Sometimes when people talk about idols, they talk about them as if they were only products manufactured to make money, like an iPad. However, idols are people whose talents, abilities and popularity is based on more than a Korean agency’s manipulation.
Read more at hellokpop.com (Originally published on September 12, 2011)
Fangirls.
Some people say it like it’s a bad word. All too often, I find people saying condescending things about Kpop fans, assuming that they are all 12-year-old girls. They deserve respect, and so do the other fans of Kpop that people do not recognize.
Read more at hellokpop.com (Originally published on August 29, 2011)
Everybody wants to know: can Kpop succeed in the United States? Well, that depends on your definition of success. In order to enter the mainstream American music scene, Kpop would have to change so much that it would become unrecognizable to current fans. But, if Kpop remained an underground phenomenon in the United States, it could be successful without compromising its identity.
Read more at hellokpop.com (Originally published on August 16, 2011)
Dear Kpop,
How are you? I hope you are well, but I have some concerns about our relationship.
First, you know that all lovers of Kpop are not in Korea, or even Asia, right? You do realize you got people who speak from Spanish and Arabic loving you, right? We are like the people of Whoville in Dr. Seuss’ “Horton Hears a Who.” “WE’RE HERE!!” We may not have superlarge numbers, but we are here. And we know our SS501, Super Junior, TVXQ, SNSD, 2NE1, etc. WE KNOW YOU!! We love you, you need to love us back!!! Come say hi sometime!
Second, you know we love you just the way you are, right? From the aegyo to the sexy, we got your back. So when I actually heard Ayy Girl by JYJ, I was afraid that you were changing, and not in a good way. I’m not going to jump on the bandwagon of Kanye West-haters, but that song should be credited this way: Ayy Girl by Kanye West, featuring JYJ. That ain’t Kpop! Just because you have Korean boys singing doesn’t make it Kpop!!!! Where is my Korean? I know this is a CONSTANT gripe, but I can’t let it go. If you aren’t careful, American producers will take the K out of Kpop, and then where will we be?
I know there is a certain kind of value attached to an English language album, but really, English isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. 🙂
Oh and no, I’m not even getting into the Crips-Bloods feud between TVXQ and JYJ. I will tell you this: GET OVER IT!!! You are going to look back and think, “I said WHAT!” Give TVXQ their credit: Keep Your Head Down is slammin’, especially since they are down THREE sexy men. JYJ: do your thing, there is enough adoration to go around.
So, Kpop, you just keep being you! We’ll always be here! Don’t be like Netflix (we are TOTALLY seeing other people!!!)
Love Ya!
High Yellow - Asian Popular Culture 