Today is the anniversary of the very popular Woollim Entertainment group INFINITE! They debuted on June 9th, seven years ago, in 2010! INFINITE consists of seven members: Sunggyu, Dongwoo, Woohyun, Hoya, L, Sungyeol, and Sungjong. Their album, first invasion, and debut title song, “Come Back Again,” stand as important parts of history for Inspirits (INFINITE fans). As a personal Inspirit myself, I wanted to share seven aspects of INFINITE that they are known for and that their fans have come to know and love.
1. Unique Music Style
INFINITE is a band known well for their unique music style. Many groups will attempt multiple genres of music to keep things interesting or until they find that perfect style for them, but since the beginning, INFINITE has had a retro rock-techno feeling to their music that is reminiscent of popular 1980 music from around the world. Over time, INFINITE’s music has added in additional elements to their retro-pop music, such as heavy brass, house electro sounds, beautiful orchestral/string accompaniments, and funk-pulsed beats. The layering of their tracks is always astoundingly detailed and well produced. They are also known for having hard-rock influenced remixes of their songs for more dynamic concert performances. Due to this stable, but unique, music trend that not many bands have, INFINITE and their composers have proven themselves worthy in the Kpop industry.
2. Synchronized Dancing
Synchronization is practically the first word anyone hears when learning about INFINITE. There are amazing dance groups out there, but INFINITE brings the word synchronization to a totally different level! Each member’s angles and every minor detail seems to be mirrored exactly with each other. Due to this, INFINITE was given the nickname 칼군무 (Kal-goon-moo), which basically translates as “knife group dance” and means a very sharp, well-synchronized dance. Some shows, such as Weekly Idol, even took to “testing” their ability to be in sync with each other, as well as their speed, in a 2x faster version of their song “Be Mine”— which they nailed. Their dances have always held many aspects of working as a whole. This includes the “infinite circle” which they became known for, in which one member sings in the center and the other six stand or dance in a circle around them.
3. Strong Live Singing
It’s no stretch to say INFINITE is one of the most talented groups out there when it comes to live performances. Not only do they deliver mpressive and difficult dances, but their live singing is great! Many fans joke that INFINITE has been “eating their CDs” with how alike they sound to the recorded tracks while live. INFINITE is one of few bands who refuse to lip-sync, even on simple music program performances. Having practiced for a long time to control breathing, stabilizing notes, and singing while dancing, the outcome certainly shows! Not only that, but every member has a part in singing, including the rappers! Many of their more recent songs actually accentuate rapper and dancer Dongwoo’s singing parts and have given him a few climactic power notes which he easily belts out.
4. The Black Tank-Tops
This is perhaps one thing that most unfamiliar people would be confused about just by reading the title above, but all Inspirits know well of the black tank tops. During a concert earlier in their career, INFINITE decided to forego their usually flashy outfits and perform in nothing but simple black jeans and black tank-tops . Since then, it has become a staple of INFINITE concerts to do so. Once the jackets come off, fans know they are about to see an amazing performance of their popular title track “Paradise.” Often times, this is followed by two more popular tracks of theirs: “Before The Dawn” and “Be Mine.” They have even performed at a few music award shows and end of the year programs in this manner.
5. Brotherly Love
Ah, brotherly love. Many people on the outside looking in have accused INFINITE of being hateful with each other. Certainly, the members bicker quite often, but most time it’s for the sake of entertainment and simply letting off steam. In fact, the band even took on a show called “This Is INFINITE.” The title was a play on words since “this” was pronounced as “diss,” another way of saying “insult.” In a show such as this, they seemed almost at-home with the concept, immediately harping at each other’s personality and habits. The members of INFINITE simply don’t seem to be as “heart-on-sleeve” as other people, which makes them look almost cold in some people’s eyes. However, it’s all rooted in the deep compassion they have for each other with everything they’ve been through. On an early episode of “INFINITE Showtime,” leader Sunggyu started a radio show (in a video below) and gave his heartfelt thoughts about each member, as well as playing songs from their past that bring up happy (and sad) memories.
6. Their Hardworking and Resilient Attitudes
So much has happened in seven years! There was plenty of good, including multiple successful comebacks, solo debuts, sub-group debuts, acting (L, Woohyun, and Sungyeol are very active in acting) composition, projects, hosting/MC jobs, tours, donations, reality, charity, and more. However, INFINITE is an incredibly hardworking and resilient band. Years ago, a somewhat shocking clip (at the time) was posted through one of their first shows. It revealed an extremely intense conditioning and practice session for their upcoming track “Be Mine.” They worked extra hard to condition themselves to be ready for the complicated choreography and live singing they would later dominate. For several years, member Woohyun has had an issue with his hand/wrist that continues to flare up during comebacks. Despite that, he still goes to dance practices and holds one hand in a pocket to avoid intense movement (shown in a dance practice video below). Before their first win on a music program with “Be Mine,” their CEO had supposedly sold large possessions to push the band’s promotions. Everything was teetering on that album to be successful, and INFINITE worked hard to make it all happen.
7. Staying Connected With Fans
Like many bands, especially in recent years, INFINITE loves keeping connected with their fans in multiple ways. Many members are active on Instagram and Twitter, as well as other forms of media. In particular, Sungjong and Woohyun are the most active members on SNS. However, Hoya has taken a liking to unexpected V LIVE broadcasts in which he converses with the fans in the chat. INFINITE has an almost friend-like relationship with their fans, with some of the members having often been found bickering sarcastically with fans as they do with their own band. They constantly give fan service as well, whether it’s at a concert or simply walking along the street. INFINITE has also been known to have songs written specifically to show their love for their fandom and how much they mean to them. Many Inspirits have taken this passion from the members and converted it into hard work on their part. Fan groups around the world have come together to gather donations for local charities and medical programs in INFINITE’s name, who then never fail to show how happy and proud they are of such actions.
INFINITE has already taken to social media recently to post their thanks to the fandom for always sticking by them for the last seven years. We’ve seen sixteen albums, thirty-five music videos, multiple DVDs, and several tours— not to mention the amazing and hilarious variety and reality shows that have made us laugh and cry! It’s been an amazing seven years with these amazing seven boys. Here’s to seven more!
Congratulations, INFINITE!
CaptainMal has been into Korean Entertainment for seven years now, since 2010. She travels to conventions in her area, showcasing her “Kpop Game Show’” and occasional Kpop cosplay. Although her favorite bands are Infinite, Super Junior, and VIXX, she boasts a love for a huge variety of artists throughout the last 15 years of Kpop. Other than Kpop, CaptainMal loves Disney, 80’s rock, Daft Punk, Gaming, and Orange Juice.
Media: As Credited