Kpop, like anything else, is dynamic in that new groups are constantly debuting, groups are disbanding, and members are coming and going. On Monday I wrote about Park Jimin leaving JYP and I felt like today I had to mention Amber Liu’s announcement that, as her contract is expiring, she is leaving SM Entertainment.
The announcement really comes as no surprise since she hasn’t garnered much support from the company in recent years and she’s been busy doing her own thing here in the US with a crew of super talented content makers most of us are familiar with in one way or another. Amber debuted as the main rapper in f(X) in 2009 and grew to be one of the most recognizable and boundary-pushing female idols in Kpop. Her uncompromising ownership of her personal style and her ability to please the Korean audience while staying true to her Californian roots is a testament to her personal drive and strength. I’ve read and listened to a multitude of interviews Amber has given over the years and I follow her on Youtube and Insta like she was a personal friend. She’s intelligent, charming, and funny. She’s the type of person you want in your corner.
I have to admit that, and I think she’d be ok with it, though I fully support Amber – from her talent in a multitude of arenas and her drive to succeed on her own terms – her music hasn’t always been to my taste. I don’t question that it’s good – she hasn’t made a name for herself because she half-asses anything – it’s just not my jam. That doesn’t mean I support her any less.
Countdown, a single released in late 2018, is the type of EDM pop song that’s she now known for featuring London Noise. For those not in the know, they are a UK based pair that have worked with tons of western and Kpop artists alike. The song came out right as Amber was kicking off her first solo tour in the US, meaning she was writing the song with LDN, crafting the choreography, and directing the MV while also planning out her shows. That’s crazy. I can barely write two posts a week for this blog.
So as we all wait with bated breath to see what Amber is going to do with her newly earned freedom, let’s pay homage to what she’s been able to do all on her very own while under the looming eye of one of the most powerful companies in Kpop.
Countdown, Amber Liu
1 Comment
I wonder what type of contract she was in with SM? And if she was able to pocket most of the money from the solo tour and all of the content she has been putting out in the past few years? (I hope so…)
Wishing her the best!