<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="1494563" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="K-Pop">K-pop</keyword> supergroup <keyword id="9865721" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="superm">SuperM</keyword> released their first full-length album, "Super One," on Friday.</li><li>Title track "One (Monster &amp; Infinity)" leads the album, bringing together separate SuperM songs "Monster" and "Infinity" in a hybrid format. </li><li>The album carries a message of encouragement for fans, and group leader Baekhyun told reporters at a press roundtable that "we have to come together as one in order to overcome these difficult times."</li></ul><p>K-pop supergroup SuperM has finally returned with their first full-length album, led by bombastic single "One (Monster &amp; Infinity)."</p><p>SuperM is a seven-member K-pop supergroup under SM <keyword id="4578" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="entertainment">Entertainment</keyword>. The group brings together Baekhyun and Kai from EXO, Taemin from Shinee, Mark and Taeyong from NCT 127, and Ten and Lucas from WayV. Called the "Avengers of K-pop," the group's musical style brings together the member's individual musical styles.</p><p>"Super One" is SuperM's first full-length album on the heels of their <a href="https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8532879/superm-the-1st-mini-album-billboard-200-no-1">chart-topping self-titled mini-album</a> that came out last full. The album features 15 tracks including pre-release singles "100" and "Tiger Inside," but skews more towards pop. Title track "One (Monster &amp; Infinity)" leads the album and combines album tracks "Monster" and "Infinity" in a way that's reminiscent of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kyG5tTZ1iE">K-pop legends Shinee's 2012 track "Sherlock (Clue + Note)."</a></p><p>Taemin, a member of Shinee who is in the 12th year of his K-pop career at the age of 27, said at a press roundtable on Tuesday that this time around he "had more confidence" working on this mashed-up lead title after seeing it come to fruition with Sherlock. </p><p>The <keyword id="6354530" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="music">music</keyword> video brings the typical SuperM-esque sense of excitement, light peril, and technological focus as the song oscillates between "Infinity's" chorus and verses from "Monster."</p><p>This album carries<a href="https://www.insider.com/superm-interview-tiger-inside-super-one-album-2020-8"> SuperM's message of encouragement </a>for fans during the difficulties that loom worldwide during the pandemic. </p><p>Baekhyun told reporters at the roundtable that "we have to come together as one in order to overcome these difficult times." </p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-MyvZMiRGvE" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>SuperM hopes to bring fans together through this album. Working on their first full-length album also provided the opportunity for the artists themselves to come together as one. </p><p>"All of our members are skilled," Taemin told reporters. SuperM combines generations of K-pop talent, from Shinee, which debuted in the late 2000s to WayV which released its first Digital EP just last year. "But this album shows growth in that we came together as one." </p><p><em>Responses from the artists were translated by the author. </em></p><ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/superm-interview-tiger-inside-super-one-album-2020-8">SuperM talks their first full-length album 'Super One' — 'You can expect great synergy between the seven members'</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/kpop-stans-hashtags-fancams-whitelivesmatter-bts-matchamillion-army-donation-2020-6">K-pop stans have been heralded as digital heroes for fighting racists online, but Black fans are still getting left out of the conversation</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/kpop-fake-group-6irly-6irlfriend-stan-twitter-exposed-2020-3">A mysterious fake K-pop girl group fooled fans for days, and this isn't the first time it's happened</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/kpop-fancams-explained-stan-twitter-history-whitelivesmatter-police-app-2020-6">K-pop stans are using short videos called fancams to drown out racists online. This is how the movement started.</a></li></ul>

'K-pop Avengers' group SuperM's new album delivers a message of encouragement for fans

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="9865721" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="superm">SuperM</keyword>, a <keyword id="1494563" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="K-Pop">K-pop</keyword> supergroup comprised of members of EXO, Shinee, NCT 127, and WayV, is returning on September 25 with a full-length album, "Super One."</li><li>The group has released two lead singles ahead of the album: "100" and "Tiger Inside."</li><li>Insider caught up with the group to discuss their newest single "Tiger Inside," as well as what fans can look forward to on the upcoming album.</li></ul><p>Less than a year after their explosive, chart-topping debut, SuperM — the SM <keyword id="4578" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="entertainment">Entertainment</keyword> K-pop supergroup known as the "Avengers of K-pop" — is gearing up to release a full-length album on September 25.</p><p>SuperM is comprised of Baekhyun and Kai of EXO, Taemin of Shinee, Taeyong and Mark of NCT 127, and Ten and Lucas of WayV. They've been staying plenty busy in 2020: SuperM <a href="https://www.vlive.tv/product/ds00u00u00000157">kicked off the "Beyond Live" concert series</a> with a virtual concert on April 26, bringing in viewers from 109 different countries, and has been preparing for the release of its upcoming album with two lead singles: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyzhtvtJWDQ">"100"</a> on August 14, and most recently, "Tiger Inside," which the group released September 1.</p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jUsUzbmSLow" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>The group's members have also been releasing <keyword id="6354530" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="music">music</keyword> solo: Baekhyun <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmgcRWxhmqY">released a mini-album in May</a>, Taemin is <a href="https://twitter.com/SHINee/status/1298998957532516355?s=20">set to release an album on September 7</a>, and Kai is working on a solo album as well. Their groups have also released music: Taeyong and Mark released an <a href="https://youtu.be/2OvyA2__Eas">album</a> and a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U08OSl3V4po">repackage album</a> with NCT 127 this spring, and <a href="https://youtu.be/eUCVRF6hjSQ">Ten and Lucas released WayV's first full-length album in June</a>. </p><p>SuperM's debut EP, led by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAnK1y7qjuE">the iconic single "Jopping,"</a> debuted at a <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2019/10/17/5-ways-superms-no-1-album-makes-history-on-the-billboard-200/#78eeac4d24e7">historic number one slot on the Billboard 200 albums chart</a> back in 2019. The group's staggering performance acumen belies years of collective experience, but what makes them so special is the synergy between the members themselves.</p><p>Insider caught up with the group to discuss their newest single, "Tiger Inside," as well as how their upcoming album "Super One" brings them together as artists. </p><p><strong>Insider: Over the past several months, all of you seem to have been very busy with group and solo promotions. What has it been like to come back together as SuperM while also promoting solo or with other groups?</strong></p><p>Baekhyun: It's been a while since we've all gotten together but regardless, it felt very easy — like we were reuniting with family. Everyone was very passionate and committed to doing their best so it made the entire process [of preparing for our comeback] very enjoyable. All the members are full of energy and incredibly talented in singing and dancing so I'm very excited for everyone to see that.</p><p><strong>Insider: It's been close to a year since your debut as SuperM. How has your relationship with each other changed during that time?</strong></p><p>Mark: We have all definitely gotten closer and our teamwork has strengthened. It seems like we all know each other well enough now, and so we move more like one and as a whole. It's really fun and it's always a pleasure to be a part of this team and to be with the guys.</p><p><strong>Insider: Can you describe your newest single "Tiger Inside" briefly? What kinds of sentiments do you hope to capture with it?</strong></p><p>Ten: 'Tiger Inside' sends a message of overcoming hardships by bringing out the inner beast (bravery and courage) that's hidden within all of us. Some parts of the choreography are inspired by movements of a tiger which I think is very impressive.</p><div type="image" title="200826_SuperM_Tiger Inside_Group_1r" height="4704" width="6272" msid="77881245" hostid="261"></div><p><strong>Insider: What can fans expect from your upcoming album "Super One," and what are you looking forward to the most about it?</strong></p><p>Mark: Fans can expect a lot of different-styled songs and hear how SuperM interpreted each of them in our own ways. Some songs are of genres that may seem very new to our fans, but I assure them that they won't regret listening to it. I am looking forward to our first full-length album's release!! I personally enjoy listening to our album already, and I can't wait to show it to the world. Most importantly, I hope everyone can gain even just a little positivity through our album and receive some strength and motivation to not give up and instead, overcome. We can do this together.</p><p><strong>Insider: The teasers for the album have been showcasing your individual stories as artists and humans. It feels more vulnerable than the unfalteringly confident messages you've given on singles like "100" and "Jopping." How does that vulnerability play into the upcoming album?</strong></p><p>Taemin: I think this new album gives us an opportunity to dig deeper and showcase SuperM's identity a bit more. Fans can expect growth and a more upgraded version of SuperM.</p><p><strong>Insider: Obviously, things are quite a bit different now when it comes to connecting with fans than before the pandemic. How do you hope to connect with your fans during this time?</strong></p><p>Taeyong: To make sure our fans feel the same level of joy as they would when we see them in person, we are consistently trying to create those opportunities with content like Beyond Live, the world's first online-only concert. Regardless of the situation, we are always trying to stay connected with our fans to maintain our close relationship with them.</p><p><strong>Insider: My favorite thing about SuperM's music is the way that it seems to reference back to the members' other group and solo releases. How do you hope to showcase those influences, and SuperM's unique style, on the upcoming album?</strong></p><p>Ten: The concept of our upcoming album is about becoming 'One' — bringing all of us together, and also shows off each member's music styles and individual colors, which I think makes the album unique, allowing us to showcase a new side of SuperM. You can expect great synergy between the seven members so please look forward to that!</p><p><strong>Insider: Transportation — cars, trains, spaceships, helicopters, tanks, it feels like everything! — <a href="https://www.theringer.com/2020/8/14/21368730/superm-100-music-video-premiere-ranking-transportation">have featured prominently in your music videos</a>. Do any of you have a favorite transportation mode or set that you've filmed on?</strong></p><p>Lucas: My personal favorite is the set where I shot my solo scene — the scene in the '100' video, where I'm tied up inside a spaceship conveying a sense of speed which fits well with the theme of track.</p><p><strong>Insider: Is there anything else that you'd like to add about yourselves or the upcoming album?</strong></p><p>Kai: Please look forward to our first full-length album 'Super One'! We worked really hard on it and can't wait for you guys to hear it. I'm personally working on my solo album, so stay tuned for that as well. See you soon!</p><ul class="read-more-links"><li><strong>Read more:</strong></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/nct-127-interview-beyond-the-origin-k-pop-live-concert-2020-5">K-pop groups are providing immersive virtual concerts for fans in quarantine, including AR golden dragons and big-display live cheering sections</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/air-korea-airbus-a380-economy-business-class-review-2020-1">I flew 14 hours nonstop to Korea on the world's biggest passenger plane, the controversial double-decker Airbus A380 — and I already want to book another ticket</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/kpop-stans-hashtags-fancams-whitelivesmatter-bts-matchamillion-army-donation-2020-6">K-pop stans have been heralded as digital heroes for fighting racists online, but Black fans are still getting left out of the conversation</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/dynamite-bts-first-song-in-english-meaning-kpop-2020-8">'Dynamite' is BTS's first song entirely in English, but that doesn't mean the group is giving up their K-pop identity</a></li></ul>

SuperM talks their first full-length album 'Super One' — 'You can expect great synergy between the seven members'

<ul class="summary-list"><li>For K-pop artists, debut tracks are key to their long-term success.</li><li>Some iconic debuts have stood the test of time, like SHINee's "Replay."</li></ul><p>A debut single is one of the most important tracks that any K-pop artist will release in their career.</p><p>In addition to musically introducing a group to the public, it's also a proof of concept. While some artists change their style over time, exploring different musical genres and visual concepts, their debut remains their first foray into the industry. </p><p>Over the years, there have been a number of iconic debut songs — these are 13 of the best. </p><h2>"Hi High"  — LOONA (2018)</h2><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/846cjX0ZTrk" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>After a lengthy pre-debut process in which each member of LOONA was introduced one-by-one with a solo single, "Hi High" was the group's official 12-member debut. The song, a euphoric, bubblegum pop anthem, had the difficult task of conjoining each member's existing sound. </p><p>While "Hi High" may not have secured LOONA its first Korean music show win, the track was both satisfying and successful. Filled with twinkling arpeggiators and bright vocals, the track not only put a bow on LOONA's pre-debut era but also set the production standard for the group's releases to come.</p><h2><strong>"Like Ooh-Ahh" — Twice (2015)</strong></h2><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0rtV5esQT6I" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>"Like Ooh-Ahh" established Twice's early saccharine sound and quirky tone out the gate, with the group's nine members singing about wanting to feel true love as they wander through a zombie-infested school in the music video. </p><p>From the song's synth-pop sound and busy, power vocal chorus, "Like Ooh-Ahh" was a stellar introduction to what Twice's music would become. Though the group's style eventually shifted away from bubblegum pop, "Like Ooh-Ahh" also predicts the maturity that Twice would cultivate in later tracks, beginning with the 2019 smash hit "Fancy."</p><h2>"Eleven" — IVE (2021)</h2><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/--FmExEAsM8" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>"Eleven" builds from a sparse plucked instrumental base, filling in the gaps with reverberating vocalizations throughout and building to an explosive chorus. What makes "Eleven" so intriguing, however, is the way that it plays with both levels and tempo: the track gives the impression of slowing down dramatically before its chorus, cutting back to just one of the members' vocals. </p><p>"Eleven" served not only as IVE's debut, but also as the re-debut of two of its members who were previously part of the temporary group IZ*ONE. It was a powerful tone setter, and the first in a series of chart-topping singles IVE would release in 2022.</p><h2><strong>"The 7th Sense" — NCT (2016)</strong></h2><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3UGMDJ9kZCA" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>"The 7th Sense" was the first single released under the NCT (Neo Culture Technology), serving as the debut not only for its flexible subunit NCT U, but also for the now 23-member group as a whole. </p><p>Lush and bass-driven, "The 7th Sense" isn't in any great hurry, sprinkling in buzzing hi-hats and ticking percussion between the members' vocals and rap verses. Ultimately, the single (and its stunning choreography) set the tone for what would eventually become one of the largest, and most musically diverse, groups in contemporary K-pop.</p><h2><strong>"No More Dream" — BTS (2013)</strong></h2><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rBG5L7UsUxA" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>"No More Dream" was BTS' first release, years before they would eventually become a global sensation. In 2013, they were less polished, and more hip-hop-focused on the musical side. The song, which is primarily driven by verses from the group's rap line, established BTS' penchant for social commentary, challenging the aspirations forced onto young people by older generations. </p><p>While there are some cringeworthy moments — much of the group's early styling seems designed to highlight a surface-level proximity to Blackness — "No More Dream" highlighted BTS' performance abilities, and established that they were a group with something to say. </p><h2><strong>"Jopping" — SuperM (2019)</strong></h2><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pAnK1y7qjuE" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>"Jopping" is an extremely successful debut song based on a ridiculous concept: the fusion of "jumping" and "popping." Despite its inherent silliness, "Jopping" is a banger, bringing together veteran idols from SM Entertainment groups SHINee, EXO, NCT, and WayV. </p><p>Opening with cheering and wall-of-sound synthesizers, "Jopping" is an overwhelming sonic experience grounded by a punchy bass line in the verses and soaring vocals in the chorus. For longtime fans familiar with the members' previous work, it's not difficult to sense their individual styles in the song. </p><p>Ultimately, it's the performance acumen of the members, and the fact that the song takes the concept of "Jopping" deathly seriously, that make it a stellar debut track. </p><h2><strong>"Love Sick" — FTISLAND (2007)</strong></h2><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gnLwCb8Cz7I" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>"Love Sick" laments a painful breakup, growing from lush, melodramatic strings into a bonafide rock ballad. It's driven by vocalist Hongki's soulful vocals over an instrumental base sparkling with piano arpeggios throughout. </p><p>FTISLAND debuted as one of the first idol rock bands of its kind, and "Love Sick" was a kind of proof of concept. It was successful, earning the group multiple music show wins and carrying the group to the Best New Male Group award at 2007's Mnet Asian Music Awards, <a href="https://thekrazemag.com/latest-updates/2020/11/13/ftisland-and-the-love-sick-debut">The Kraze reported. </a></p><h2><strong>"Bad Girl, Good Girl" — Miss A (2010)</strong></h2><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8TeeJvcBdLA" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>Despite its strong lyrics telling listeners to not judge them, Miss A's "Bad Girl, Good Girl" is more subdued than you would expect. A dance pop track filled with lush vocal harmonies, twinkling synths, and the refrain "you don't know me," the song's simplicity gives it a timeless quality. </p><p>While the song's mature concept and youth of some of its members clashes a bit, "Bad Girl, Good Girl" was an excellent debut track that eventually won the song of the year award at the 2010 Mnet Asian Music Awards — an impressive feat for any group, but especially a rookie one.</p><h2><strong>"Fire" — 2NE1 (2009)</strong></h2><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/49AfuuRbgGo" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>"Fire" opens with one of the most iconic spoken lines in any K-pop track: "I go by the name of CL of 2NE1," rapper CL says. "It's been a long time coming, but we're here now."</p><p>It's a bold declaration for a debut single, but one that "Fire" lives up to. A synth-heavy dance track featuring aspirational lyrics and a catchy hook, "Fire" notched 2NE1 its first music show wins. </p><p>Some aspects of "Fire" are sticking points, like its appropriation of South Asian culture in the "Space" version of its music video. However, its influence can be felt both in 2NE1's own discography, and in later group's like Blackpink.</p><h2>"Face" — NU'EST (2012)</h2><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gyXy0m-4bvE" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>NU'EST's "Face" features an anthemic synth hook, throbbing bass line, and driving pop beat that underscore its aggressive lyrics and "bad boy" concept. Despite a very 2012 dubstep dance break during the bridge, the EDM stylings of "Face" feel more comfortably nostalgic rather than grating. </p><p>While "Face" is about as fittingly in-your-face as it gets, it does so without being to overwhelming, oscillating between post-chorus rap verses, an explosive chorus, and more muted verses that rely on the group's upper vocal range. </p><h2>"MAMA" — EXO (2012)</h2><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KH6ZwnqZ7Wo" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>"MAMA" comes out of the gate swinging, introducing EXO with a powerful, Gregorian-esque vocal chant that backs up a soaring vocal line. That melodrama continues throughout with dramatic strings, belted vocals, and layered harmonies that set the tone for much of EXO's later work. </p><p>The song and its music video were released into versions, recorded by both of EXO's debut subunits EXO-K and EXO-M in Korean and Mandarin, respectively. From the introduction of the group's debut superpowers concept to the early sketchings of EXO's signature, vocal-drive musical style, "MAMA" was a memorable debut whose influence can still be felt in EXO's discography today. </p><h2><strong>"Replay" — SHINee (2008)</strong></h2><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VTASffPQGhY" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>Nearly decade and a half after its release, SHINee's "Replay" still feels fresh. In the song, the group's five members worry about the end of a relationship with an older woman, wondering if their young age makes her feel uncomfortable. </p><p>"Replay's" allure lies in its simplicity: the song's smooth synths and steady dance beat place the focus on the members' smooth, layered vocals. While unsubtle, both in its lyricism and heartbeat like drum track, it's hard to understate "Replay's" charm.</p><h2><strong>"Into the New World" — Girls' Generation</strong></h2><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0k2Zzkw_-0I" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>"Into the New World," in the 15 years since its release, has become a standard for Korean girl groups, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17rXTyGIwMo">many of whom</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqkYlFjkFLw">have</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amZLkGs2EeA">covered</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmrEXhLq244">the song</a> at one point in their careers. Looking back, it's not hard to see why: past the song's dance beat and piano hook, "Into the New World" places the focus on the group's vocals and performance. </p><p>The song's aspirational lyrics, and the way that Girls' Generation delivers them, give the song an emotive quality that's liable to make tears well up in your eyes if you're in the right headspace while listening. "Into the New World," <a href="https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20220414000732">as The Korea Herald reported</a>, also has a legacy in South Korean protest culture and Pride events.</p>

13 of the best K-pop debut songs of all time, from Girls' Generations 'Into the New World' to SHINee's 'Replay'

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="1494563" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="K-Pop">K-pop</keyword> boy group <keyword id="9271416" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="nct-127">NCT 127</keyword> performed a virtual concert, "Beyond the Origin," as part of SM <keyword id="4578" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="entertainment">Entertainment</keyword> and Naver's Beyond LIVE concert series.</li><li>The event managed to bring all of the magic of an in-person concert, allowing the performers and fans to connect with each other. </li><li>The event makes a strong case for virtual entertainment and <keyword id="1610727" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Fandom">fandom</keyword>'s willingness to embrace it.</li><li>NCT 127 spoke with Insider about their most recent concert and album.</li></ul><p>On Saturday night, I was getting ready for a K-pop concert. Usually, that involves determining my concert 'fit well in advance, playing purse Tetris to get my essential belongings (phone, portable charger, lipstick) in a bag small enough to get into a stadium, and taking pictures with my friends before we hop into a car to deal with time-consuming event parking. This time, however, I was sitting on my couch alone in sweatpants at 1 a.m., drinking tea, and watching YouTube videos to pass the time until K-pop group NCT 127's virtual "Beyond the Origin" concert began at 2 a.m. ET.</p><p>"Beyond the Origin" was livestreamed virtually on South Korean live streaming platform V Live on May 17 at 3 p.m. KST. The result of a partnership between SM Entertainment and Korean search engine Naver, <a href="http://beyondlive.smtown.com/en/index.html">Beyond LIVE</a> has pulled in artists ranging from K-pop supergroup SuperM to legends like TVXQ and Super Junior. NCT 127's concert drew in 104,000 paid viewers from 129 different countries, and <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NCT127_BeyondLIVE">#NCT127_BeyondLIVE</a> trended at number one worldwide on Twitter.</p><p>The immersive experience shows what successful live <keyword id="3997287" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="concerts">concerts</keyword> could look like going forward in the new pandemic age. </p><h2><strong>"Beyond the Origin" was a technology forward virtual concert that helped fans connect with NCT 127</strong></h2><p>"Beyond the Origin" featured performances from NCT 127 group members Taeyong, Taeil, Johnny, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Mark, and Haechan, accompanied by spectacular AR elements like a giant golden dragon that flew around the screen during the group's recent single "Kick It" or a stunning virtual highway setting during the performance of "Highway to Heaven." At the same time, the concert was "unexpectedly intimate," as <a href="http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200518000875">The Korea Herald's Kwon Yae-rim noted</a>. Video feeds of fans — called NCTzens, or sometimes Tizennies (pronounced "seasonies" in English) — from around the world filled the screens both in front of and behind NCT 127 at points throughout the show. The group occasionally read comments from the live chat, even taking a few fan questions at one point during the show. </p><p><div type="image" title="NCT 127 'Beyond LIVE' Capture 1" height="738" width="984" msid="75901146" hostid="261"></div></p><p>That virtual intimacy was the concert's greatest achievement.  "Beyond the Origin" affected me — a formerly casual NCT 127 listener — in the same way that seeing a group live for the first time typically has in the past: it sent me spiraling deep into a fandom rabbit hole, determined to prolong the concert high and learn as much about the group as possible in the days after. After two hours of watching NCT 127 perform, interact with fans, and have what looked like a total blast on the virtual stage, I've spent the past week consuming as much of NCT 127's discography as humanly possible.</p><h2><strong>For NCT 127, performing virtually allowed the group to connect with fans during a difficult time</strong></h2><p>"Beyond the Origin" was an internationally focused effort from the get-go, with the concert kicking off with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkuHLzMMTZM">"Cherry Bomb"</a> (performed in Korean), <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28XC2KRE-DE">"Chain"</a> (performed in Japanese), and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj-VU9oK2Yo">"Regular"</a> (performed in English). The group then proceeded to introduce themselves in seven different languages — Doyoung in Chinese, Taeil in Thai, Yuta in Japanese, Jungwoo and Taeyong in Korean, Jaehyun and Mark in English, Haechan in Indonesian, and Johnny in Spanish. </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—ᴸⁱⁿᵈˢᵃʸ⁷⁷  (@gochild0) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1261942042776616963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2020</a></blockquote><p>"I was really excited that we could connect with our fans all over the world at the exact same time," Jungwoo told Insider. "It was exciting knowing that there were going to be a lot of people tuning in from all over."</p><p>The group debuted its new single, "Punch," during the concert, two days ahead of its official release on May 19 as part of repackaged album "NCT #127 Neo Zone: The Final Round." An energetic single that comes out of the gate with a strong synth hook, "Punch" is about "overcoming loneliness and achieving an impressive victory," said Jaehyun.</p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U08OSl3V4po" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>As much as the Beyond LIVE concert was rooted in the group's performances of familiar songs like "Wake Up" or "Baby Don't Like It," it was also about connecting with fans and having a plain good time. The group read feedback from NCTzens in real time as they reacted to new songs like "Make Your Day," a vocal ballad, and "Punch;" they later took questions from three different fans from South Korea, the United States, and Japan.</p><p>"Before the show, I was honestly a bit worried about us putting on a full, fun, and enjoyable show for our fans," Yuta said. "But seeing all the faces of our fans across the many screens, hearing their cheers and screams was pretty great. I actually felt a huge wave of energy from it all, and I hope everyone who tuned into the show felt the same."</p><p>"The fact that we had the chance to meet and interact with our fans all across the globe at the same time was awesome," Taeil also said.</p><p><div type="image" title="NCT 127 'Beyond LIVE' Capture 2" height="439" width="879" msid="75901148" hostid="261"></div></p><p>The group also noted, however, that performing in a virtual concert presented unique challenges. Paying careful attention to the camera was twice as important given that it was the sole medium between the performers and fans. "We didn't get to see our fans in-person, but we tried our best to work with the cameras and make it seem like our fans were there — as if we were making direct eye contact with them," Haechan said.</p><p>For certain members of the group, this wasn't their first Beyond LIVE concert: Mark and Taeyong are both members of SuperM, SM Entertainment's hybrid supergroup that performed on April 24, and Haechan performed with NCT Dream on May 10. "Because I had done it once before, the second time around I felt much more natural on stage," Taeyong said. </p><p>"Each stage felt very different for me," said Mark, who raps in both NCT 127 and SuperM. "I think that participating in both teams brings out the versatility within me, and makes me want to perform harder for every stage."</p><h2><strong>NCT 127 has already been connecting with fans online, both before and during the pandemic, with livestreams and original content</strong></h2><p>The group's members have been regularly interacting with fans on social media, whether it's on <a href="https://twitter.com/NCTsmtown_127">Twitter</a> or via casual <a href="https://channels.vlive.tv/DEE409/home">livestreams on their V Live channel</a>. Leading up to NCT 127's most recent comeback with "Punch," the group <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFmmASoGKVs&amp;t=41s=41s">put out two episodes</a> of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afOdHykf9UY">"The Late Punch Punch Show</a>" on YouTube, a late night-esque skit that saw members of the group playing children's' instruments while Doyoung and Jungwoo hosted interview subjects (also members of the group). In mid-April, Johnny and Mark released a short body-swap skit titled, "Freaky Handshake."</p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k43K4ImPU-g" frameborder="0"></iframe><p>"The content we put out, a lot of the time starts off as jokes," Johnny said. "When we're together we like to have a lot of fun, but sometimes we think, 'Wow this is actually really funny, we should make this into something…' We pitch the concept to the [content] team, and talk through how we're going to shoot it. I think that is the reason a lot of the things we put out are very natural and we have fun filming them as well."</p><p>That kind of process allows the group's personality to shine through — in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8weE_iHQAQ&amp;t=270s270s">an episode of "Johnny's Communication Center,"</a> Johnny's recurring vlog series, he and Mark go behind-the-scenes of making "Freaky Handshake," revealing an off-the-cuff process filled with plenty of laughs along the way.</p><h2><strong>"Beyond the Origin" proved that virtual concerts can affect fans in similar ways as live events</strong></h2><p>While live events are incredibly compelling, NCT 127's "Beyond the Origin" concert made a strong case for the power of virtual entertainment. A large part of that was due to the technology that allowed for near-constant feedback from the audience, ranging from chat boxes to live cheers. At one point during the concert, fans connected to the system were cheering so loudly that the group asked for the volume to be turned down. During another, Mark <a href="https://twitter.com/marimwong/status/1262006762669920256?s=20">asked a fan from Kansas</a> if she was calling in from her kitchen. It was that kind of organic interaction that made "Beyond the Origin" feel like a two-way street, mimicking the in-person concert atmosphere.</p><p>Watching the concert (and <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NCT127_BeyondLIVE&amp;src=typeahead_clicklick">following along with the fandom on Twitter throughout</a>), I still felt like I was part of a collective experience. Other artists have also leveraged that fandom sentiment: aside from the other SM Entertainment artists performing as part of the Beyond LIVE series, Korean group BTS also hosted <a href="https://twitter.com/bts_bighit/status/1248265665623908352?s=20">Bang Bang Con</a>, a two-day event during which fans were able to collectively experience the group's pre-recorded concerts through a free YouTube livestream that <a href="https://www.iq-mag.net/2020/04/bts-bang-bang-con-draws-50m-viewers/#.Xsc7F5NKiu4">drew over 50 million viewers</a>. The group also will <a href="https://twitter.com/marimwong/status/1262006762669920256?s=20">host a livestreamed concert titled "Bang Bang Con: The Live Concert"</a> on June 14.</p><p>On a personal level, "Beyond the Origin" managed to deliver on all of my favorite parts of the concert experience, particularly in the small, in-the-moment interactions between artists and fans. While I went in as someone with an average knowledge of NCT 127's discography, I came out enamored with the group and more than ready to fully stan. </p><p>Ultimately, the power of these events is testament to the connections between artists and fans. "Even though we're sad that we cannot meet in person, I've always been thinking that we're still together, close in our hearts — I had the same mindset during our Beyond LIVE show as well," Doyoung said. </p><p>"Nothing can beat the magic that appears when we are together, right?" Mark said.</p><ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/haechan-meets-haechan-k-pop-star-honored-with-zoo-namesake-2019-5">Haechan meets Haechan: K-pop star honored with zoo namesake</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/tiktok-apink-dumhdurum-choreography-dance-challenge-plagiarism-jazlynebaybee-ashlynmarieprice-2020-4">2 TikTokers incited rage from K-pop fans after they posted a dance challenge inspired by 'Dumhdurum' with no credit</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/bts-army-concertforbts-map-of-the-soul-tour-postponed-hashtag-2020-4">BTS fans are celebrating what would have been the first day of the group's postponed 'Map of the Soul' tour by posting covers, concert videos, and art</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/kpop-fake-group-6irly-6irlfriend-stan-twitter-exposed-2020-3">A mysterious fake K-pop girl group fooled fans for days, and this isn't the first time it's happened</a></li></ul>Read the original article on <a href="https://www.insider.com/nct-127-interview-beyond-the-origin-k-pop-live-concert-2020-5">Insider</a>

K-pop groups are providing immersive virtual concerts for fans in quarantine, including AR golden dragons and big-display live cheering sections

<ul><li><keyword id="127024" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="NEPA">Nepa</keyword> India contacted over 1000 consumers online across the country to better understand the changes they have undergone, to perceive and uncover the paradigm shifts that have started taking shape.</li><li>Consumers are reassessing their immediate needs and wants differently, learning to embrace the online and digital resources available to them</li><li>They are forgoing erstwhile relationships while creating new ones - both socially and with the products/brands/activities they do.</li></ul>As the government has started relaxing lockdown norms, the country is slowly opening up. However, the world that we will now go out into is going to be a very different world. The way we interact, commute and consume is all going to see a sea change. It is also bound to have far reaching effects on how we buy in the future. <br /><br /> In an attempt to understand the impact of the pandemic and lockdown on consumers and to decode their sentiments in a post-Covid world, Nepa, a Consumer Research and analytics company providing insight solutions to drive brand and sales by increasing marketing effectiveness has come out with a report titled “The Consumer Narrative | What Matters”.<br /><br /> Nepa India contacted over 1000 consumers online across the country to better understand the changes they have undergone, to perceive and uncover the paradigm shifts that have started taking shape. Consumers are reassessing their immediate needs and wants differently, learning to embrace the online and digital resources available to them, forgoing erstwhile relationships while creating new ones - both socially and with the products/brands/activities they do.<br /><br /> The report states that the lockdown has led to a change in people’s purchase decisions they are now spending more on health and hygiene products, adapting to limited product availability, and preferring home deliveries over store visits. They are also reflecting on their consumption a lot more than earlier.<br /><br /> People are also consuming more content while also creating more content. They are also spending more time in learning new things and upskilling, owing to the extra time in their lives. <br /><br /> As a part of the report, Nepa also curated 6 hashtags that encapsulate the consumer sentiment and maxim of the moment. <br /><br /> <b>#contentmakesuscontent</b> – its not just a watch, but a create and move for consumers as the content scenario fills multiple time voids and seeps in deeper to meet needs beyond just entertainment.<br /><br /> <b>#Firstsarecrucial</b> shows us that this time is a not just a wait and watch for consumers, but a time of experimentation and many discoveries – with digital playing a crucial role in the trial and share process.<br /><br /> <b>#superme</b> – our research suggests that the lack of control over the external environment is moving individuals to use this period as an unplanned catalyst to prepare for an uncertain future – consolidating and rebuilding themselves inside-out.<br /><br /> <b>#breakingnorms</b> suggests that as external lives jostle for space within the household, assumptions of what is possible at home have changed; not just for activities but also the roles that we play in our daily routine.<br /><br /> <b>#BFRL</b> – BasicsFirstRestLater is the consumer mantra that pervades beyond your daily staples, but also into the way consumers are maximizing their spends by redefining their want vs. need matrix.<br /><br /> <b>#cautionmodeon</b> speaks not about an ‘ready for the worst’ attitude, but actually one where consumers are moved to continue their dreams, by using today’s opportunities to reap benefits in the near future.<br /><br /> “We know that current times have been a season of ‘extremes’. We have seen that some industries have gone into a hyperdrive mode to an extent that it has been even tough to meet the rising demands. On the other hand of the spectrum many have been hit harder. But for both the cohorts, the big question is “What will Matter” as we get back. The report focuses on the dichotomy of tenses. The narrative that defines both now &amp; later.” said <keyword id="9379807" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="esha-nagar">Esha Nagar</keyword>, Managing Director Nepa India.<br /><br /> “Priorities and Purchase patterns are undergoing a possible lasting transformation. It will take a recipe of compassion and innovation to win in the current phase.” Nagar further added.<br /><br /> While advising the brands, Nagar says “Understanding the all new path to purchase is the first thing to begin with. It should be coupled with the right tonality and emotional connect in the communication. We foresee sustainability, balance and health driving all kinds of consumer decisions in the future.”<br /><br /> <br /><br />

Brands need to understand the all new path to purchase and the right tone of communication to succeed in the post-Covid world: Nepa Report

<ul><li>The lockdown has led to many brands experimenting with 'anti-virus' offerings, to capitalise on the pandemic.</li><li>We put together a list of some products that have been widely spoken about. Luckily, ASCI is taking note.</li></ul>Since the Covid-19 virus came into our lives a few months back, our lives seem to have changed forever. We are living in a new reality, a new world, one we had only seen in sci-fi movies.<br /><br />For months now, the brightest brains of the world have been working tirelessly to find a cure for the virus. However, while we are still some time away from coming up with a vaccine, this time has also led to people think ‘out-of-the-box’ and come up with ‘solutions’ that can help people fight, if not completely cure the virus.<br /><br />Recently yogaguru Baba Ramdev and his brand <keyword id="6356684" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="patanjali">Patanjali</keyword> came under fire after they claimed to have launched a drug that could cure the virus. However, after the company faced criticism, the company’s CEO said that they never claimed that the drug could cure or control the coronavirus. ANI quoted Acharya Balkrishna, CEO of Patanjali saying, “We never told the medicine (Coronil) can cure or control Coronavirus. We said that we had made medicines and used them in clinical controlled trials which cured corona patients. There is no confusion in it.<br /><br />Over the past few months, we have seen many brands come up with products ranging from bizarre to plain ridiculous, all with the same promise, of being able to either cure or control the virus. While many made us laugh out loud, there were still some that made us sit up and think, how did these products ever get approved? And why do people fall for these marketing gimmicks?<br /><br />We scouted the internet to bring to you some of the most ‘innovative’ inventions we witnessed during the pandemic.<br /><br /><strong>Siyaram’s Anti-Corona fabric</strong><br /><br />Siyaram’s recently launched its Anti-Corona range of fabric that it claimed had been tested by WHO (World Health Organisation) approved labs to fight against the spread of pandemic. It also claimed in a release sent to us that it is 99.94% effective against killing Coronavirus (H1N1), SARS, Influenza virus with a broad range of Anti-Microbial treatment.<br /><br /><div type="twitter" handle="SiyaramsIndia" handlename="Siyaram's India" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1221770070939979778/78H8ckE-_normal.jpg" favoritecount="4" retweetcount="1" status="Your trusted suitings &amp; shirtings fabrics are now available with HealthGuard® Australia’s technology that protects… https://t.co/yD1IIFxhno" createdat="1595153340000" id="1284792348958797824"></div><br />UPDATE: In an official statement speaking about its product, Shridhar Soni, Vice President- Sales and Marketing, Siyaram Silk Mills Ltd said, "We have launched our range of Anti-Corona fabric after conducting proper research and collecting data by testing the fabric at WHO certified &amp; Government approved Indian laboratory, reputed Australian laboratory using internationally accepted protocols. The tests conducted on the treated fabric establishes that it comprises anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and is also effective against corona viruses, by reducing the infectious viral load on the treated fabric. The 'anti-corona fabric' is made after treatment with technology from Australia's HealthGuard Corporation Pty Ltd by applying HealthGuard AMIC which has proven effective against bacteria and viruses including the novel SARS-CoV2. It stops virus transmission through treated fabric to any surface.<br /><keyword id="1031192" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Siyarams">Siyaram's</keyword> has always believed in serving the Indian society by providing innovative products with complete dedication and honesty. As the world fights against an unusual situation, we hope that we play our part in overcoming these tough times with the best of our abilities".<br /><br /><strong>Bhabhiji Papad</strong><br /><br />A video of BJP MP Arjun Ram Meghwal where he was seen promoting a product called <keyword id="9632350" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="bhabhi-ji-papad">Bhabhi Ji Papad</keyword> went viral. He claimed that the product can be very effective in fighting the virus as it helps develop anti-bodies that can fight the virus.<br /><br /><div type="twitter" handle="scribe_prashant" handlename="Prashant Kumar" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1286229013921296384/VmhAMdPB_normal.jpg" favoritecount="1947" retweetcount="796" status="Watch: MoS Arjun Ram Meghwal launches Bhabhi ji papad, says it will help people fight Corona Virus. “It will be v… https://t.co/GqB57Odrgu" createdat="1595556790000" id="1286484539930341376"></div><br /><br /><strong>Modern Immuno Bread</strong><br /><br />This seems like a product that could help you fight the virus, right from your breakfast. The product contains ‘Ayush Ministry recommended immunity ingredients’ that include turmeric, ginger, clove, black pepper, cinnamon, cumin and jaggery.<br /><br /><div type="twitter" handle="LloydMathias" handlename="Lloyd Mathias" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/459068431027826689/OoV8_z_6_normal.jpeg" favoritecount="38" retweetcount="10" status="Strange things #COVID19 does: Modern Foods has just launched a bread that can help boost immunity with turmeric, gi… https://t.co/DJp0EKWYsb" createdat="1594910469000" id="1283773672679895041"></div><br /><br />Update: Following complaints about the claims of the brand, we came to know that this product has been pulled off the shelves.<br /><br /><div type="twitter" handle="ascionline" handlename="ASCI 77100 12345" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/875219584462143488/wkrgIEo1_normal.jpg" favoritecount="42" retweetcount="15" status="ASCI examined this complaint and we are happy to share that the advertiser has confirmed that the product is withdr… https://t.co/m1FIF12qgf" createdat="1595500044000" id="1286246529666187264"></div><br /><strong>Zodiac’s Securo range of shirts</strong><br /><br />In an ad for its Securo brand, <keyword id="131908" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Zodiac-Clothing">Zodiac Clothing</keyword> claimed that it uses the HeiQ Viroblock technology that kills 99% of the Covid-19 virus.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="Screenshot_20200724-124408" msid="77143694" hostid="261"></div><br /><strong>Arihant Anti-Corona mattress</strong><br /><br />This mattress by brand Arihant claimed to be ‘<keyword id="9174316" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="anti-coronavirus">Anti-Coronavirus</keyword>’. However, soon after the ad came out, an FIR was lodged against the proprietor of the furniture manufacturing company. <br /><br />    <div type="image" title="19BM-mattress-ad" msid="77143733" hostid="261"></div><br /><strong>Biryani Blues' Supermeals with Immunity Booster</strong><br /><br />Meanwhile, there was another print ad of a restaurant called Biryani Blues that claimed to be serving Biryani with ingredients to boost immunity. While this ad doesn’t mention Covid-19 or Coronavirus in the copy, it still seems to be taking advantage of the situation.<br /><br /><div type="twitter" handle="atuln" handlename="atul s nath" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1278938427866533888/p4Qimajr_normal.jpg" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" status="@ambimgp @HUL_News @ascionline @Sam_Balsara @rameshnarayan Here you go Ambi.. this is brand new https://t.co/lIOYXr3JWE" createdat="1595571103000" id="1286544572349181957"></div><br />Meanwhile, there was also a discussion on Twitter about the claims of Lifebuoy’s hand sanitizer boosting immunity. While the product was launched much before the spread of the Coronavirus, brand consultant Karthik Srinivasan wrote in a tweet that nobody had bothered to check the claims of the brand for 4 years, considering it was launched in 2016.<br /><br /><div type="twitter" handle="LloydMathias" handlename="Lloyd Mathias" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/459068431027826689/OoV8_z_6_normal.jpeg" favoritecount="107" retweetcount="7" status="A hand sanitizer that can 'boost immunity' sounds a bit stretched, doesn't it? 🤔 https://t.co/aCKQu0PUfC" createdat="1595318542000" id="1285485254430519300"></div><br /><div type="twitter" handle="beastoftraal" handlename="Karthik" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1140493276316745734/WH-6N17h_normal.jpg" favoritecount="3" retweetcount="0" status="@LloydMathias @ambimgp @EconomicTimes @shambhaviET @amazonIN Interestingly, they launched this in 2016, l-o-n-g- be… https://t.co/0KvJqmQO8Z" createdat="1595400577000" id="1285829333546758144"></div><br />We are sure we will come across more such products in the next few months. In case you come across similar ads and products, write to us at samarpita.banerjee@timesbridge.com<br /><br /><br /><br />

Covid-19 has made for some very interesting inventions in the past few months. We list some bizarre products we have come across

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/560ac3f29dd7cc1b008bdf80-1785-1339/ambronite_team_photo.jpg" alt="Ambronite_team_photo" data-mce-source="Ambronite" /><p class="source"><span>Ambronite</span></p><p class="caption">The Ambronite team.</p></div><p></p></div></div>What separates meal-replacement startup <a href="http://us.ambronite.com/">Ambronite</a> from its famous competitor, <a href="https://www.soylent.com/product/powder/">Soylent</a>, isn't as much function as philosophy.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ambronite cofounder Mikko Ikola tells Business Insider that his team started the company based on one theory: the healthier you eat, the better you feel. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This stands in stark contrast to Soylent founder </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rob Rhinehart's expansive vision of a world without food, and of hacking nutrition to solve things like world hunger. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ambronite is simply about saving you time and energy, and helping you lead a more nutritious life. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"We want our customers to not just survive, but to thrive in their daily lives. Our demographics care about their health, and what they eat." </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ambronite bills itself as a "drinkable supermeal," and is aimed at the same types of people who are into adventuring, hiking, or fitness. These are not people who are so absorbed in their computer screens that they don't have time to eat. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ambronite just closed its first seed round, raising $600,000 from investors like Jawed Karim, a YouTube cofounder, and Lifeline Ventures. Their total funding stands at $750,000, with a further $150,000 coming from grants.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These investors are betting that Ambronite can continue its double-digit month-to-month growth. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The company started in 2013, and launched its first product in May 2014 on Indiegogo, a crowdfunding site. The campaign raised $</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">102,824, and since then Ambronite has sold products to over 30 countries from its website.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ambronite's founders come from backgrounds in nutrition, fitness, and the "quantified self" (a movement to </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">make our lives full of trackable data). </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">And the success of the company seems to hinge on whether they can carve out a niche among those communities.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/560ac4259dd7cc1e008bde09-2500-1667/ambro_prod_6.jpg" alt="Ambro_prod_6" data-mce-source="Abronite" /><p class="source"><span>Abronite</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ambronite is not competing with Soylent on price. Its base monthly subscription is $84.15 for 10 meals, compared with Soylent's </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">$54 for 28 meals. But Ambronite gets its ingredients from organic farms, and only uses "real food," as Ikola puts it. There is an emphasis on making a "better" meal, from a nutritional standpoint, not a cheaper one. And at that price point, it certainly is quite expensive for what it is.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When I tried Ambronite, it tasted like a product that wasn't artificially sweetened in any way. It's not made to be inoffensive to your taste buds. You feel like you are drinking nutrition - which is to say, it tastes a bit like hay. The best way I can describe it is a raw protein shake. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ikola says his company is building a lifestyle. And it does seems that, for all the Soylent similarities, this lifestyle is quite different from the one espoused by Rhinehart and company. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I tried out the Ambronite "lifestyle" myself, and here is what the experience was like:</span></p>

You Searched For "superm" and got 7 results

'K-pop Avengers' group SuperM's new album delivers a message of encouragement for fans

Palmer Haasch,Inyoung Choi

SuperM talks their first full-length album 'Super One' — 'You can expect great synergy between the seven members'

Palmer Haasch

13 of the best K-pop debut songs of all time, from Girls' Generations 'Into the New World' to SHINee's 'Replay'

Palmer Haasch

K-pop groups are providing immersive virtual concerts for fans in quarantine, including AR golden dragons and big-display live cheering sections

Palmer Haasch

Brands need to understand the all new path to purchase and the right tone of communication to succeed in the post-Covid world: Nepa Report

BI India Partner

Covid-19 has made for some very interesting inventions in the past few months. We list some bizarre products we have come across

Samarpita Banerjee

I tried the Soylent competitor that YouTube's cofounder just invested in - here's what it tasted like

Nathan McAlone