Rumbling with the Best in K-pop

Unfortunately, in 2010, the little-known band that clawed their way to mainstream prominence came to an end. A difference of musical direction disbanded the seven-year group, and the band members began to go their separate ways. Choi, however, decided to stay with singing mainstream music, as she retained the group name, Rumble Fish, as a solo artist.

While a disagreement with musical taste between the members was true, many fans had another theory. These fans say that since Choi, as the raspy, powerful lead vocalist, was far-and-away the most popular member, the other three members were frustrated by their lack of recognition. In other words: jealousy. Whether the reason is musical direction, jealousy, or another cause, the group that was once known as Rumble Fish was no more.

It was a sad day when I found out Rumble Fish would be dissolved as a four person group.  While there are some other mainstream pop rock groups, like FT Island and CN Blue, Rumble Fish was a trendsetter in the pop-rock genre in Korea. Alongside Rollercoaster, I’m not sure we’ll see another creative, catchy pop-rock group in the near future.  Choi, however, refuses to let the group name die out.

Today, Choi is seen on various music and variety shows as a guest. Carrying her fame from previous years as an indie artist, she now has signed onto a music label, Vitamin Entertainment. It may be a bit strange to see her singing alone these days on TV, but she continues to have success in mainstream K-pop.

Yet she insists on keeping her indie roots alive. Even though she has switched more to a ballad, folk style in 2011 with I Love You, I Love You, it’s only a matter of time before she goes back into her rock-pop style. Or so we hope…

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by Jason Yu @ GreenTeaGraffiti