10 Takeaways after Re-Watching the 2012 MBC GAYO DAEJUN

During this lull in new K-pop releases, I decided to go back and watch 2012’s MBC Gayo Daejun – the end-of-year extravaganza that ushered in 2013. Not only was it a euphoric time capsule of excellent music and stunning performances, but it brought to mind many thoughts after twelve years of K-pop fandom.

Here were my top ten takeaways (in no particular order), along with many video highlights from the show.

Yes, I’m aware that you don’t have to be belting your lungs out to be a good singer and that there are many ways to express with your voice, but my number one takeaway after watching this festival was that nearly every single idol act was singing as if their life depended on it. Power note after power note after power note – even from the groups I didn’t expect! I know virtuosic vocal skill isn’t treasured the way it used to be, but I miss this very much. I could feel passion radiating out of the screen.

We were clearly in the throes of the EDM pop revolution. Many acts included DJs as part of their performance, but even the non-remixed tracks were underpinned by thumping dance beats. Song after song, the show felt like a real party with bangers and bombast to spare. “Chill” was definitely not a thing. Neither were “vibes.”

Also, “the robot” was apparently considered a cool dance move this year…

It’s as if the artists raided every Forever 21 and Claire’s in sight and threw everything on at once. It didn’t matter if it matched or not. In fact, it was better if it didn’t! And when idols weren’t dressed in neon and noisy patterns, they borrowed the militaristic theatricality of Michael Jackson. My favorite look was 100%’s – especially the streamers hanging from the arms!

So tight.

Groups like MBLAQ and Secret were very big in 2012 and the audience reaction bore that out. However, for multiple reasons it feels like they’re not mentioned in the conversation much any more. Sometimes I forget how awesome these acts are.

Today’s year-end festivals are often splintered between agencies, with some corporations preferring to withhold their roster so that they can appear at their own concerts. Nearly every big artist was present for 2012’s show, from YG to SM to JYP and everyone in between. It’s fun to see all these second-gen legends together.

I mean… duh. That’s how time and aging works. But it was still jarring to see groups like Beast and BTOB and B1A4 looking like rookie kids. It’s amazing what they were able to achieve at that age and watching them grow into adults has been very satisfying.

I’ve decided he’s one of those people who looked old when he was young and looks young when he’s old. I don’t know how that’s possible, but it’s true.

Seriously. With groups like SHINee, Kara, f(x) and 100% appearing in this festival, it’s sobering to reflect on how many young talents we’ve lost far too soon.

It’s no coincidence that half of my top ten all-time K-pop songs were released in 2012. Almost all were performed on this broadcast, including The Chaser, Sherlock and Catch Me. But beyond so many legendary songs, the overall consistency was also high. You just knew that 90% of everything released would be awesome. That’s kind of incredible when you think about it.