Trends that stood out in 2013

2014 may have begun more than a week ago now, but people are undoubtedly still writing 2013 on applications, papers, and such, aren't they?  The transition is never as easy, plus it is always nice to look back at the past year and sum it up so you can move onto the next with a fully refreshed mindset.

This is whyallkpopwritersalim17andjennywillcollaborated to put together some of the biggest trends of 2013.  Check them out below!

Dramas that deal with the supernatural

We think it's fairly safe to say that 2012 was pretty saturated with time traveling, particularly between the modern era and something more like the Chosun Dynasty. After all, there wereYoochun's 'Rooftop Prince,'Lee Min Ho's 'Faith,' andYoo In Na's 'Queen Inhyun's Man.'  This trend added the touch of fantastical that was initially, fairly limited to time traveling, then acclimated to other supernatural story lines in 2013.  Some of the dramas like 'Nine' and 'The Future Choice' attempted to further explore time traveling, but the innovative trend of 2013 had to be the supernatural aspect, especially ESP.  We had the mind-readingLee Jong Sukfrom 'I Hear Your Voice' as well as the "ghost whisperers"Gong Hyo Jinfrom 'The Sun of My Master' andSo Yi Hyunfrom 'Who Are You.'  Granted, 'Arang the Magistrate' did try this in 2012 by making Lee Jun Ki's character able to see ghosts, but perhaps the public was not yet ready for this as the response was mediocre.

2013 was the year for not just ESP but any supernatural, magical, fantastical dramas like 'The Book of the House of Gu.'  These dramas were huge successes and are some of the most memorable ones from 2013.  The trend is continuing into 2014 with 'You Who Came From the Stars,' but we are on the edge of our seats in excitement to see how this trend may develop into yet another (maybe into sci-fi and further exploration of extraterrestrials?) or be pushed aside by a different one entirely (maybe retro dramas like 'Miss Korea' riding on the popularity of 'Reply 1994')!  After all, 2014 has just begun.

What, they're dating?!

Last year was full of shocking relationships among top names in the industry that became widely publicized. Although the world of Korean entertainment had been pretty good about keeping relationships secret to protect their fans' hearts as well as their own privacy, this appears to have gone through momentous change throughout 2013. Famous actressKim Tae Heerevealed herself to be going out with the international pop sensationRainvery early in the year! ActorLee Byung Hunfinally tied the knot by marrying pretty actressLee Min Jung.Moon Geun YoungandKim Bumeven went vacationing in Europe together.T-ara'sSoyeonhad datedOh Jong Hyukfor three years and one ofYG's chief producersTeddystarted a relationship withHan Ye Seul.

Hearts were broken whenINFINITE'sLadmitted he had dated the chocolate-loving ulzzangKim Do YeonandKim Woo Binrevealed his relationship with modelYoo Ji Ahn.  2013 was undoubtedly the year of coming out with relationships--or just failing to hide it from the paparazzi.  Maybe thesunbaesshould pass down some of their neat tricks, but of course, the entertainment world is not the same anymore what with how much it has grown not only in Korea but also in the rest of the world.This trend seems like it might continue into 2014 consideringGirls' Generation'sYoonAandSooyoungboth admitted their relationships withLee Seung GiandJung Kyung Horespectively.  Sadly, fans, it appears this type of 'breaking news' will continue breaking hearts so prepare yourself (although it is great news for the celebrities)!

Unconventional Drama Distribution

As technology keeps expanding and developing, new methods keep emerging.  For instance, last year, Korea discovered and explored different ways of distributing dramas.  Many mini-series called "mobile dramas" or "SNS dramas" began to become more common and notably starred a lot of idols and rookie actors, who wanted more experience in an area that was less competitive.  For example,Kikwangstarred with new actressLee Da Infor an Ultra HD mobile drama 'Twenty-Years-Old.'  These types of dramas are beneficial for idols and rookie actors because they can gain more experience and receive acknowledgment.  At the same time, idols would help these smaller drama productions gain more publicity and rookie actors would require less pay than bigger, already established actors.  It is an infant enterprise of sorts so there are new opportunities as well as some struggles.

2AM'sSeulong, comedian-turned-actressKim Seul Gi, andDal Shabet'sWooheeall got their chance to shine through their SNS drama 'Infinite Power.' Likewise,INFINITE'sSungyeoland4minute'sJihyunworked together for quirky mobile drama 'Please Remember, Princess.' Lastly,Kahiacted alongside handsome actorLee Wanin their SNS drama 'Because We Haven't Broken Up Yet.'

These unconventionally distributed dramas appear like they are growing and steadily gaining momentum. Undoubtedly, 2014 will be filled with even more that star some of your favorite idols as well as blooming rookie stars; hence, giving them their chance to shine and giving you an easier way to access dramas through other, more convenient means like YouTube!

Successful Collaborations

2013 was filled with amazing hit songs, but they were not all from idol groups' dance and pop genres. Rather, artists came together to use their individual skills and styles collaboratively for an amazing final product.AileeandBaechigi's "Shower of Tears" was an incredible success last year, winning number one here and topping a chart there. Combining two talented artists like this can double the song's impact.

SISTAR'sSoyuworked withMad Clownand their song "Stupid In Love" won many trophies on music shows and recognition! EvenTrouble Makercould be considered a collaborative group as it combined the efforts and talents of4minutememberHyunAandB2STmemberHyunseung. "Now" also did very well as the two of them showed off their sexy chemistry as well as their singing and rapping abilities.  2013 was the time for collaborating artists to shine and dominate the charts.  Hopefully, there will be even more in 2014!

Move over, reality shows - family shows are now in business

In 2011, '1 Night 2 Days' was the big thing. In 2012, it was 'Running Man,' and in 2013, the huge trend was 'Dad, Where Are You Going?' 2013 in general saw a decrease in the popularity of the gaming reality shows, instead switching the focus over to 'healing' and 'family'. Shows like 'Healing Camp' and 'Thank You' got the biggest headlines while family-oriented variety shows popped up everywhere.

'Dad, Where Are You Going?' was undoubtedly most popular and its cast even won the Daesang at the2013 MBC Entertainment Awards.  But popular shows like 'Mamma Mia,' 'Full House,' 'Superman is Back,' and 'Star Junior Show' really showed what people wanted to see. There were talks that 'Dad, Where Are You Going?' was originally produced to push the birth rate in Korea higher, as it's been pretty low lately - and the kids were so adorable that it just might have succeeded.

No one hates a good comeback story

2013 was the year of godly comebacks. The biggest one was perhaps the return of the legendCho Yong Pil, who came out with his whopping19thalbum. It's his newest song in 10 years, and he proved his music really was timeless - his "Bounce" overtook charts.Lee Seung Chulhad his comeback in 4 years, coming out with his 11th album and melting hearts with the lovely "My Love." The sweet song became the theme song for couples all around Korea and became one of the biggest hits of the summer.

Moving down one generation, we hadShinhwaandLee Hyorimake their comebacks this year. While Cho Young Pil and Lee Seung Chul may have been a little outdated for the current generation to know, even newcomers to the K-pop scene know the story of Shinhwa and Lee Hyori. Shinhwa had their most successful comeback since the members' army enlistments ended, grabbing more music show wins than most younger boy bands with "This Love." Lee Hyori's 5th album marked her comeback in 3 years, and she had everyone talking about "Miss Korea" and "Bad Girl."

Block Balso managed to tell their own comeback story. The boys have been in label-limbo since their legal fight with their previous labelStardom Entertainment. But they managed to sign with a new label inSeven Seasons, and then come back with "Very Good" - which also happened to be their biggest, most successful song yet.

You talking to me?

We also saw something we've almost certainly never seen in K-pop ever before…. Diss tracks. Apparently, whenE-SensleftAmoeba Culture, it was on good terms… except he shot a diss track their way and made it public.Dynamic Duo'sGaekoshot back with a diss track of his own, andSwingsjoined in the fight on E-Sens' side, as well. When E-Sens dropped a reply track,Simon Djoined in on the fight - but not exactly against E-Sens, just against Swings. As Swings continued on this battle, suddenly the ladies of hip-hop had something to say as well, asTymee(previouslyE.via) dropped her track on the issue.

Even as the men's battle died down (devolving to E-Sens and Simon D publishing pictures of each other… It's still unknown if they're friends or what), the ladies were just getting pumped up. Underground rapperJolly Vsent a diss track to Tymee andKitti B's crew, who snapped back with their own diss tracks.

As the concept of rap battles were something K-pop has never seen before, everyone was fascinated.Jay Park, with his American background and familiarity with the rap battles in American hip-hop, was especially excited and happy that the culture had become more popular in Korea as it meant K-hip hop was growing.

Atten~hut!

The subject of enlistment for celebrities has always been controversial, but it the problem never grew so big until this year, when we saw big-name artists embroiled in it. The public became so disgruntled with celebrity soldiers that the Defense ministry dissolved celebrity soldiers altogether.

The first on the list was Rain, who got caught in his army uniform out on a date with girlfriend Kim Tae Hee. Even though the actual problem with his attire was that he wasn't wearing his army beret as per regulations, others also took to account his purportedly excessive vacation days - even as far as suggesting that he may have to enlist again (thankfully, nothing concrete came out of that).

But the biggest headliners wereSe7enandSangchu, who were not only caught drinking during hours, but also caught visiting a "happy-ending" massage parlor late at night. The pair and the other celebrity recruits caught drinking served a few days in army-jail. But there's no telling yet how they'll make their comeback into the entertainment industry after being discharged, especially since Se7en's contract withYG Entertainmentended.

So there you have it, what were some trends that you noticed in 2013 that we didn't list here?