Let's Talk About Videos: VIXX Meets a Very Special Girl in "Voodoo Doll"
(VIXX in “Voodoo Doll.” Pic rights: Jellyfish Entertainment, 2013)
The return of saying “Ravi” and the world heaves a sigh of relief, vibrant meaningful choreography, and awesome stop-motion animation – VIXX continues to set the standard for dark concepts in K-Pop.
On November 19, 2013, the true masters of K-Pop horror – Jellyfish Entertainment – posted the music video for the newest song from VIXX called “Voodoo Doll.” The upcoming Voodoo album is the first full album for VIXX, and it contains fifteen tracks, including previous songs like “On and On,” “Super Hero,” “Hyde,” “Only U,” and “Rock Ur Body” plus many new songs we haven’t heard yet.
The album is available for preorder now and will officially be released on November 25th. The busy gentlemen of VIXX just completed their first world showcase Milky Way tour at a sold-out stadium in Seoul.
Now that we’ve discussed some basic background info, are you ready to chat about this “Voodoo Doll” music video? Okay, prepare yourself, take a few breaths, and get comfortable – we’re about to go deep because this video is full of details.
(N of VIXX in “Voodoo Doll.” Pic rights: Jellyfish Ent.)
VIXX and the Art of Music Video Storytelling
As many of you know, the song for “Hyde” was connected to the song “You’re Impressive (G.R.8.U).” Those songs and videos told a story of love gone bad.
In the same way, we’d like to say that the lyrics for “Voodoo Doll” describe the aftermath of lyrics for “On and On.”
First, let’s look at some important lines from “On and On” – with English translations provided by kpoplyrics.net.
“She pokes at me and then runs away
Can’t let go. She does it on and on and on
She calls me and then turns away
They say she’s dangerous but I can’t hear them.” – from the song “On and On”
and even further, there are these lyrics:
“I’m a toy that’s made for you, my life line is always in danger…
Just play with me for sure today…
Roughly play with me, then throw me away – I’m all done getting ready to get hurt.” – from the song “On and On”
May we repeat once more that those are lyrics from “On and On” – yet the words properly describe the events in the music video for “Voodoo Doll.” Also, like fans have pointed out, “Voodoo Doll” repeats the line “ready to get hurt.”
(Leo of VIXX in “Voodoo Doll.” Pic rights: Jellyfish Ent.)
In addition, at least one part of the choreography for “On and On” is redone in the dance for “Voodoo Doll.” Remember that moment near the beginning of the “On and On” live performances when Hongbin jabs his arm up past Leo like his arm is a sword, and Leo pushes it out?
For the choreo in “Voodoo Doll,” N and Ken repeat this move – but they don’t force the needle back out again. However, toward the end of the video, it is Leo who is the one that removes the needle.
(Ken of VIXX in “Voodoo Doll.” Pic rights: Jellyfish Ent.)
Two last things to say about the dance for “Voodoo Doll” (corny joke included): 1) The throwing movement involving Ken has been compared to Shinee’s throw in “Everybody.” The nature of the two dance moves is completely different: the one in “Everybody” is meant to “wake up” or stir Taemin into action and symbolizes being brought to life/revived; the throw in “Voodoo Doll” is about restraint, loss of control over your own limbs and actions – the dance move could even be reminiscent of the medieval torture device called the Rack which painfully stretched a person’s limbs outward.
Secondly, the VIXX guys dance with an oversized needle, so this is literally a point dance (status of corny joke: complete).
So What Exactly is Going On in the “Voodoo Doll” Music Video
Do you know who is probably the most shocked about finding out this chick secretly chooses torture as a hobby (because crocheting was officially not hardcore enough for her)?
That’s right: Dongwoo and Hoya of Infinite H. If you recall, this is the same lady from the “Special Girl” music video. Who knew that just beyond that blue door, she would soon hold VIXX captive?
(From Infinite H’s “Special Girl” music video. Pic rights: Woollim Ent.)
In “Voodoo Doll,” she is obsessed with biological science (as shown by the writing and drawings on Ravi’s glass holding cell), perhaps because she seeks to learn how best to control living beings by studying them. In one scene, we see what could be the word “mecha” written on Ravi’s cell, and “mecha” can refer to a robot or machine controlled by people. Ultimately, she resorts to misusing voodoo dolls to get that control over other people that she desires.
(Ravi of VIXX in “Voodoo Doll.” Pic rights: Jellyfish Ent.)
Most of the VIXX members seem to be experiencing some Stockholm Syndrome at the beginning and middle of the music video, meaning they still love or desire the one who is badly hurting them (and how interesting is it that the “Only U” video was filmed in Stockholm, Sweden).
When the heart of the voodoo doll lights up, it could symbolize them coming to their senses and finally getting the strength to let go, to move on, to get away from this bad relationship.
So in the song lyrics for “On and On,” the pain that comes with this particular toxic relationship is welcomed. In “Voodoo Doll,” love has blinded them, and they are willing to lose everything for the loved one. Ultimately, voodoo in this video is supposed to show how love can be this force that can control you, a force that leaves you powerless.
By the time they realize this kind of love isn’t good for them by the end of the video and song, almost all of them escape – except Hongbin.
He eventually accepts the fact that he is stuck. He doesn’t even try to escape anymore – to the point where the captor doesn’t have to lock him in a cell. The X in his eyes could symbolize stitch marks that keep a deceased person’s eyes closed tightly. He ends up losing himself to the one he thought he loved, and he is dead inside by the end of the music video – which is shown one final time (and throughout the video) via the X marks on his pupils.
And thus, VIXX has added a chapter to their story about how romantic love can sometimes become rotten and destructive.
There are several aspects of the “Voodoo Doll” music video that are impressive, but we’ll only mention a couple of those aspects now. Even before you look up the English lyrics, you can feel the sadness that underscores this song. You feel this song deep down inside of you, even before you know what the words mean. Secondly, the choreography is very well-planned and expressive.
(Hongbin of VIXX in “On and On” and “Voodoo Doll.” Pic rights: Jellyfish Ent.)
One thing we know for sure from the “On and On” and “Voodoo Doll” videos: ladies love touching handsome Hongbin’s face and head. Seriously, forget the Leappad tablet or the newest IPhone – go for Mr. Lee Hongbin “Bean”.
If you’re like us, the “Voodoo Doll” music video gets you into the holiday mood (what? you don’t feel that way? oh…). May we recommend a stylishly-torn sweater like the ones VIXX wore in this music video as a present for that someone special? Go to any clothing store, and scoot on over to the K-pop bondage-chic department. Just make sure they gift-wrap.
(Hyuk of VIXX in “Voodoo Doll.” Pic rights: Jellyfish Ent.)
Please support VIXX with their comeback stages of “Voodoo Doll” and be sure to pick up their first full-length album Voodoo!
Light up the Darkness with these Links
“Voodoo Doll” on the Real VIXX Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOG7BexjPjM
English Lyrics for “On and On”: http://www.kpoplyrics.net/vixx-on-and-on-lyrics-english-romanized.html
The Real VIXX Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/user/RealVIXX?feature=g-high-u
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