Celebrity couple photoshoots sometimes have us staring in envy or cringing away in embarrassment. Though points like backdrop, hair and makeup, concept, and photographers factor into the celebrity's solo photoshoot, it's a completely different story when celebrities pair up for couple shoots. It gets trickier because no matter how well one celebrity performs, if his partner doesn't pull her own weight (or vice versa), the photos end up looking out of place and awkward.  

The following are a series of celebrity couple pictorials. Some work, others don't, and a few really don't.  

Sohee X T.O.P 

Sohee and T.O.P teamed up in this photo shoot for their 'Reebok' endorsement. Dressed in monochrome colors and casual everyday staples, this couple looks chic without having to try. Granted, the pose isn't as natural as their clothing, as T.O.P appears to be intently smelling the top of Sohee's head and not finding it to be a favorable experience. But no matter. They're two of the most charismatic stars in their own right, and their chemistry for their Reebok spread is on point.   

    

HyunA X Hyunseung 

Here's an instance where everything about the couple is too... too much (though no hard feelings go out to these Trouble Makers). The photo leaves behind an artificial taste and it makes it too easy to recognize how posed it is. They have an image to uphold for their Trouble Maker promotions, which explains the shoot concept. But perhaps they could've made do by muting some of the theatrics.  

IU X Seo In Guk 

Dressed in matching tees and jeans, IU and Seo In Guk could pass for a campus couple without any problems. With the same half-smirks playing out across their baby faces, the two idols share an adorable chemistry. I mean, can't you imagine them as one of those campus couples who are always holding hands and who'd probably be lost without the other?  

Clara X Jay Park 

I don't know what Jay's doing under there or why, but it's not doing anything for the length of Clara's legs. Their outfits don't have a running theme to begin with, which I guess could've been the intended theme, but it doesn't flow well regardless. This couple pictorial looks awkward and, dare I say it, tacky.  

Soyu X JungGiGo 

The resident "some" girl and "some" boy, this duo's pictorial is just about as fresh and quirky as their runaway hit song. This particular photo shoot is suggestive of all the cheesy giddiness of first love with grins stretching from ear to ear and being unable to take your hands off each other (not in the pervy way). Soyu and JungGiGo's chemistry is effortless and the photo speaks for itself without needing any intricate extras.    

Go Jun Hee X Beenzino 

There's obviously not enough room on that chair for you, Go Jun Hee. Go find another chair, please. Go Jun Hee and Beenzino paired up for their 'High Cut' pictorial, but I'm finding the poses to be a bit awkward. Maybe they were aiming for the high fashion concept, but for all I know, this falls slightly short of target. And again, I reiterate, that chair cannot comfortably accommodate the two of them. 

Na-Eun X Taemin 

This whimsical pictorial concept matches Na-Eun and Taemin's innocence and youth to a tee. At least for me, this concept speaks to the idea of prince charming having rescued his maiden in distress in chivalric fashion, I would assume. The mood this couple gives off, paired with the shoot itself, is very fairytale-meets-young lovers. If the picture isn't enough to convince you of their chemistry, let's not forget that Na-Eun and Taemin appeared on 'We Got Married' as a virtual couple and received lots of love for their child-like marriage period. 

Soo Joo X G-Dragon 

If you can honestly tell me this photo shoot didn't have you doing a double take wondering who the hot blond chicks are, you're lying. Top model Soo Joo and G-Dragon graced the cover of 'Vogue Korea's 17th anniversary issue topless and in matching blonde wigs. It makes me feel slightly uncomfortable how similar they look, but at the same time, strangely fascinated. Whether it works or not, I'll leave to your discretion.     

Krystal X Lee Jong Suk 

'High Kick 3' siblings Krystal and Lee Jong Suk paired up for a spread in 'High Cut.' The pictorial looks clean and crisp, which may have something to do with Krystal and Lee Jong Suk's model good looks. Their chemistry isn't necessarily one of high sexual tensions, mind you. Rather it feels comfortable, as though they've known each other for a long time. As friends, as siblings, maybe? Their pictorial offers a nice change of pace from those lovey-dovey, over-the-top spreads we so often see. 

Kim Shin Young X Shindong 

Kim Shin Young and Shindong's photo shoot straddles the fine line between funny and serious. And it keeps me staring at it trying to figure out what the intended concept is. For the most part, this couple is such a breath of fresh air because it's so unexpected and funny. My favorite, hands down.