Rule of Thirds: The Re-Emergence of K-Pop Trios in 2023
by Tayah Fox
2023 was the year we saw the sudden re-emergence of K-pop trios.
Beloved K-pop trinities such as Triple H, Orange Caramel and S.E.S are no longer active, robbing us of the triple-threat performances they delivered. Still, even as most trios began to fade out of the K-pop landscape, we've been reeled back in with a year of iconic trio debuts and long-awaited returns. Here's a list of trios that contributed to the reawakening of triple-threats in K-pop.
VIVIZ
Ending the year with two releases, VIVIZ has been on a roll. Eunha, SinB and Umji—former members of Gfriend—joined forces after their untimely disbandment in 2021. Since then, they've released four mini-albums, with two dropped this year alone. Starting the year with their third mini-album, VarioUS, the trio established themselves as a triple threat to look out for this year. Building on their momentum, their fourth mini-album VERSUS features the title track "MANIAC," which took the internet by storm with its addictive choreography.
BooSeokSoon
After five years of silence, the SEVENTEEN subunit, BooSeokSoon, came back with an unexpected mini-album including the title track "Fighting" featuring Lee Young Ji. Members Hoshi, DK and Seungkwan returned to their quirky trio activities after the debut of BooSeokSoon in 2018. Fans warmly embraced BooSeokSoon's long-awaited return as they dominated the charts, generated massive sales and securing a Daesang (the grand prize) at the 2023 Asia Artist Awards, proving they're a skilled trio.
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NCT DoJaeJung
A new NCT unit is a rare sight to see, but NCT DoJaeJung showed us that we needed an NCT trio more than we thought. Debuting in April 2023, Doyoung, Jaehyun and Jungwoo debuted with their first mini-album, Perfume, featuring six tracks infused with a romantic aroma. With a title track of the same name, NCT DoJaeJung distinguished themselves from other NCT units by giving a classic R&B vocal-based performance. The public embraced NCT DoJaeJung with open arms as their mini-album became the best-selling debut album from any SM Entertainment artist.
MiSaMo
Fans have waited, they've begged, and finally, the iconic J line of TWICE—Momo, Mina and Sana—has officially debuted! MiSaMo debuted in July 2023 with their debut mini-album Masterpiece, including the title track "Do Not Touch." This art-based release lives up to its title, as the music video sent K-pop Twitter into a frenzy. From the lavish visuals to the elegant choreography, MiSaMo's mature concept distinguished them as the ultimate trio of TWICE.
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ODD EYE CIRCLE (ARTMS)
In another long-awaited trio comeback, 2023 gifted us was the rebirth of LOONA's ODD EYE CIRCLE. Now called ODD EYE CIRCLE (ARTMS), JinSoul, Kim Lip and Choerry returned to their trio activities after six years. Version Up offers the classic dreamy pop sound fans know and love. "Air Force One" leads the mini album with its catchy chorus refrain and story about their growth, completing their chapter as LOONA and beginning a new one as ARTMS.
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