time I feel like theres a lot of misinformation going around especially with recent kpop fans. Some people seem to blame SM's mistreatment of f(x) on the success of the group. When in fact f(x) had big digital hits between 2011-2012 and were the 2nd best selling gg from 2013-2016 right behind SNSD and 3rd in 2017. Despite their counter culture brand, indie/avantpop sound, and niche marketing(when sm bothered to), f(x) were popular, critically acclaimed/awarded, and commercially successful while they were active as a group. SM just decided not to care at all anymore. Contrary to the narrative some fans push, they were in no way a flop, unpopular, or underrated. So while some forget or misinterpret the past, I'm glad people like you still keep f(x)'s legacy alive!

[@poonderings]

Thanks for your kind words! They made me very happy. You totally picked up on what I was going for. Part of why I wanted to create this video was to set the record straight on f(x) for newer K-pop fans (and, of course, to convert more MeUs heheh).

[@zhisu2665]

It really sucks how F[x] was successful but still rejected by SM.

[@Vinceeeeent016]

F(x) is the trendsetter

[@MSAuzaarEng]

f(x) is reason i came to know kpop. and kdrama. today i completed 100+ kdramas.. i believe aespa is child of f(x)...

[@ygnightkid6529]

I’ll never forget f(x). Billlie reminds me of them so much. SM seems to be treating well under Mystic Story, but only time will tell. They’re worthy successors to f(x). All of those girls are crazy talented and I can’t even describe their music. It gives me the same feelings of when I listen to f(x).

[@poonderings]

I love Billie! I hope they do well

[@ikhsanfadillah2446]

Pink tape is still the best kpop album in my opinion

[@IzzySunday]

Thank you so much for making this video, I'm a MeU that misses f(x) dearly and this video really sums up their legacy. It's also very comforting to know that MeU's are still going strong after all these years 💜 I particularly appreciated the inclusion of Girls on Top and its symbolic "nail in the coffin", that was all I could think about when I first heard about it. I'm thinking of making a video essay about their career highlights and impact as well, I've officially been inspired by you!!

[@poonderings]

I'm so happy to hear that! And I look forward to watching your video :)

[@merrytunes8697]

I enjoy SNSD, Red Velvet and f(x). Electric Shock, 4 Walls and Milk (Teddy Riley helped produce) are all great songs by f(x). They will be missed.

[@naevis222]

I became a kpop stan at the end of 3rd gen- 4th gen and I'm discovering this older groups just now, and i felt like i was gonna cry many times in this video. Truly amazing

[@SpookiDooki]

Love this! It’s bittersweet revisiting this era in K-Pop. Like most other groups from the earlier generations, F(x) can’t, and won’t be replaceable or replicable. Milk is my favorite too, and was the first song that drew me to the group! They had so many overlooked bops it’s criminal.

[@maaarrg]

this was beautiful I really miss f(x), I remember listening to their albums for the first time and being so impressed that kpop could produce more than a good tittle track.

[@yukiaedogawa]

F(x) will always be one of the better groups in kpop history for me. My interest in newer groups have decreased considerably since their concepts are not as innovative or creative as compared to previous gens. It would be a gift to fans if F(x) members would collaborate one more time despite having gone their separate ways.

[@quartercirclebk]

This is awesome! Would love to see a followup video on how so much of f(x)'s concept was inspired by New York-based prog-rock sensations Coheed and Cambria, but this was a super informative and engaging vid

[@poonderings]

lmfao stop liking this you guys it is just my boyfriend trolling

[@gsshyhyh]

i was 11in 2010 when i first found out about fx. the first song I listened to was nu abo. and since then I've loved this group so much and I grew up listening to them. they were so different but their style and aesthetics spoke so loud to me. i still love kpop now especially girl groups but nothing can replace fx from my heart. min hee jin explaining that fx is the anti hero of the girlish concept maybe the reason why I love them so much because they were so different during the 2nd gen kpop scene. i think they were one of the first girl groups to do girl crush concept. as I grow up I grew frustrated and sad for the lack of contents from fx and always blaming sment but as i grew mature i am grateful that they actually are not in that company anymore. as long as they're happy and healthy. i still miss them so much and currently I'm already making money so I'm looking for 4 walls album so if any of yall know where to buy it pls let me know huhu

[@chentomachi8393]

Same. Been a fan of them since 2011 actually, i got into their fandom when i first watched hot summer and Pinocchio. I'm also one of those who streams electric shock every day since it was released. From them on, i kept on streaming every mv of them. And been looking forward for their next concept because they're sooooo unique. Huhuhu. I miss them. They're my ultimate girl group and that no one/ no group can replace them in my heart. 🥺

[@gsshyhyh]

@@Laylaunicornlover135 i already have pink tape

[@Andy-ne5qi]

I listened to f(x)'s music in real time but i never stanned them, i was more of a casual fan. Experiencing the unfair disbandment or downfall of so many 2nd gen girl groups broke my heart. T-ara, 2ne1, 9Muses, Miss A... these were all groups that I loved that had bad endings because of their companies' management. It sucks to say but I'm glad i wasn't more emotionally invested in f(x) because it wouldve hurt even more, since it was slow, and SM just pretends they never existed

[@finnlinnsone]

If you like f(x) I highly recommend listening to SNSD's Japanese discography as a whole

[@poonderings]

Cool. Thanks for the rec! Will look into it

[@finnlinnsone]

@@poonderings Great video btw! Your editing style reminds me alot of @merafromyoutube which is a huge compliment. Looking forward to your next project 🫶🏻

[@Sesamsesam59]

Best discography in kpop??? For sure !!!

[@andrevitor.x]

F(x) is unmatched to this day. I agree their sound has been implemented to a lot of new groups but none of them deliver the quality f(x) did. I still hope someday we will get something from them

[@LeanlovesLain143]

I still love (f)x and Sulli & everyone ❤❤❤❤

[@yunyunnie]

i really feel like fx and vixx really contributed to a lot of change in the kpop industry

[@bunch1]

I love F(X) and the fact that SM didn't force them to make a 10 year anniversary album will always be something that bothers me. But at the same time when people act like it's all SM's fault that we got nothing after 4 Walls I get annoyed. That was when the girls got off their rookie contracts and had power in the negotiations, I wouldn't be surprised if they fought for more creative control because they didn't always like the songs they made, I remember Amber saying how much she hated Milk on a live-stream when she offered to sing some songs and it was recommended. SM not wanting to film a video for All Mine wasn't a slight against F(X), they did a lyric video for SNSD's station song 0805 and we know they still got a full album, 2 MV's, and a round of promotions for their 10 year anniversary. And still SM was able to work with the F(X) girls and produced and shot something like 10+ singles and mv's with the members plus a whole bunch of b sides for the SM Station and Solo projects. That is more then enough material to fill an album or several EP's, but Victoria and Krystal were only involved with 1 of those songs, All Mine, if I remember right. You can't tell me SM thought Amber and Luna would sell more solo then a group comeback, considering the cost would probably have been the same or cheaper then the money put into Amber and Luna, but they still made music with them and not they other 2? Why? Probably because they didn't really want to make more kpop music at that time. I remember the girls themselves said they couldn't agree amongst themselves on a comeback because they wanted it to be great and it never felt right. The only people I don't blame are Amber and Luna, they seemed to be the most dedicated to the group and music and wanted the comeback more then anyone else. It sucks, but I feel some blame has to go onto Krystal and Victoria for not compromising and just doing something for their fans and fellow members as well as SM for not just forcing the issue even once during their last 3 years with the company.

[@poonderings]

You're right it was probably a combination of factors that prevented them from going further with music

[@chroniclesofalivingdeadgirl]

Please make more videos like this again about other seemingly forgotten groups.

[@partoftheway4235]

The only group at the time that has similar music was 2ne1. If SM promoted fx like YG promoted 2ne1 fx could have completed with 2ne1.

[@lisab301]

I think in a way they both ended the same way. SM was pushing f(x) until they debuted Red Velvet, then all the support went into the shiny new group. YG was the same in a way. Once BlackPink debut 2ne1 was put to the side.

[@Thesongbirdsupreme]

Experimental house pop sound has always been SM's most underrated yet hegemonic and unique form of music. I don't care if it's the last song on a mostly unknown album, it'll be my favourite.

[@draculena]

Pinocchio (danger) is simply the best song ever

[@draculena]

AND MILK!!!!!!!!!!! YESSS

[@ValKoralie]

Very well done video! Definitely one of the best video about F(x)'s unique journey, I love F(x) ever since Hot Summer was released,

[@earlemental]

I’ve been a MeU since debut and seeing all their successes and being bitter at their treatment. It’s so nice and refreshing for someone to put into words and a carefully structured video what fans have known! Thank you for being a wonderful voice for MeUs alike and fellow lovers of this amazing highly under appreciated girl group! Much love thank you again💜💜💜💜💜

[@agusiasiusiaurrr]

it is an amazing video, that captures the legacy of the whole group f(x)

[@poonderings]

thanks for the kind words!

[@acutefishing]

This has been popping up in my recommended videos for months, but I've avoided watching because of how sad being a MeU can feel sometimes. I just want to thank you for how respectfully and kindly you put this together. It is clear you are a MeU yourself and love the girls dearly. They were truly one-of-a-kind with their mix of high quality pop and alternative sound and styling. Idk that I'll ever be able to stan another girl group the same way because f(x) spoiled me too much.

[@ajinmericancitizen8723]

They (SM) wanna erase f(x)'s iconography SO BAD

[@NYROViEM]

Even tho this video was released months ago, I wanted to take the time and say how well done it is! As child I listened to their debut track constantly and have always had some kind of connection with the group, so ofc this video made me fairly happy :). But all compliments are directed at you ofc! The time this project took to make and put together then finally upload was surely long and I want to thank you for even putting it out!! It means a lot

[@poonderings]

Awwwww! You're so sweet I'm blushing hahaha. I'm so happy you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for your support. Comments like these really make it all worthwhile :)

[@katyonoook1665]

i've discovered f(x) after watching the RUNext and their performance of 4 walls which was my ultimate favourite. so, i think, i'm gonna stan this wonderful griup after your video, thank you so much for showing us a whole new world

[@clarachan96]

Just want to clarify, 4 walls came out after Sulli left the group, not after she pass away. But anyway, thank you for such a detailed video of f(x) ㅠ

[@poonderings]

Whoops! Thank you for the correction

[@andreadecolongon8947]

Let's accept the Truth that F(x) will always be one one to paved the way for Red Velvet and Aespa> 2nd generation is Iconic

[@drewb3665]

One of the best videos I've seen covering my favorite group of all time.

[@poonderings]

Thanks! That means a lot

[@azrailluxem6037]

Seeing this right now makes me emotional. I miss them 💜🥹

[@sakurakahoko]

Thank you so much for being so respectful especially with things regarding Sulli.

[@teih]

Thank you so much for making this video about f(x)!! 💜There have been so many times when newer gg relealised songs that just reminds me so much of f(x) sound that in a way it feels like a betrayal to them. It's not that I don't like other ggs, I really do, it's just not anyone who really does it like f(x) did. Imagine the power f(x) would hold over the kpopn comunity, if SM didn't just abandom them and instead let them continue as they have with SHINee. I'm always hoping for a reunion with them, on their own terms! I would love to know how their sound would have grown and evolved from "All mine" to something new.

[@kinwind8432]

such a good video that definetily deserves more views, thank you for keeping the legacy of f(x) alive

[@poonderings]

thanks I appreciate your comment :)

[@ArmantoAlex13]

How tragic that the verbal abuse of vicious, cowardly strangers would directly cause the death of an innocent human being! I hope those people responsible for Sulli’s death have since experienced troubled lives full of failure and self-hate! Only then might their miserable lives match the hellish misery Sulli experienced from their evil behaviour - and that goes for every KPop artist whose lives were ended due to the same horrendous treatment! If you’re not suffering now, murderers (because that IS what you are), you WILL suffer in the after-life!!!

[@akhila4059]

Legendary queens

[@maranjatsunmai1917]

Only MeU understands these feelings. Thank you. And I will forever miss my f(x)

[@ilikealotofthings731]

4 walls would literally be a smash hit if released today.

[@Oosij]

as a meu... THANK YOU for this video ): you vocalized what i (and prob many other fans) have been trying to explain.

[@conniemarquez08]

Thank you for this video! I am a MeU proud and its sad that sm never really put that much effort to promote or even care much about f(x). But i care about them alot and i still hope they'll make new music together one day. And there is not much for me to say, since your video already said everything i feel.😄 so thank you for making this video and for keeping their lagacy alive. (This is my mom's accout btw.😆 im Janna. Hi👋)💜

[@poonderings]

Hi Janna! I'm glad the video felt true to your feelings :) And I hope f(x) comes back one day together too. It's so clear that many people are still passionate about the group.

[@beevonerd]

Ty for this video. I remember seeing Amber when I was younger (I was a full adult when they debuted) and seeing myself in her. As a much older gender nc adult, I still recognize all the trails she blazed. I know the video isn't just about her, ijs lol. SM would be smart to put the light on them rn, even if only to selfishly capitalize on their way ahead of its time gender neutrality. 👌🏿

[@poonderings]

That's beautiful! Thank you for sharing your story. It's so awesome when diverse idols inspire the younger people that way. In my research for this video, I came across one theory that suggested Lee Soo-man was trying to capitalize on the androgynous celebrities that were popular in Hong Kong.

[@yanajuana]

Thank you, I needed this. I always comeback to f(x) videos because of how much I miss them, and this video literally defined the reason I got into Kpop. 💜

[@oohnada]

F(x) will always have my heart❤️‍🩹 thank you for this amazing video

[@uchechianaba]

My gosh, this is a really great and well put together video. 🤩

[@poonderings]

thank you!

[@disneyfan101rocks]

to this DAY no one not even outside of SM I cannot find anyone similar to them. They are one of the most unique sounds for KPOP to this mf day. Shame they debuted in that company.

[@chat-shire8836]

just want to say Thank you for giving our girls the credit they deserve in the kpop scene

[@luciiarda]

this video is so good

[@chrisparodia4432]

Thank you

[@blackjackdiary5390]

Loved this!!

[@hangingtree9637]

Thank you so much for this really, it means a lot

[@dvwnte]

This was a very well put together video. I think you should make more! This video really helped me get to know f(x) more and I’m really feeling like a stan 😂

[@poonderings]

Thanks! It's so wonderful to hear that you stan them after watching!

[@ilovechihayafuru]

I loved this video!! Got to know so many new things plus in such a well dealt manner...loved how you gave the girls their well deserved homage...would love to see more such stuff!! 💖

[@maheshbabu-fj3tx]

3 words Min Hee Jin

[@emlylunar]

omg finallyyy some appreciation for milk

[@chichi062893]

Thank u so much for making this. I love f(x) and I really think this is such a great tribute to them. They really are one of the best kpop groups to ever exist. Would it be alright if I shared this on my tumblr?

[@Sesamsesam59]

Nice video, except for the « A.B.O » pronunciation You did amazing 🎉 f(x) for the win

[@yes_miy]

i miss f(x) so much...

[@222sun]

video so good i had to save it and share

[@poonderings]

Ha! Thank you that’s so flattering

[@zaelguerra188]

Amazing vídeo:3

[@lucidlunatic.]

this was a lovely tribute, and one can tell how much time and effort you invested in making it. f(x) were ahead of their time, the fact that you could release some of their songs today without them sounding dated is proof enough for it. further, f(x), as you have mentioned in the video, have had very good b-sides, not just titles. these days it feels like groups release one title track with high production and the rest of the album is basically just full of filler songs. i have never had such thoughts or feelings while listening to f(x). it's sad that sm is silently ereasing f(x) out of their history by pretending they never existed to begin with, but if i am completely honest, i much prefer them calling it quits when they were at the top of their career as a group, instead of being handed songs like step back or zimzalabim. no offence to anyone who geniuenly likes and enjoys those types of songs. i think the best way to honor and respect their legacy is to remember them as one of the best things that has happened to kpop and just be gratefull that we were there to witness is.

[@reveluv4life]

i saw that ice cream cake was originally for red velvet

[@JYPEfan2212]

PINK TAPE ❤

[@airyannaswanson3838]

I will never ever ever ever ever forgive Sm for what they done to fx.

[@JohnSmith-fe6xk]

Great video ❤

[@amanidiotdo]

Im crying

[@Breakerzfam]

f(x) all the way~

[@yvesfromloona3217]

good video!

[@anacarolinaguedes2892]

que video maravilhoso! obrigada

[@joao-yf2fs]

Nobody can do like them

[@malushize]

Thank you!!

[@iceIceCold666]

Gonna sound like a reach but i feel f(x) were the spice girls of kpop and maybe SM were influenced by spice girls to create a very appealing gg...both have a very unique individuality per member in a very mono-coded pop world (like spice girls and f(x) members never wore the same clothes or were presented the same)...and also both made many trends that r still used now

[@shyllheartlanoy8597]

they did not even have a lightstick ! T...T am I right?

[@thatminari]

Why are they keeping super junior but not f(x) ew

[@poonderings]

lmaooo i knowwwww

[@sparkle2848]

Because sm gave super junior their own music label unfortunately

[@thatminari]

@@sparkle2848 I hope that label will shut down

[@xheralt]

the f(x) members need to link up with a powerful (non Big 3) agency -- those are not mutually exclusive qualities -- like RBW, P Nation, or ZB for their reunion. While Sulli's memory should always be respected IMO they should recruit a new fifth, they were better as five, and most of their existing choreo is structured for five. Maybe an idol cast off by another agency, like CLC's Eunbin or (G)I-dle's Soojin?

[@Sesamsesam59]

New abo?

[@riahlexington]

I just hate SM Tbf got the beat also got disbanded cuz sm is in shambles

[@andredaniel6658]

Why is your video muted started in 5:26??

[@poonderings]

Lol copyright made me take it out. It's just that part though. Sorry!

[@deo4800]

Korean plz ㅠㅠ

[@ThatsEunice]

Why do SM artists keep dying? Horrible company.