RAINBOW Comeback with "Tell Me Tell Me"

Girl Group Rainbow

        Girl group Rainbow is set to make a 2013 comeback in mid February! Rainbow is a seven-member veteran group that debuted back in November of 2009, but similar to veteran boy band U-Kiss, they have yet to see a #1 win on any music charts. Furthermore, their last comeback with track "Sweet Dream" was back in June 2011, making it one year and seven months before this recent comeback announcement. While most rookie groups establish their name in South Korea before making major ventures in Japan, their agency, DSP Media, did the opposite for Rainbow. Despite their debut track "A" being a catchy, attention-getting track, their promotional activities after the single were neither concentrated or consistent. Think of Rainbow as the "abandoned child" of DSP, allocating resources to famous girl band Kara instead of focusing on their newer group. While Kara became more popular both in the nation and particularly in Japan, Rainbow's popularity fizzled out with lack of activities. Even now, Rainbow members admit that they are still taking the subway to travel, and though they achieved general popularity in Japan, they are relatively unnoticed in South Korea.

Considering strengths, Rainbow performs quite well on live stages, but are often given mediocre songs like "To Me" and "Sweet Dream," paired with awkward, uninspiring dance choreography. Other than leader Jaekyung, other members rarely appear on variety shows or guest star. Unfortunately, one can distinguish a female idol's popularity based on how often male celebrities mention her as their "ideal type." It's not just about having a pretty face or body (because really, all female idols are supposed to be "pretty"), but how often they appear in mainstream media as a result of positive public interest. Consider Miss A's Suzy, 4Minute's Hyuna, and recently, A-Pink's Eunji. Their lack of fame even among idols indicates that DSP's marketing strategy (or lack thereof) has gone terribly wrong.

From left: Noeul, Hyunyoung, Seungah, Jaekyung, Woori, Jisook, Yoonhye

Despite all this, I truly hope they come back with something that will solidify their position in the K-Pop industry. So far, the track and choreography has already been determined, but Rainbow has yet to decide on a comeback concept. I'm curious to see what they will present- will they go with a strong, attention-getting track? Or will they stick with a mature, flirty concept and revert to the fun, casual style of debut song, "A?" Whatever it is, I hope their stylists agree on something that won't be embarassing to their veteran status (like fluffy and aeygo) and go instead with a more polished, sophisticated concept. In the very least, DSP owes it to Rainbow fans to bring the girls back with dignity and grace.

UPDATE: DSP Media Disappoints their Rainbow Fans
   February 20th, 2013

           With Rainbow's long-awaited comeback on February 12th with the release of their "Tell Me Tell Me" MV, I was seriously disappointed. The girls look beautiful and fresh as always, but what is DSP Media doing? They gave them a soft, cute song more suited for debuts and teen girl groups. As one of the girliest young girl groups, even A-Pink's comeback with "Hush" had a sassier tone than this "Tell Me x2" track. By all means, it's a cute, catchy song, but it leaves audiences with no impression of Rainbow's identity as a group, or their maturity. It's easy to start lovely and to comeback later with a sexy concept, but it's just identity kill to take them backwards five years when they've grown up three. Also, they are a totally different group- stop trying to give them Kara type-tracks, DSP. (Does "Honey" ring a bell?)

Rainbow "Tell Me Tell Me" MV 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy_sgB4EJB8

The mini-album "Rainbow Syndrome" was released on February 15th with tracks:
     1. Golden Touch
     2. Close Your Eyes
     3. Tell Me Tell Me
     4. Cosmic Girl
     5. A Story You Never Knew But I Know
     6. In Love

Live Stages:
MBC Music Core 130215: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ER1nYU0b4I
MBC 130216: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfnqWYUkgHU
SBS Inkigayo 130217: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xfxqbqe53s
KBS Love Request 130216: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tIUnZ_1-c0

What had I expected? Something striking, something strong, something sophisticated. They've been out of the game for much too long, and nothing short of the words 'passion' and 'defiance' would even get them on the same page with some of these high-rated rookie idol groups. What I saw instead onstage were seven women winking, nodding their heads like teeny-boppers, and bouncing, omg.

As cute as their low-rise jeans and sherbert-colored spring tops were, I also didn't like some of the member's hair changes. Woori's short hair didn't make her look cool nor cute, and Jaekyung's shade of red hair looks dull. Though Hyunyoung's black hair with platinum lower extensions look nice, it looks more suited for a different concept entirely.

Overall, I feel bad for Rainbow. They have a lot of untapped potential and their passion for the stage shows, but their efforts won't ever garner major attention unless their entertainment company gets on the same page. In the meantime, show them your support, fans!