In the K-pop market, which is full of things to see and hear, there are particularly notable figures. These are the so-called 'songwriting idols' who create their own music. Rather than following the existing K-pop formula, they bring freshness with their uniquely personalized songs. The third generation includes SEVENTEEN, the fourth generation includes Stray Kids, and the fifth generation is represented by BOYNEXTDOOR. They are gaining popularity by solidifying their team's identity through their self-produced songs.

# Self-produced talent who even won the producer award, '3rd generation' SEVENTEEN

SEVENTEEN's member Woozi serves as the main producer, handling most of the lyrics and composition for the team's songs. Woozi is regarded as SEVENTEEN's 'hit song maker.' All of the title tracks released by SEVENTEEN so far have gone through Woozi's hands. From their debut song 'Oh My' to 'Don't Wanna Cry,' 'Very NICE,' 'Thanks,' 'SONOKONG,' and 'God of Music', they have blended various genres to suit the team's color.

They gained recognition for their abilities, having won the Best Producer Award at the '2021 Asia Artist Awards'. With a member capable of producing, SEVENTEEN boldly challenges the music they want to create. They've naturally widened their spectrum by managing various concepts, from bright and refreshing to lyrical and sometimes grand atmospheres. Their freely expanding musical world is seen as the driving force behind SEVENTEEN's long-lasting popularity. SEVENTEEN will release their fifth studio album 'HAPPY BURSTDAY' on the 26th, the anniversary of their debut.

# Gaining attention with 'mala-flavored music', '4th generation' Stray Kids

Stray Kids' production unit 3RACHA, composed of Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han, leads the overall song production. The songs they work on are new in terms of themes and lyrics. The 'Labor Song' that gained word-of-mouth, 'MIROH', 'Broken Compass' which features the team's symbol of a compass, and 'Rabbit and Turtle' with its unique lyrics are all notable attempts at breaking away from the existing K-pop formula.

Their unique works soon evolved into their own style of 'mala-flavored' songs. Through striking lyrics in '神메뉴' and 'Back Door', they heightened their visibility and solidified their style with powerful music like 'Sori-kun', 'MANIAC', and 'Special'. Stray Kids will showcase their mini-album 'Hollow' in Japan this coming June.

# Rising with 'lifestyle music' ... '5th generation' BOYNEXTDOOR

BOYNEXTDOOR is the 'songwriting idol' representing the 5th generation boy group. In particular, Myung Jaehyun, Taesan, and Unhak have participated in song production from their debut, incorporating their own emotions. They have quickly established a unique genre known as 'lifestyle music.' Actively participating in song production since their debut album, they express vivid stories that anyone can relate to through their songs.

From the first love trilogy that depicts the fluttering emotions of love to the mini-album '19.99' capturing the worries of being around twenty years old, and the digital single 'Today Only I LOVE YOU', which expresses honest thoughts after a breakup, their realistic music resonates with listeners. Featured by lyrics that reflect everyday life, they will now sing about a bold attitude. The six members plan to release their mini-album 'No Genre' on the 13th, with aspirations to create the music they want without being confined to a genre.

[Photo] Pledis Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, KOZ Entertainment, OSEN DB

[OSEN]