MV Monday today takes at look at the return of popular actor So Ji Sub to the music scene after a year and a half with a three song release, including title track 18 Years. For those who maybe only became aware of So through Master’s Sun it might be a surprise that hip hop music is in fact one of his oldest passions.
He broke into the music industry long after becoming a model and actor, and with both his own work and OST work has been relatively successful.
His return, 18 Years, is a blend of electronica and hip hop, fusing current trends. The title represents the years he has spent in the industry since his debut as an actor.
Composed and written by himself the track also features vocals from singer Saetbyeol, the other two tracks on the release being collaborations with the hip hop group Soul Dive.
18 Years is autobiographical, and expresses how So feels about his life as an actor, and the loneliness such a life brings.
In the mv we see So go through the transformation from actor to rapper in what is both a commentary on his loneliness, and a commentary on his industry.
The opening scenes show the image of So most people may be familiar with, suited, well presented, looking much like he did in Master’s Sun.
This is scattered with cuts to his hip hop image, and one prominent, yet very quick flash, of him bound to a chair – a sign of something we shall see as the mv continues.
As the lights go out on his acting persona, his head falls, and we see arms, void of identity, fix his make up and restyle So.
During this scene the image cuts to tv screens, one showing a distorted, digital image of So’s face as he performs. A reference to Dynamic Duo’s Three Dope Boys?
So finds himself posing for a photo shoot in front of a super car, the driver dressed in a plaid shirt & denim shorts. A reference to Gary’s Shower Later?
The next time So is styled he is dressed in the current mainstream hip hop trends, his 34 years hidden behind the masks required by his industry, a hand even pulls his face into a false smirk.
So is styled one more time, finally into the hip hop image we’ve seen him sport in the performance cuts. Though now the flashing image from his acting scene comes back into play. So does not wake up this time, he is tied to his chair with wires, his unconscious body fighting his binds. A Tiger JK / MFBTY reference?
So is restrained and unconscious despite the constant presence of his identity-less stylists. This is a physical representation of his loneliness in his industry, and the requirement to do as directed, live up to expectations.
As the end draws near So’s eye’s open, the television screen smashes, and his chair is empty. Has so escaped his loneliness? Or at least presented himself as he would desire.
18 Years, and So’s comeback to hip hop is his chance to break free of an image he has created during a very popular period for himself on screen. So is presenting himself as he desires, not in the mask required for a drama character, or one forced on him by the music industry. We know this as he bares his soul on his track, and for a man as intensely private as his industry allows him an autobiographical release is a huge insight into So’s life.
The release features the three tracks, and their instrumentals, those alone stand as impressive pieces of music. It might take more than one watch or listen to get used to So as a rapper if you were unaware he makes music but 18 Years is well worth the listen.
Did you know So Ji Sub made hip hop music?
What do you think of 18 years?
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