Week 2 - K-Pop (August 9th)

[SaenzSotoElizabeth]

Watching the video clips of Crying Nut, Yoon Mirae, PSY, BTS, etc. reminded me of the reach of transnationalism. In Sunhee Koo's and Sang-Yeon Loise Sungs article, "Asia and Beyond: The Circulation and Reception of Korean Popular Music Outside of Korea" exclaims, "Music crosses borders for many different reasons . . . Post-hallyu K-pop demonstrates how Korean popular music has reshaped itself as a form of cultural bricolage . . . inviting the active participation of much broader audiences to engender its global consumption." Kpop definitely visually and musically captures our attention due to most of its all-rounders, stage sets, and allows us almost like I dare say an escapists pleasure. Especially throughout these COVID years and our ability to watch or listen more to artists many would not necessarily seek if we had not been at home. 

I so thoroughly enjoyed the video presentation by Dr. Kim. It brought back many memories of the years my children and I have been listening to a multitude of Korean groups or bands over the years (we listen to all genres mentioned in the video). Although, I first introduced my two older daughters to Korean dramas "Married Stayed Out All Night" at first, music was what really connected all of us (my son is a Super Junior fan). Hence are attendance in KCon since it first started in 2012. This is where we also attended several panels provided, specifically one moderated by YoungAhjumma (an African American KPop fan/blogger). It was for Korean drama and music fans who were 30 and over and why it appealed to us. In the end, most of us in the room (which was overflowing) agreed that the connection was not necessarily a personal choice, but more that it allowed us to connect with our children who may have introduced us to Korean dramas/music or vice versa. It connected us even though we did not necessarily understand or speak the language. It literally became "family time". At least for my family experience it may be as I say; but, something in Michael Fuhr's statement in his chapter from K-Pop Music and Transnationalism from: The Routledge Handbook of Korean Culture and Society Routledge, "Intrinsic to the individual and collective causes and motivations for enjoyment of K-Pop may be a psychological stance owed to postcolonial sensibilities and to the present awareness of global power disparities" made me think deeper. Even the quote by Choi and Maliangkay that ends the paragraph (p. 291) may subconciously be true fro many who listen to Kpop music. It appears to be very complex once you strip away at the layers of the Korean wave in any country.

[SchaefferRebecca]

It makes for an interesting discussion with students who want to pursue careers in music, for sure. How many of my American students would be willing to devote themselves so entirely to a dream like that? 

This week made me think about the book Birth of Korean Cool by Euny Hong. It's fascinating how purposeful the creation of "exportable" culture can be. South Korea went from a cultural unknown to a global trendsetter in such a short period of time and absolutely with a dedicated national vision. 

 

[DiederichAnn]

These readings and lecture reinforced the fact that racism and stereotyping are not just American problems. It was disheartening to learn of advantage that light skinned and white-looking performers have. On the flip side, the fact that K-pop girl bands are performing through Coachella and bands like Black Swan are changing gender norms. I was fascinated at how these bands evolve together and even live together and wonder how the pressure of fame could make or break their relationship.  As some of these band members begin their careers as solo performers, I wonder how that will affect the culture.

 

[Joanna Bourque]

I was thinking about this same discussion topic for a few days. I see how transnationalism and glocalization can play parts in shaping the music industry. My concern, however, is how far does one take this? To make a statement such as that because a group sings in English they are, in essence, erasing their cultural identity in order to appeal to a global audience doesn't seem appropriate. BTS, for example, only has three songs fully in English (their most recent), yet, they have been selling out stadiums around the world since 2018 while singing fully in Korean, and their fans sing right along with them in Korean. While it is quite common for Korean music artists to sing a verse or two in English, which is also common in everyday conversation in Korea, I believe that constitutes the fusion Kara mentioned. K-pop groups, in general, tend to blend multiple music genres into each song inspired by all types of styles. In the past, the English language and Western culture has been the dominant import and the cultural exchanges shared between Korea and the West were quite unequal, so, it is only natural that Korean music would take on Western influences. That said, using BTS as the example, although they have three English songs, they are very much still a Korean group steeped in Korean culture, which is evident in the vast majority of their song lyrics and performances.

[GianellaSandy]

I first got introduced to popular Asian music several years ago when I had a few students from Japan.  At that time the rage was J-pop.  The first Korean pop singer I learned about was Rain. Then of course, Gangham Style.  This song made a resurgence with my students, and we would sometimes use the “Dance Revolution” version for a “brain break.”  Here is the link if you want to learn the moves. Skip in 25 seconds to pass the ads.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRAJCt27dpw

 It seemed that Asian music popularity in my area cooled until the last few years.  It may just be me, but years ago when I would see J-pop videos, I saw the young women highly sexualized (not unlike a lot of western music videos). Maybe it’s the videos I have seen, and I am hardly an expert, but the band members appear more androgenous.  I wonder if this is just a sign of the changing attitudes of young people and acceptance of people regardless of how they identify themselves.

Reading about how Korean songs have been adapted and appeal to Chinese and Japanese singers and audiences reminds me of the way Latin music has become a bigger and bigger influence in American pop music from Ricky Martin to Daddy Yankee.  Many people don’t realize the influence music from African nations has influenced music in America.

It was not surprising to me that Taiwan had become a launching point for much of K-pop.  Way back when I was a kid labels didn’t say “Made in China” rather it was “Made in Taiwan.”  I wonder if the desire for Taiwanese to support Taiwanese singers and music is influenced by the tightening of China’s grip as Taiwanese do not necessarily see themselves as Chinese nationals.

Finally, I guess we can say Korean pop music is here to stay.  Today I received an ad for Sirius music and in the list of hundreds of channels, Korean Music and News is on channel 144x – “Korea Today.”

 

[ZhangTina]

Reading about the history of Kpop reminds me much of Chinese history and music. I have to admit that I'm not much of a music fan, and will listen to whatever is readily available, and whatever music was readily available under Communist China were music promoting Communist China. I.E, there were not that many choices. Korean history progressed similar to China, so music up until the 40's and 50's have similar undertones. Still, I was surprised about how recent Kpop emerged, and I guess that's because South Korea's historical trajectory diverges from China in the 50's. While I'm one of these people who got their first taste of Kpop with Psy, I expected Kpop to be more developed. 

As for the promotion of the modern Kpop stars with its various different "stock" personalities that are"strategically manufactured," this is very common in movies and T.V shows as well, like Meteor Garden. These different "personalities" will attract different audiences and bring in fans across the board. Even though these groups have contracts that stipulated their work hours and where they live, this is commonly seen in sports training as well, though music stars have a much shorter life span as sports training will take years. I know how much influence these stars have on the public, and now I know where the "cutesy" girl talk that is so popular in Asia comes from! Influencers, because of the large platform they have, should be more careful as to what they are trying to promote. Unfortunately the big conglomerate that control these influencers do not always care about the effects of their promotions as long as they get their own agenda across. 

[DupuyRoger]

It takes a lot of bravery to stay true to your music. Hyukoh steps out and shares their music. It was refreshing and interesting. They are brave. Let's hope there's enough fandom to support indie artists. 

[MendozaDonna]

I find it very interesting how far and wide Kpop has traveled, and in my case it exposed me to different genres of korean music. Although I had been watching kdramas for a few years I never really paid much attention to the music, and then Gangnam Style came and kids in a very rural community were into it and I thought how interesting, it's made it all the way to this little corner of our town.

Something that stood out to me was the topics that some of these songs have- the political and social issues. I do not listen to the very pop-y songs therefore I missed a lot of that, but I think it's a great way to get younger gruops to become aware what is going on, if they do not know already. It could trigger an interest on a topic they have not heard and reasearch it, hopefully through reliable sources.

Another thing that stood out was that the groups are now starting to be more diverse and not having to look the same in any way shape or form, as well culturally. There must be diverese communities in Korea where there some kids who do not see themselves represented in some of those groups. By having diverese groups, it could inspire that kid to take the risk pursue a career in music, or whatever else there is.

[DupuyRoger]

I have talked with so many of my elementary students who want to K-Pop stars. These 'academies' promise a funnel to this end. 

[DupuyRoger]

Yes, Jeanine. It perpetuates the same unrealistic aspirations in youth. It's not unique to K-Pop though, not by a long shot as you can take a quick look at pop music as a whole. I am curious, where are the K-Pop groups that don't look 'pretty'?

[Daniel Moon]

I believe that the rise of Korean music is often attributed solely to our culture and identity. Although those things are great to promote internationally, I think a significant factor in Korean music's success and outreach beyond its borders it government support. Korean music's continuing success should be attributed to the government's policies, subsidies, tax breaks, etc that fostered talent and gave talent and companies/businesses platforms in which to do so. This artistry essentially then, is a product of financial support--more people have access and freedom to work in the arts if their basic needs are taken care of.

[DupuyRoger]

Years ago, in Korea I got lost a lot. The streets of Seoul at night are mesmerizing and dreamlike. I remember there was always music playing, but it was always the same song of the same currently popular OST. Venders were selling its CDs (at every street corner). They where blasting this same song into the cold, steamy night air. I must have heard it 30 times one night as I tried to find my way back to my apartment. When I got finally got back, I couldn't get the song out of my head. Recently, I was outside a storefront waiting for my former students for a reunion party. I arrived super early (I get lost a lot), and stood outside, in the chill early fall, listening to Epik High's  (Feat. Lee Ha Yi) So Cold. This song, is one of my favorites to this day. Question to all here: What was your first K-Pop song experience?

[DupuyRoger]

Daniel, you are right. The quasi-government support is real, but is there freedom to be unique and creative? There must bestrings attached. There is an ARMY of handlers and trainers. I wonder about the 'indie' music scene in Korea? Can it survive or even thrive? The current 'training/manufacturing/camp-style' method to produce music is now a billion-dollar-freight-train. 

[Jeanine Alexander]

Hi Roger, definitely Gangnam Style!

[Taylor Bub]

I totally agree with you that the influence of these groups being seen as 'perfect' is worrisome.  I think that especially for young girls, I was watching the documentary on netflix about BlackPink and it made me wonder how difficult it must be for them to have these idols that are literally perfect.  They seem to have no flaws or blemishes and even when they dance they are so perfectly in synch it almost makes them look not human.

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