Illit referenced video game in their recent MV "Jellyous"
ILLIT's latest music video for "Jellyous" is a love letter to gaming culture that has captured the hearts of both K-pop fans and gamers worldwide. The video, which accompanies their dance-pop track from their third mini album "Bamb," is packed with nostalgic video game references that span multiple generations of gaming. Let's dive into all the gaming easter eggs and references that make this MV a true celebration of video game culture.
The Core Gaming Concept
The "Jellyous" music video centers around the concept of the members being transported into various video game worlds. The video shows member Iroha transforming into a video game character — sprinting forward as an upbeat track kicks in, with the rest of the members appearing just outside the screen, huddled around a couch playing a game before they all get sucked in. This sets up the perfect framework for exploring different gaming universes throughout the video.
Major Video Game References
Just Dance Series
There are dance sequences that cleverly allude to the aesthetics of Just Dance, with the members performing choreographed moves that mirror the iconic dancing game's visual style. The reference was so well-executed that Just Dance's official YouTube channel even called ILLIT "megastars" after the game appeared in their music video.
Nintendo DS and Handheld Gaming
One of the most enduring visual motifs in the video is several sequences that see the members popping in and out of a handheld gaming console, paying homage to the Nintendo DS era of portable gaming that defined many childhoods.
Classic Nintendo Games
The music video references classic Nintendo titles including Super Mario Bros., StreetPass Mii Plaza, and Sonic the Hedgehog, bringing beloved characters and aesthetics from these iconic franchises into the K-pop world.
Horror Gaming
There's a cute interlude that sees the members playing a haunted horror video game, likely referencing the Resident Evil series, which is clearly referenced in the music video.
Simulation and Life Games
The video includes references to The Sims, the beloved life simulation game, integrating its distinctive visual style and gameplay mechanics into the MV's aesthetic.
Action and Adventure Games
Grand Theft Auto is clearly referenced in the music video, along with scenes that hint at mechanics and tropes from video games, such as the high jumps from Infamous and Saints Row 4.
Brain Training Games
Educational gaming gets a nod with references to Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training and Big Brain Academy, showcasing the diversity of gaming experiences that have influenced popular culture.
The Musical Connection
The song itself perfectly complements the gaming theme. The song blends upbeat chiptune and synth-pop elements, creating a playful, retro video game vibe, with the chiptune sounds directly evoking the classic 8-bit and 16-bit era of gaming that many of the referenced games come from.
Cultural Impact and Reception
The gaming concept has resonated strongly with fans, who are calling it "super cute and fun" and praising the MV's "video game concept." This positive reception demonstrates how effectively ILLIT has bridged the gap between K-pop and gaming culture.
Why This Matters
ILLIT's "Jellyous" represents more than just a music video with gaming references – it's a celebration of how video games have become an integral part of modern pop culture. By incorporating elements from classics like Super Mario and Sonic alongside more recent titles, the video creates a nostalgic journey through gaming history that speaks to multiple generations of players.
The video also showcases how K-pop continues to evolve by incorporating diverse cultural references that resonate with global audiences. Gaming culture, being universally appreciated across different countries and demographics, provides the perfect bridge for connecting with international fans.
Conclusion
"Jellyous" stands as a testament to ILLIT's creative vision and their understanding of contemporary youth culture. By weaving together references from beloved video games spanning decades, they've created a music video that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you're a longtime gamer who grew up with these titles or a newer fan discovering them through K-pop, the video offers something special for everyone.
The seamless integration of gaming aesthetics with ILLIT's signature style proves that when done thoughtfully, cultural crossovers can create something truly magical – much like the feeling of being transported into your favorite video game world, which is exactly what "Jellyous" accomplishes.