World of K-Pop: Woollim confirms 'INFINITE H' sub-unit

"Mean Boys" the Movie (ha!)

To the pleasure of many Inspirit fans, Infinite is prepared to promote its first sub-unit 'Infinite H', comprised of members Dongwoo and Hoya by early next year. The 'H' stands for 'hip-hop' and it's something the triple threat, rapper/vocalist/dancers are really good at performing. When I list those three qualities, I don't mean it in a reluctant, they can-carry-out-a-few-performances kinda thing. Though they are mainly rappers, Dongwoo and Hoya have more talents than what their profiles list. Firstly, they are solid dancers, with Hoya being labeled as the 'dance machine' and Dongwoo being a former dance instructor prior to being a trainee. The two surprised me by having so many singing parts. Within the band, Hoya and Dongwoo are strong supporting vocals to their main vocalists Sunggyu and Woohyun. In their latest title track, "The Chaser," Dongwoo harmonizes well on the chorus, while Hoya serves as the lower pitched background vocals.

Prior to this announcement, they first introduced 'Infinite H' on their "Over the Top" album in a track called, "Crying" featuring Baby Soul. Also, at Infinite's concert in February, the two coolly performed "Crying" and did a cover of Verbal Jint's "You Look Good." When prompted why he chose to cover the song, Dongwoo replied that it's an easy song that Hoya sounds good singing. As an afterthought, he states that it also complements his own voice.

Woollim Entertainment staff have recently confirmed the news, and a phone call with TV Daily has revealed, "After Infinite returned from finishing up their Japanese promotions, Infinite Dongwoo and Hoya have recently started recording and working on the Infinite H album."

Though I'm glad to hear that Dongwoo and Hoya will be getting more individual attention and broadening their skills, I'm wary on seeing the members commence on sub-units. With larger, nine-unit groups like SNSD and After School, it makes sense to give certain members extra attention because they have stronger vocals or specific talents. With Infinite, I've been so used to their "we want to remain as 7" mantra that it'll be scary for me to see the boys move into different spotlights without each other.

Already, members Sungyeol, L, Hoya, and Woohyun have commenced on their acting careers (even Sunggyu has done a cameo on Woohyun's "The Thousandth Man" drama). Woohyun and Sunggyu have individually participated in Immortal Song 2. Certain members are receiving more limelight than others, and that can possibly be why Dongwoo is included in Infinite's first sub-unit. Still, I'm worried about Sungyeol and Sungjong falling behind on popularity. What's more, with so many individual activities, the members will see each other less, and it may detract from their activities as a group.

Despite all these silly worries, I trust Woollim Entertainment to know what their doing, because they have done well in producing bands like Epik High (though it should be noted that they are under YG Entertainment now), Nell, Infinite and Tasty 2wins. I guess it's all fine and dandy, so long as the boys get enough rest amongst all these new activities. Still, I think it'd be better if they upped the focus on Sungyeol and Sungjong instead, adding Dongwoo in as a third sub-unit member. Hmm, maybe a 'girl dance' parody sub-unit? Now that would be precious. Especially since Sungjong is a 'sexy girl dance' queen, Dongwoo had once taught girl dances, and Sungyeol gained pelvic muscles dancing as the female in his and Sungjong's cover performance of "Troublemaker."

Check out some of their prior individual and Infinite H performances below: