Every member of Omega X previously performed with another k-pop group.
It’s almost a tradition for new k-pop groups to meet and connect with fans by appearing in a reality show. Making a personal connection this way matters even more during a lingering pandemic that continues to prevent tours and fan meets. A new group’s popularity is not just about the music.
“The process of liking someone and becoming a fan is not simply a process of sharing the artist’s musical inspiration with the fans,” said Kevin Cho, head of global business at Spire Entertainment. “Human empathy plays a big part in this.”
That’s why his company chose the reality show format to introduce the k-pop group Omega X.
“All of the Omega X members have their own special stories,” said Cho. “And through those stories, fans can experience and resonate with each member’s personality.”
The concept of k-pop groups making a reality show in conjunction with their debut dates back to 2000, when the band g.o.d filmed Baby Diaries, a show where group members babysat a toddler. Since then k-pop groups such as Twice, Wanna One, WINNER and Victon have used the reality show format to introduce themselves to fans. The up-close glimpses into idols’ lives became so popular that already established groups also filmed reality shows. Two years after their 2016 debut Blackpink filmed the reality show Blackpink House in a trendy Seoul neighborhood. Popular k-pop groups such as BigBang, 2NE1, BTS, Red Velvet, iKON, Seventeen and Got7 have all used the format. The most recent group to air a reality show was Treasure with their 2020 show Treasure TV on YouTube and VLive.
Loading One More Chan X, the reality show crafted for Omega X, will chronicle the days of the 11 members—Hangyeom, Jaehan, Hwichan, Sebin, Taedong, Xen, Jehyun, Kevin, Junghoon, Hyuk and Yechan—as they move into a shared house, get to know each other, take vocal lessons, practice choreography and play games.
What’s interesting about this particular k-pop group is that the members are not really newbies and it’s not their first debut. All the members of Omega X previously debuted with groups that are now inactive or disbanded, while Sebin, Yechan, Taedong, Jaehan, Hangyeom and Xen also appeared on musical competition reality shows such as Produce 101, The Unit, Under 19, MixNine and SuperStar K7. Despite their differing paths to Omega X, this formation was created to be a permanent group, rather than a project group like Wanna One or SuperM.
“All of us worked as k-pop artists for a few years, which makes us an experienced rookie group,” said Yechan, formerly of the group 1THE9. “Our goal is to perform on stage and be accepted as Omega X.”
The performers are optimistic their previous experience will contribute to the success of Omega X.
“Before we were Omega X, we were making music in our own places,” said Jaehan, formerly of the group Spectrum. “Someone recently told me, ‘It’s admirable that you’re pursuing music again after a failure.’ I don’t necessarily think my previous experience as a k-pop star was a failure. Rather, I believe that my experience has propelled me to be a part of Omega X now. So, rather than feeling anxious about ‘failure’ per se, I’m excited about what’s to come, and I’m confident that I can show the fans a better version of myself.”
Although Omega X members did not know each other before they started rehearsing, they quickly grew ... [+]
Although the band members only met recently, intense rehearsals have accelerated the process of getting acquainted.
“I can’t speak for all members but I felt that we were in the same boat from the get-go,” said Sebin, formerly of Snuper. “I approached members first, because a lot of them were shy. And then when we were filming the reality show we all got really close. We got to know each other and bonded when practicing together and sweating together. But when we returned home exhausted and started talking, that’s when we got really close.”
Following a grueling rehearsal and recording schedule was easier with support from fellow members.
“I felt rushed and pressured to do well, because we had to create an album in a given time,” said Taedong, who appeared on Produce 101 and performed in the group Gidongdae. “So I used to practice a lot, going overboard. Thankfully, the members took care of me, helping me with things and reminding me not to over work. Thanks to them, I prepared the best I could in a short time. It would’ve been rough without the members.”
Group members individually learned the choreography required to film their trailers four days before filming, then started practicing in groups two days before they filmed.
“For four to five days, we slept less than 10 hours,” said Jehyun, formerly of 1team. The group trailer you see is a result of five days of hard work. Everyone was exhausted, because we weren’t getting any sleep. But we kept trying, and no one was left out. It’s easy to feel lazy and feel like you want to lie down, but everyone was giving it their everything, which motivated me to give all I’ve got. I personally really liked this about us while practicing.”
For some band members performing before a live audience is less daunting than being on camera 24/7.
“I’m not the type to get nervous on stage, but I got nervous in front of a camera for the reality show,” said Jaehan. “Sebin helped a lot. We barely knew each other back then, but he helped me ease into the group, although it usually takes me a long time to warm up to people and become friends. The band members really helped me get along, and get comfortable in front of cameras.”
The way fans perceive a new group may depend on how much they like individual members and how well the members seem to get along with each other.
“In this day and age, K-pop fans are curious about what their artists think, and how the group members communicate, on top of their on-stage performances, because they’re ready to embrace and adore the artists’ everyday lives,” said Yechan. “So we’re trying to just be our true selves in the show, because I think fans would appreciate that.
Loading One More Chan X will release a teaser at 9 p.m. KST each day from April 9 through April 23. Loading One More Chan X premieres at 9 p.m. KST April 24 on YouTube and VLive.
“In the first episode, we’re super awkward,” said Sebin. “In the second and third episodes, we get closer. Our debut album has hip hop songs that are serious, but we’re totally different on and off the stage, so that should be fun to watch.”
The group’s four-track mini album has a May release date.
“Along with an intense beat, these songs showcase the uniquely k-pop choreography, the catchy tunes that are easy to sing along during live performances and the members’ love and gratitude for their fans,” said Cho.
The members of Omega X long for the day they can meet fans in person.
“One of the strengths of k-pop is that k-pop idols communicate with the fans,” said Jehyun. “And they’re approachable.”
While social distancing restrictions remain in force, the time-tested approach of a reality show can help Omega X fans get a little closer.
