The rookie group MADEIN has released their second EP, “MADEIN FOREVER”. However, the comeback is heavily overshadowed by recent controversy regarding the group.
It’s a great day for Limelight and Kep1er fans, our icons from MADEIN have returned! The fifth generation group had their first comeback with their second EP. It was released on February 14, while their pre-release track “SATURN” came out a week prior. Six tracks are on the EP, including two new songs plus an official instrumental and acapella version of each. With only two songs, I think calling it an EP is a stretch. I’m definitely not complaining about the official instrumentals and acapellas, having that is a gem in itself.
Their pre-release track “SATURN” is a beautiful acoustic track. The chorus brings in a bit of a synth sound, kind of giving me an outer-space vibe. The song is about feeling lost in love, feeling pushed away and not knowing when to reach back out. Always revolving around them while waiting for your turn. Kind of like Saturn’s rings, always out of reach from the planet, not coming or going.
It’s a bit depressing when you really listen to the lyrics, with the prechorus saying “I had to run away from ya, ‘cause I’m the worst part in your life”. As more of a pop fan, it’s nothing groundbreaking for me. However, I think it does the group justice and it’s worth a second listen.
Following the gloomy pre-release song is “사랑, 두려움” or “LOVE, AFRAID”. After the vibe of “SATURN”, I was really looking forward to this song. I knew from the teaser the choreography was up-beat (meanwhile “SATURN” was not choreographed). It also touches on some inner struggles when it comes to love. It talks about how exhilarating yet draining it can be, in a more positive way than the pre-release track.
This song is a solid bop. I think the verses, especially the first, out-shined the chorus by far. The choreography is excellent all around, but the chorus itself just drags on with such a simple melody. I don’t think it does their singing justice. But, the music video was beautiful. I loved the winter concept, especially white outfits with fur and ski goggles. The final detail was the perfect cherry on top, where the six are holding hands in a hexagonal shape and it transitions into a snowflake.
Unfortunately, their pre-release’s gloomy aesthetic intensifies as we dive into the tragic allegations against former member Gaeun, which completely overshadowed the hype for this comeback. On November 11, was announced that Gaeun would take a temporary leave of absence due to health reasons. Later on November 22, a Korean TV show “Crime Chief” released a new episode with a 10-minute segment regarding an anonymous K-pop idol and sexual harassment allegations.
Fans were quick to point out the bleak detail and how it clearly matched that of MADEIN: the group debuting in September, having multiple Japanese members, and the recent timing of the case to name a few. Not to mention, the majority of the stock footage played during the segment were blurred clips of their recent live stage at the time.
Shortly after, MADEIN officially announced Gaeun’s permanent departure from the group. They also denied the allegations that arose, but exposed themselves in the process. In a Tweet on X, they said “…regarding the hotel-related content involving the member in question, their other acquaintances were also all there at the same time”. This was the first time the word “hotel” was mentioned at all. In light of all this chaos, a massive boycott of the group has spread across the k-pop community.
Regardless of the reasoning their label 143 Entertainment tried to provide us, it was not a graceful exit by any means. All solo posts of Gaeun have been removed from all their social media platforms, even from before her departure. Numerous posts had comments disabled at the time, and only reopened with heavy filtering.
There’s no denying that the footage used is from one of MADEIN’s performances. Whether they were officially the group that Crime Chief was hinting at is alleged, but it’s very obvious when looking at the details.
Aside from all the chaos, I’m still happy to see the remaining six shine. Of the rookie idols, I’m so happy Nagomi got a chance to shine this comeback. I especially feel connected to Mashiro and Yeseo, still shining one way or another after the massive success of their former group, Kep1er. The two along with MiU have been on a long journey since their time on Girls’ Planet 999. “MADEIN FOREVER” is a decent EP if you’re looking for something new this winter.