VCHA's Pre-debut was a wonderful mess

[@Sohnee]

Who's your VCHA bias?

[@fecktor]

Took me a while for me to confirm a bias, but as the second part of the show went on (when they traveled to Korea after the LA Boot Camp), I got myself drawn to Kaylee for her stable vocals, her consistant dancing skills and the way she manages to emote a lot while dancing. And even though it was pointed out in the finals that she is always visually checking on the other members, it's really endearing to me! She looks well adjusted to the "idol life" and, I don't know... I just feel like from where she is now, she'll just be able to grow even better in a few years. She's a hard worker!

[@LauraGCB]

KG and Camila

[@andatoren4768]

Lexi and Kendall also Savanna is so chill

[@Mimichan789]

Kg and kaylee

[@renaldsamoza5416]

Savannah

[@jcmh74]

I agree that JYPE's biggest problem right now is that they have too many girl groups. However, I hope that JYPE will have a strategy to turn that weakness into a strength. What if each of them helped each other create a synergy effect? It seems possible for VCHA to enter the Japanese market by collaborating with NiziU, or conversely, for NiziU to enter the US market by collaborating with VCHA.

[@Sohnee]

Yes this is exactly what I wish would happen too

[@Manny888Festo]

Obsessed with this idea! Let’s manifest it!

[@ArtIsDrawing]

@@Manny888Festo JYP already knows what to do!!!!

[@Rosie_Games_With_Pandas]

Or it would be good for VCHA to collaberate with Itzy to tap into the korean area, or maybe SKZ, but just not Twice. I feel like a Twice x VCHA collab wouldnt end well.

[@anon5824a]

I don't what it is but I love VCha and I have a good feeling about them. I think they are going to go far. A girl group that speaks all english is a dream. And I fell in love with their personalities. I just cant explain it but I think they are going to do really well

[@abnerruan893]

I don't know about you,but for me, it's the vibes they give off, most if not all kpop groups are put in such a high pedestal not only by the industry but also the fans, to the point where i genuinely accidentally forget their actual people, that's the level where it's at, but with VCHA is different, they don't feel like a kpop group, they fell more like a group of girlfriends who have a group that just so happens to be famous, most people want to meet kpop groups cause they want to meet their favorite idols, if i ever got the chance to meet VCHA, i would have much more interest in being their friend than anything else, they just feel like just a nice group to hang out with, and i think that's what sets them apart from the rest of kpop

[@andatoren4768]

I actually love A2k and VCHA so far, maybe because i got to know the girls and their journey, excited for their debut

[@_aPaladin]

that's why I think the LA Bootcamp was important to show, just how lacking a lot of the contestants were... Besides Camila, she was ready to debut from the beginning, honestly.

[@karinhernandez9312]

I enjoyed the progress of the show, A2K, and it did get exciting once they hit Korea. I found the entire concept fascinating really; a Global girl group brought up through the KPop system. But what surprised me most was the connection and genuine care I felt to the contestants. I started to see a real camaraderie between the girls, and it was refreshing to see them lift each other up instead of tearing each other down which happens way too much these days. It's too soon to tell what's in the works for VCHA until they actually debut, but I personally thought this was a good start, and seeing their progress in such a very short time is reassuring. Maybe the tracks on 'Sevit' are a bit bubble gum-like, but I enjoy listening to them nonetheless. I feel like this is the stage where they're testing the waters and finding their footing. There is a lot of talent and possibility in the members, so let's see what they can do. They have a couple of song writers in the group too, so I'm sure they'll begin working that in to their music in the future. I get the comparison to New Jeans because they share a similar youth feel and simplicity that VCHA can learn from, but XG? That style just doesn't seem to fit their personality, and vibe to me. What I like most about these girls is that they are relatable, and human which is a breath of fresh air. Plain and simple... I like these girls!

[@Sohnee]

VCHA definitely has a lot of potential so I really hope their debut is great

[@karinhernandez9312]

@@Sohnee 😉

[@decide2think]

I disagree with pretty much all your points, except... Yes, this is a young pre-debut group. So let's wait and see what they do next. Frankly, tho I'm not crazy about the VCHA name, I think that JYP did pretty good with this relatively inexpensive, YT competition based-on-positivity, exploratory, American group with global appeal... and YOUniverse is a fine start. Much better than Dream Academy!!!

[@Sohnee]

Haven't kept up with dream academy but I heard there was a lot of drama surrounding it

[@Twicedoodle]

You just gotta take Vcha for what it is...trying to shoehorn them into a mold would be less appealing than if they just organically grew into whatever their journey takes them. I think thats were Vcha has an edge, i watch their behind the scenes more than listen to their songs because i like the "anti-idol" vibe, they arent uptight, and from what Ive seen genuine which reminds me a lot on why so many like Twice. The music will follow and with how the industry works buying good songs from writers is a lot easier than trying to force personality and charisma.

[@gigglehertz]

You lost all credibility when you said it reminded you of Twice's "Like Ooh Ah" and that basically that song was terrible. Seriously? Its a bop. 3 of the members were minors when Twice debuted so yeah it was a fun cute concept, but I still love it even now. The youngest member of VCha literally JUST turned 14, so yeah it's going to be a bit cutesy and innocent. For a single that was put out the day they were announced I think it sounds pretty good.

[@azkayla504]

4:41 too childish for them? Are you forgetting that Kaylee is literally 13 😭 and that wasn’t even their debut that was a song from the show. Everyone is acting like these songs are their debut and stuff but it’s not so why don’t yall just wait for them to debut and THEN judge

[@_aPaladin]

yea, I just hope people hate for JYP isn't projected on the girls... I mean it was literally why people hated Kendall so much, because JYP adored Kendall from the beginning, and so she got so much hate, despite seeing her growth from the beginning to the end, she changed so much... I mean she didn't even know what falsetto was...

[@azkayla504]

@@_aPaladin It’s already happening where people are hating on the girls, I just hope they prove everyone wrong with their debut and upcoming songs

[@ishracainglet2591]

I agree to your points about nmixx. NMIXX has a lot of potentials. What I don't agree is your point about VCHA. Men this is a predebut song. Among the members only 1 is 18 yrs old the others are 17 and the other 1 is 14 which is too young for your expectations regarding music preferences. It very early to judge, this is not yet debuting songs. These are predebuting songs. Think about the members line up. Who among them could pull up the fiercer concepts? Have you thought that they are reserves for a more ambitious projects? And some members balanced its fierce line up so that it would somehow look feminine as a whole. Its too early for you to judge this group honestly.

[@Manny888Festo]

Much like the title of this video, your commentary is also a wonderful mess and that’s beautiful. Thank you for sharing your perspective. I don’t fully agree. I think JYP is being deeply strategic with this group and the message and impact he is going to have on the industry moving forward. This group is just the foundation to something bigger, lighting up the music multiverse.

[@neb.9489]

I think it’s way too soon to judge them on their music. Three songs that were only made for the purpose of them performing them on their show isn’t enough to get a good glimpse on their music. I think if JYP does them right, they could possibly garner a good preteen audience. Especially since there hasn’t been much preteen directed content these days. I’m sure the girls will have more mature sounding music when they’re older, but Y.O.Universe is fine for now in my opinion.

[@futurelivesxi]

I've loved girl groups my entire life, and only came into k-pop about a year and a half ago (still not heavily invested but looooove me some k-bops) so A2K was such a great find for me. I watched every premiere lol. Their pre debut songs are a little meh but from what I've heard of Girls of the Year, it sounds like some really good music is coming

[@leocas7ro]

I love the EP. It’s cute and age appropriate for them.

[@Xarax123-k1y]

It'll be interesting what sound and music they actually come up with when they debut. I agree that they're definitely ready for a more mature sound, and that the name didn't need to be so meaningful. My initial reaction when I heard the name was also....wtf? 🥴 But it's growing on me. I don't see the point of using Melissa and Gina as examples of any future concepts though. They're not part of the group,. Melissa, I don't think is a fit for kpop at all. She had a great voice but was so depressing, everytime she performed she kept talking about her absent dad. JYP definitely missed out with Gina, she would've been perfect for the group.

[@tukshin3379]

Agree to disagree. Was trying to find a new argument from your video (that isnt already a common narrative on every social media platform out there when it comes to this western pop vs kpop debate). First off, ...i really wanna challenge Western pop fans who recently got into kpop to stop holding kpop to Western pop standards. Not every group needs to sound like NJ and XG just because their companies decided to appeal to Western pop fans using the kpop system. im happy for those groups and their success, but youre limiting yourself to a music taste that youre already accustomed to (as a MIDZY, the hate Sneakers got was because of this very issue - they were clearly targeting the Korean market and the song was a hit in Korea so the song is clearly good, but just not to Western fans). Second, the appeal of A2K was about following the girls' journeys/growth, and ultimately that will apply to their music too. You brought up early Twice but their sound has completely evolved since. We will see that too with VCHA as they get older. Right now, theres a gap in the market for a group that will appeal to a younger demographic (the last bunch of Disney stars like Miley/Selena/Demi/JoBros are all in their 30s now), who represent different cultures that kids can relate to, and who their parents can recommend as role models... (Here's the kicker though: im seeing VCHA pitted against Dream Academy for the next 'global girl group' but Geffen and Republic Records are both owned by Universal 😂...its clear theyre trying to cover the younger/older teen fanbases by debuting both groups).

[@Sohnee]

I would say that artists like Selena and Miley are products of their time. They had extremely successful shows at a time when the disney channel was at its peak. This is what made it easier for them to appeal to younger audiences. But since then, so much has changed in the way younger audiences consume media that makes it difficult for new artists to fit that role. That being said, I think the fact that there's so much discussion being made about VCHA is exciting. It shows that people are passionately anticipating what this group will do next.

[@neb.9489]

I whole hardly agree with you!

[@sekar9901]

Younger/teens audience are not into that kind of entertainment anymore. There must be a reason why Disney scrap their show. Even Disney gave up on that demographics 😅

[@heyjaydreamerr]

Just saw this video, and I was astounded as to how much criticism someone can throw off of pre-debut activities? P.S. GOTY was a amazing debut song, XO Call Me embraced the Western sound. Plus opening for TWICE will help gain some fans.

[@AOG91]

I agree!

[@stepsoflife]

I'm not gonna argue, because I've been wrong (and right) before. Time will tell. But I got little to no complaints so far about VCHA.

[@tokyodoll7000]

I actually agree with you, especially the part when you say that their sound can be a little more mature but their concepts can still be age-appropriate. i'm not sure what Vcha is supposed to be, but given that this is their pre-debut I would say let's wait and see how the full debut goes. i've been rooting for these girls since day one, and I honestly hope that their debut packs a little more punch they definitely went the safe (or safest) route for the pre-debut, and their views are not high at all compared to the other groups in the company. but I do think that JYP Will take note and apply whatever changes needed going forward for sure.

[@musicexplosionx4575]

Til this day I’m upset about how NMIXX was bullied out of the mix concept. O.O and Dice are still on repeat because the songs put me on a journey throughout. . But Vcha does need some tweaking musically if this debut is going to be a success.

[@Sohnee]

That's how I feel too

[@Soufriere84]

It's funny that you said NMIXX was bullied out of the "mixxpop" concept, which at the time you wrote your comment felt true… but then it turned out they were preparing an EP that doubled down on Mixxpop, and they ended up being rewarded for it -- the girls (+ the songwriters) were ahead of the curve… Meanwhile Babymonster's debut was mid. But that's beside the point. I thought VCHA's predebut was okay but not great. I hope their debut single is good.

[@kyrahjames394]

Tbh i think vcha has a childish music style which i love so much but their still a new group so i feel like they'll improve so ima keep watching vcha to see how much they improve!!!

[@jisooinyourarea6751]

I disagree with 5 being too many girl groups for a company. let them have as many as they want.

[@_aPaladin]

I don't think it's what they want, I think it's who's ready to debut that counts... Honestly I thought JYP was going to debut all the girls that went to Korea, since there were not that many contestants to start with, and we KNOW he wanted a variety in the group.

[@samiidumdum]

Tbh...gina and cristina dont fit the concept of the group bc cristina is more mature and i dont think she would fit in well and gina seems to fit darker concepts better and she also looks forced when she does lighter concepts.

[@Honiggbrot]

4:55 “Know Me Like That” is actually my favourite VCHA song 😂

[@chinitarochcartier3528]

Most of your comments are negative. All their songs were good for me. For their energy, I saw some new groups, VCHA has more energy than the others. VCHA is the best for me from the new groups.

[@notshynotmeMIDZY]

I’m praying they do well because I love them all so much and the show was really entertaining

[@LauraGCB]

Excuse you twice’s debut was amazing, I don’t agree with what you said about the sound being outdated even when it came out, it is younger sounding but it’s fun, catchy and fit them so well so it really doesn’t compare in any way to the kidzbopass lyrics and sound they gave vcha

[@fecktor]

Thinking about it, I also never heard TWICE's debut songs characterized as having an "outdated" sound. So I'm not sure what the source of that take is.

[@Sohnee]

kidzbop lyrics lmao

[@chinitarochcartier3528]

ALL their songs are catchy.

[@glosolothecawolf]

I think a big factor is it’s a pre debut not a debut the songs were made for the show not specifically Vcha I imagine the songs made for the group will have a better sound more tailored to them and a few members have experience in writing and producing music and I’m sure they’ll input their own flavor into the offical songs

[@fecktor]

Welcome back! :) Looking at your video's description, I think we'll have a way different view about VCHA.

[@Sohnee]

You know me had to drop another classic

[@fecktor]

@@Sohnee Alright, now that I watched your video, I can say I really enjoyed it! It was informative, and it really showed how much time and research you actually put into it: you pulled out deep cuts for some background videos, and others were basically brand new! It seems like you watched most if not all of A2K, and also some, if not most VCHA content. So even though you came to a conclusion that it's a mess for them right now, we can totally see it's not an half-assed take on the subject. And I would agree with most of your points! Most of the critiscms of the songs is that they're too "Disney Channel" (granted I never had the Disney Channel so I can't say I know exactly what it means, but I get the gist of it) and while I agree they sound like they're from early 2000s, I find their first 3 songs good enough to listen to: they're well-produced, energetic and fun, and definitely more "american" than "korean k-pop". Also, the studio version of these all are (thankfully!) way better sounding than what we heard during A2K's finale episodes. If JYP himself mined the 60s and 70s sound, and TWICE went for the 80s and 90s musics (lately, not at first), why not go to the 2000s with a group this young. I would grant you that the name "VCHA"... caught me by surprise when it was revealed. A lot! I also couldn't understand the thought process that went into naming what is basically a new american group with a korean name that looks like nothing in english. (Side note: personnally, I would have gone with something like one of the sub-units named themselves at one of the team mission: Sp3ktrum. Maybe without the "3" since it's not for a 3-members group like it was in the show, but anyway!). That means they'll basically have to explain everytime, to everyone, what their name means when they get interviewed or something. But oh well, I got used to it because... that's what we have to do! It's not too bad after a while, and at least it's got the "uniqueness" factor going for it, in the US's naming landscape! That Misha was eliminated, I get it. That Yuna's gone, I totally understand. That Melissa quit, that was like.... okay? And according to you, she maybe did it to get in another show? (That was a cool part of your video since I had no idea about that, nor watched these scenes with her before). But that's the finalist that we would have to speculate a bit more. Christina must have struggled more that we thought, compared to the others. But as for Gina... as talented as she was from the very beginning, I think she just never improved from that level she was at first that much, and that cost her in the end. Or maybe she didn't express emotions enough in her voice or dance. Or maybe it was an "attitude" problem that was never shown, like, I don't know, maybe she always left during practice to go on extended smoking breaks. I mean, we'll probably never know exactly why. In the end, though, I don't miss any of the eliminated contestants. (I did find her "Freedom" music video very dry, her moves were static, her voice didn't show that much emotions and the content of the lyrics were basically a diss track, and I hate diss tracks... but hey, she got to 1 million views recently so congrats to her! :) I do wish her a good career in the future is that's what she wants). But to circle back to your original premise: - Will VCHA be successful in Korea? Probably not, since they are americans making music in english. Most could be curious, but also some will actively boycott the group for these reasons. - Will they be successful in the US? Probably not, since as you said the market is already saturated, both from pop artists to k-pop artists piercing the US market. - Should NMIXX have been that global girl group from JYP? I'm not sure they ever were thought of that way, even though they haven an english speaker, and some members learned a bit of spanish. I think it was always the idea to start in the korean market, then expend to either the US or to Mexico (or South America) but that their original plans may have been a bit scuttled by their earlier controversies (Mixpop, Jini leaving, inability to chart as well as other concurrent 4th gen girl groups, etc.). I hope they'll get there, though, in time. Hey, they're in Australia right now doing a show at the 4th largest indoor arena in the world, in Sydney, so that's not bad! :) - Do I stand VCHA? You bet I do :) Have a great day!! (EDIT: A point I wanted to make at first, but slipped out of my mind is that I don't think JYP made a group to reach instant international success and fame. As he often said, he prefers a group to build up steadily so that it can stay in the long run. He also prefers artists that have potential to grow and are earger to learn, as opposed to some very skillful ones that might not grow up as much afterwards. Lastly, VCHA is unique in the k-pop genre, or market, so far. For VCHA to work, they have to be a pioneer! That's pretty gutsy, and I actually admire JYP for making these choices, more often than we might assume.) It's a quirky concept, it's a gamble, but one that I want to see succeed :)

[@Sohnee]

@@fecktor I should clarify that I'm not claiming that Melissa left to go to the other show. She just happened to do that other show immediately after leaving A2K.

[@fecktor]

@@Sohnee Still, it was news to me that she even did anything at all after A2K (besides going on a video call with the other eliminated contestants). Good research either way!

[@Xarax123-k1y]

@@fecktor Tha'ts the first that I've heard that KPOP has saturated the US market. I would say they're growing in popularity over here, but 9 out of 10 people wouldn't be able to name a kpop artist or group nor would they recognize kpop music if they heard it.

[@LauraGCB]

I agree with everything you said they went too safe to the point where it actually hurt them, I hope they fix this for their actual debut

[@SunnyPopMusic]

That song "Love" performed by Melissa is actually a cover

[@Snowy.flakeyy]

„And he wore plastic pants“had me rolling up on the floor💀

[@justicebao7955]

Finally a review that makes sense.

[@andatoren4768]

Also what you said about Nmixx and global girl group really does make sense

[@MoaDiarys]

I feel like ready for the world has a more mature sound

[@rowsary]

their songs are just not your demographic and that’s it lol

[@zefanyaa6290]

4:17 r u kidding me? i simply can't understand ur opinion on the song is childish for them. kaylee is 14 yrs old, and I think this song concept suits them very well. did u even realize when Newjeans debut hyein was only 14 years old and they made a song about seg**** listen to cookie. that's highly inappropriate. nowadays the industry just force young minor groups to do "mature" concept when literally their members arent even 20 yrs old.

[@Sohnee]

Yea cookie was definitely had questionable lyrics and like I said I don't want VCHA to have that. My argument about maturity is more so on the production not the visuals or lyrics

[@Niven42]

It's funny that you say Twice's "Like Ooh Ahh" was already dated at debut. If you watch clips of the music show wins just before Twice's debut, there was a huge shift in the feel and themes right about that time. Being in the right place at the right time meant that Twice was able to ride that cute and nostalgic wave all the way to the top and stay successful for a very long time. Vcha's pre-debut is probably not going to be their main mode of sound or concept, but I think JYP will nail their official debut again. Both JYP and Republic Records are very smart about what works in the culture at any given moment.

[@Sohnee]

I only got into Twice recently so to me it felt outdated compared to the stuff I heard from western pop artists that also released music at that time.

[@marlonandres1312]

I think theres no problem if jype have to many girl group vcha is exemption jyp targeting american fans to have there own kpop group thats sing english and no need of a sub title vcha is for the US we will see if jyp tactics and brilliance comes out in there 2024, 01, 24 debut at LA but me positively will be success patnership of one of the biggest record labels REPUBLIC RECORDS i know it will they will do all the tricks they have just this girl group will have a successful debut and more years to come i know Republic Records have a other plan for vcha...

[@wedonotcarefreedompeople-5ye]

We are coming universe ticket global girl group in youtube live..

[@_aPaladin]

I think you're wrong, the LA bootcamp really showed the girls human, relatable side, you can see that they are really your above average girl that had 1 or 2 talents that really made them stand out, except for Camila she was an all arounder, but the other girls you got to see their journey and their improvement, and struggles. The Korean side of the show, showed the girls who could be taught and trained, and showed who can learn...

[@Buffjomum]

Vcha just wow

[@greenmachatea]

I think that group is not supposed to be big right away. The songs they have obviously is to target the 12-18yo like high school musical/camp rock/glee teens. Adults obviously will listen to other things. Parents won’t mind their kids to listen to VCha. And as these fans 12-18yo grow up. VCha will grow up too. Business is not only to gain new customers. There will be always new customers. The hardest is to retain them. VCha will mature obviously. But for the sounds, they just need to work hard to find the good song that will really show them. Like NewJeans and fifty-fifty.

[@ci_rosem]

I don’t know, VCHA feels very positive. I feel like they are different compared to many other groups. They feel very positive. I think they’ll blossom beautifully.

[@Buffjomum]

Lets see how good the new vcha song ready for the world be like

[@Lovinalili]

they released a teaser for their official debut track. It sounds good but still the same sound concept as Universe

[@jananaiscutey2387]

Yes we want a mature sound not a mature concept!

[@alexandragabitto2573]

If JYP would just take a look at how diverse the comments are for NMIXX’s videos he would understand what a great group he already has on his hands. Korean, English, Japanese, Spanish - it’s all there, I have no idea what he’s even doing???

[@Buffjomum]

Is starting soon

[@zefanyaa6290]

i feel like vcha could be the next fifth harmony i wish they take that turn

[@justicebao7955]

I actually thought JYP played a prank on these poor girls by giving the name VCha. Just imagine saying that name in a conversation and not sound awkward. I know I can’t. The songs sound like 90s high school musical or songs from old school Disney channels.

[@Rustanator2]

bad take

[@9camaru9]

Not expecting national park in a random kpop video essay…..

[@Sohnee]

I was a pokemon champion in my youth

[@Thesilentvoice...]

Jyp aimed to make a group like black swan but just says this is a global group to save face. Nothing about how the group is marketed or branded is of a U.S. group. The girls have talent, I hope jyp utilities then well and doesn’t just drop interest as we’ve seen it with itzy

[@lemonjuice6715]

i doubt jyp know of black swan as black swan isn't that popular especially in korea. but jy park has been trying to get into the us market more than 10 years ago with wonder girls but it failed cause of xenophonia, language barrier and lack of intrest but now he is trying again with american kids of different backgrounds who spreak english perfectly so that it would work out better. that's why the most worried fans were korean ones as they were saying things such as "we get it jy park you want to get into u.s music industry so bad" "not this again, i'm afraid it won't work just like in wonder girls"

[@renaldsamoza5416]

I hope you make Reaction video about Hori7on from MLD Entertainment

[@sudokore]

🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

[@lilianacollins6941]

Really?

[@289CHJL]

vcha isn't even a korean word. on the other hand, idle(아이들) in G idle is a korean word, which means young girls(여자 아이들)....

[@DineoVilane]

I think jyp needs to debut more boy groups . I think that’s what missing

[@ishracainglet2591]

I think he should give projects to 2pm, stray kidz , xrdinary heroes and these coming niziu boys.

[@RockinFootball_23]

They had one slated but had problems behind the scenes which delayed their debut (and we still don't know when they coming). The next korean boy group was formed on the SBS survival show "Loud" in 2021 which was a collab with PSY's Pnation as they both were ready to launch their own groups. The Pnation group that debuted ended up being TNX. The last time I heard about JYP's side, one of the members had dropped out, so I assume the boys will be working on their skills while the company tries to find additional members or the project is cancelled completely. No idea, really. On the japanese side of business, NIzi Project Season 2 is currently airing and they will likely be debuting next year.

[@bLuGhOsT_]

Ew Melissa

[@Buffjomum]

Isn't twice the global girl group

[@xuimod]

JYPE peaked with TWICE. Every group after TWICE has had less and less impact compared to its predecessor. Twice >> Itzy > Nmixx > Vcha