Editing By Jeeah H.
Welcoming the new year with K-POP reality checks! As we all may well know, the Hallyu wave have swept across the globe by storm and if truth be told, K-POP culture is exciting to be a part of, however one may get caught up with it easily. This is out there for support and gives the reality check to fans who are indeed at risk of low self esteem, bad time management or fail to recognize the reality behind their computer screen.
10. Offensive representations.
The racist representations and stereotypes in KPOP media from having dark skin to terrorists; this is a definite reminder that what we see on television (or, well, on our computer screens) don’t represent or reflect reality. These sorts of misrepresentations and ignorance may reinforce prejudice attitudes. It was incredibly insensitive, especially as the KPOP media promote themselves as being this hyper influential “Hallyu Wave” that is taking over the international market with fans globally. If their target audience is not only of South-east Asians but people with other nationalities as well, it doesn’t make sense why they’re the ones being discriminated against or misrepresented at the same time.
SBS’s Star King production team apologised due to the controversy of misrepresenting Muslims as terrorists which involved a segment of a man dressed as an Arab threatening MC Kang Ho Dong. — Source
At the 2011 MBC Idol’s Athletic Championship, with Boom’s come back from the military, he certainly made a few waves with his ‘black face’ performance featuring a few token Super Junior members. It was a televised show that was dubbed as family friendly which means children and young people are going to be watching their idols celebrate and perform with this type of ignorant and offensive ‘skit’. Moreover, I’m sure there were a lot of international KPOP fans who would find this sort of shallow comedy extremely upsetting.
Popular rapper, Yoon Mirae, responded with, “Education is the key!! Much love! God blesses everyone! Always ALWAYS hold your head high! You are…WE are ALL beautiful!!! I do not think that their intentions were to make fun or offend anyone… But it would be unfair for such a beautiful country as Korea to be judged as a whole based on these incidents!” — Source
KPOP isn’t always a euphoria filled with extremely attractive people and dream-chasing. There are also these flaws such as ignorant misrepresentations and stereotyping. Think over your own morale and personal opinions before slipping out the “Oppa didn’t mean it~” line.
9. Crazy Schedules.
This is pretty self explanatory. Not only do you have promotions, recording in the studio, photo shoots, dance practice, concerts, travelling overseas but you’ve got variety shows as well. The industry is incredibly competitive with over 30 new groups debuting alone in 2011, and not to mention, a large number next year coming from major entertainment companies. To maintain an image, popularity and awareness, it’s crucial to ALWAYS and constantly stay present on the scene.
Every idol has a crazy schedule so I’m just going to choose the best example: Super Junior’s Leeteuk. Leader of the popular boy band, a husband to Sora in We Got Married, a father in Sistar’s Hello Baby and a regular on Star King and Strong Heart. Pretty hectic, huh?
It’s not all glitz and glamour. Nowadays, in the ‘expected’ idol package you must be a ‘triple threat’: talented in dancing, singing and acting. Not only that, you’d have to be drop-dead gorgeous with a stunning yet impossible body figure (explains the high rate of plastic surgery). You must also be active and give off a gag-dol vibe in variety shows. All idol groups pretty much endure the same amount of pressure and activity that is physically and mentally tiring (more or less depending on their popularity).
8. "I disagree with what you're saying but will defend your right to say it."
I changed Voltaire’s ‘disapprove to disagree’ but you get the picture. Okay,so it’s no surprise that a lot of fans are opinionated, passionate and often downright dim witted with their commentary -> Eg: “I have dreams of rubbing barbeque sauce all over [Jessica] S!B: People might think I’m weird.” Source
However, no matter what fandom or entertainment company you admire or group you idolize, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. This may result in positive discussions, debates or just plain old fan wars and arguments. Not everyone will always share the same opinion as you and you shouldn’t need to conform to everyone’s else’s either. Even if you don’t agree with someone’s opinion that doesn’t mean that they don’t deserve the right to say it, no?
Following this, Simon and Martina of Eat Your Kimchi recently did a review on Trouble Maker that involved tagging Hyuna as a stripper and critiquing Hyuna’s promiscuous and sexy moves.
A minority of people (including myself) didn’t completely agree and were offended with their commentary which resulted in a lot of fans to angrily voice their opinions against Eat Your Kimchi. (Insert rambly anecdote of the messy Trouble Maker situation LOL!). What did surprise me, though, was that people who didn’t agree with S&M opinion were labelled by fans simply as ‘wrong’ or ‘delusional’. Just because one doesn’t agree with a public figure’s opinion doesn’t mean they are wrong, they still get the right to voice their opinion.
This applies to anything really. Some Elfs thought Mr Simple was the best thing since sliced bread and, well, some didn’t like it but pretended they did and ranted the hate on KPOPSECRETS.
“Firstly, this implies some type of stigma surrounding these so-called ‘secrets’, which are in fact, nothing more than personal opinions people are entitled to hold. This basically discourages individuality and free speech as a k-pop fan, and reinforces the ridiculous rigidity of fandoms.” — Source
In the end, let’s all agree to disagree. We are all entitled to our own opinions and preferences. This includes Simon and Martina and yourself. Even if I don’t completely agree with what Simon and Martina had said, I’m still going to defend their right to say it. Simon and Martina aren’t supposed to be impressing you, they’re simply stating their opinion. Opinion is a subjective view or judgment as a result of emotion and interpretation. If you’re too afraid to voice them S!B you will lose followers if you voiced them aloud, then you’re not being true to yourself or your beliefs.
7. Sex sells.
Sex in advertising or ‘sex sells’ is the use of sexual imagery to draw interest to a particular product, for purpose of a sale… or in another words, records.
Now in 2011, there’s no denying that 4MINUTE’s Hyuna has been the talk of the town with her suggestive choreography and sexy image. From Bubble Pop to Trouble Maker, she’s certainly flaunting what she’s got and as a result many fans have publicly questioned CubeENT’s hidden agenda.
Hyuna wasn’t the only one who sold CDs this way as Rania’s debut had similar sexual themes of pelvic thrusting with a blunt suggestive title track, “Dr Feel Good.” Now, just because they were more direct with their concept doesn’t mean the other girl groups weren’t guilty of using their body either. Think Sistar with their strategically choreographed hand wave behind their bottoms. Coincidence that there’s a close up of their thighs and bottom? I don’t think so.
Moving unto the men who are just as guilty.
MBLAQ’s crotch grabbing pelvic thrusting dance move.
Teen Top requesting their noona’s not to spray perfume as they hip thrust. (And that highly suggestive hand movement as C.A.P pulls… whatever he was pulling.)
I’m pretty sure Hyunseung takes the cake for touching himself and Hyuna. The on-stage steamy kiss too! it was live sex on stage on an award show. Let's not forget that.
OH! And don’t forget the thrusting…
How about Seung Ri’s Strong Baby MV? A mirage to Justin Timberlake’s Sexy Back, only with a more explicit bedroom scene.
Let’s be frank, using sex as a selling point in KPOP is nothing new and it has always been notable. JYPE probably sells the most. I mean World Star Bi Rain at his First Rainy Day concert in Seoul back in 2006 had a performance where his shirt gets ripped off… wait for it… then his female back up dancers strip off their shirts revealing their bras and begin grinding him…I’m not even kidding. Go watch the video. Furthermore… 2PM’s constant shirt ripping. MissA’s burlesque dance moves. JYP concerts.
And let’s not forget GD’s scandal last year.
So before you make the assumption that KPOP is this aegyo fuelled innocent genre of music, think again. Even if it’s not in your face, there are sexual concepts that are subtle and so transparent that you may not even recognise it.
Is SNSD’s Oh really a cutesy aegyo song like the music video? Or any other songs at that! With lyrics such as “Oh Oh Oh Oh I love you, Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah a lot a lot”, “I really want to touch myself”, “Let’s make a love”, “Come to me quickly”, “I can give you electricity” and “Keep your head down”. A lot other songs utilize lingering “ohs” and “ahs” and other ‘moaning’ sounds. I know it’s taken out of context but that sounds hella suggestive to me!
6. Dispute.
Many Kamilias were distraught upon hearing the news about KARA’s contract dispute and their request for termination due to mistreatment.
It was messy, involving lawsuits, DSP Entertainment, the members of KARA (including their opinionated families) and many KPOP fans. With a well documented dispute, it was distressing for the idols and fans alike. Fortunately the dispute between DSP Entertainment and Seungyeon, Nicole and Ji Young were resolved.
What did we learn from this?
KPOP isn’t all rainbows and sunshine. Just because idols run around showing aegyo, doesn’t mean that they’re not grown adults who are professional entertainers concerned about their income and finances. There are hardships and serious underlying issues behind being an idol. This isn’t the first time that there was issues with entertainment companies about slave contracts and payments. Think TVXQ split to JYJ and two other remaining formers, after a long war and heavy suit against SME, famous not only for forming one of the world’s largest and most popular band, but also exploitative (for a better word) contracts? — Source
5. Love is in the air!
Even though Shin Se Kyung and SHINee’s Jonghyun split up in 2011, there were an emergence of new couples the KPOP fandom was granted with.
BEAST’s Junhyung and KARA’s Hara.
Funnily enough in a life imitating art scenario, City Hunter co stars Lee Min Ho and Park Min Young are dating as well!
Lee Hyori and Lee Sang Soon.
Wonder Girl’s Sunye mentioned she was seeing someone as well! :)
What did we learn from this? All the other idols are secretly dating underground. LOL. Just kidding! But who’s to say they’re not anyway?
Idols are human after all. Humans crave affection and love. If you have a crush, partner or a bias, then you too should completely understand the feeling of your idol’s love and attraction towards a certain someone.
4. Saying "See you soon." TOO SOON.
In early 2011, Secret Garden’s Hyun Bin soared to fame after his incredible acting performance in the television drama. However, he quickly left the scene to serve in the military. Many fans were disappointed that after discovering such a talented idol, it would be awhile before he graced television screens.
It was also dramatic year for ELFs who were preparing for the long awaited Super Junior comeback had to bid their goodbyes to Kim Heechul at his last performance before his military service just weeks after promotion.
There were tears and embraces as the popular TV personality said his thanks and greeted goodbye before he can years later return to his career. It was incredibly emotional and moving for everyone.
Bi Rain was also enlisted later in 2011, and many more new generation idols will be off too in 2012 allegedly including 2PM’s Taecyeon (yes, Hottests, prepare the tissues).
What did we learn from this?
Sooner or later male idols are going to serve in the military as it is compulsory. Their hair colour and screen time is no longer important as all you really want as a fan is for them to be safe and healthy. The only thing you can do is support them, wish them well and wait patiently for them to come back.
3. The Wave is spreading!
Hallyu Wave is definitely growing bigger and better every year. More KPOP idols are having concerts overseas including (as in 2011) around the SEA region, Brazil, America, France, Spain, England, Australia and Japan.
The most stand out concert overseas this year would be SMTOWN in Paris. It definitely raised awareness about KPOP in Europe and also about how big KPOP was internationally.
Since we’re on the topic of SM Entertainment, SNSD made their comeback in 2011 with their hit single “The Boys” which was produced by Teddy Riley who once produced for legend Michael Jackson. The maxi single (7 different versions, trololol~?) included an English version which was released along with a music video. The Boys (Eng ver.) made it into ITunes Top 100 upon release and has mixed reviews but successfully sold 227,994 albums just within 12 days in South Korea alone.
The YG ladies, 2NE1, have been promoting all year with hits such as ‘Hate You’, ‘Lonely’ and the revolutionary ‘I Am The Best’, which was dubbed 2011’s no. 21 best single. They stand out as a fierce and stellar girl group with their eccentric concepts and choreography.
2NE1 was also dubbed by MTV’s IGGY with the title of 2011’s Best New Band in the World. To celebrate, they even performed to thousands at New York’s Times Square. This achievement has not only commended their current success but can only potentially bring in more in 2012! — Source
2NE1’s CL also graced a stage performance of ‘Where is the Love?’ along with world star Black Eyed Peas’ Will.I.Am and Apl.de.ap. During 2011’s MAMA, both Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg mentioned that it was 2NE1 they were eagerly waiting to watch perform.
Meanwhile, BIG BANG made South Korea proud by beating out legendary pop star Britney Spears and winning Best Worldwide Act at MTV’s 2011 Europe Music Awards. All the intense voting and support from V.I.Ps certainly paid off as the award definitely gave them the recognition that they deserve.
KPOP is definitely making waves and, as a KPOP fan, I am certainly happy and proud! Congratulations to all our idols for their musical achievements in 2011!
2. A Series of Unfortunate Events.
TRIGGER WARNING TRIGGER WARNING TRIGGER WARNING
At #2, we have two unfortunate events which have been distressing for certain idols and many fans all over the world.
In April 2011, SNSD were performing ‘Run Devil Run’ at Lotte World and an unfortunate incident occurred. A male audience member had made his way past security and intruded on stage pulling Taeyeon away by the wrist. — Source
This incident definitely sparked a lot of debate about whether fans were obsessed to the extent of being delusional and mentally unstable. Famous or not, a complete stranger approaching you and dragging you away would be extremely frightening for anyone. (This event followed the previous crazy fan who sent numerous idols blood letters.)
Another unfortunate event would be BIG BANG’s Daesung controversy surrounding the car accident which involved a death of another citizen. I’m not going to go into full detail as it’s overly complicated and emotionally exhausting for not only myself but for readers.
“Daesung is in great shock and sadness over an accident that he could not avoid. He burst into tears due to his concerns for the injured party.” — For more information
May our prayers go out towards the family of the deceased and hope they slowly recover. Many KPOP fans have also stated their support for Daesung despite the controversy and stood by the popular boy band.
What did we learn? It’s not all it’s cracked up to be in the spotlight. When frightening and emotional scarring situations such as predators or deaths occur in real life, it’s already difficult to deal with. Imagine dealing with them in lime light with thousands of spectators around the world giving their commentary.
1. Decisions.
The number ONE reality check for 2011 would be that idols make decisions themselves. No matter how controlled they seem or whether they’ve signed a contract, idols still have the ability to make their own choices. Decisions based on their personal judgement and attitude. Sometimes these decisions may have not been the best ones but remind yourself that they’re only human who are prone to make mistakes.
BIG BANG’s G-Dragon confessed to smoking Marijuana at a Japanese club while being overseas for a concert. He was fortunately given a warning.
“I smoked a cigarette that someone had given me at a club,” G-Dragon said. “The smell was somewhat different from that of a regular cigarette so I was slightly suspicious that it was marijuana, but it is true that I smoked it.” —(Source)
Although he admitted his error in judgement, it opened up a can of worms. As a public figure and an idol, does he need to take into consideration that his actions can influence a whole generation of young fans? Or as a grown man, he is at least allowed to experiment and make mistakes? Are idols glamorising smoking?
Personally, it seems to me that GD shouldn’t be seen as the easy way out to blame youth in revolt. Where are the parents and mentors of these young people? Young people aren’t all naive and they TOO can make their own decision and opinion about the issue. However, substance abuse is an incredibly dangerous way to damage your mental and physical health. GD has to still be socially responsible. Ironic how BIG BANG sing public service announcements such as the ‘No Smoking Song’ and it’s disappointing as they should lead by example!
However, just because you made a mistake or decided to do something that was out of the norm, it doesn’t mean that your completely evil. YG even stated that he was given time to reflect upon his mistake. Let’s not forget that this is the same talented man who can sing, dance, rap and act. His unit projects and popularity in the band BIG BANG have been granted a huge success this year not only raking awards from Korean music shows but from the EMAs aswell.
Now, moving unto another alleged smoker is BEAST’s Kikwang. These photos circulated the blogosphere which led to a statement from CubeEnt which was very blunt yet true.
“We’re not sure whether it is Kikwang in the picture. Even if it is, he is of legal age to smoke in Korea, so we fail to see the issue”. — Source
Smoking is definitely legal in heaaaaaaaaps of countries. In fact, we all know at least one person who smokes in our lives. This doesn’t change the fact that it is incredibly dangerous to your health. It also doesn’t change the fact that Kikwang is a talented artist who is a triple threat with amazing abilities in singing, dancing and acting and is an influence to several B2UTIES out there.
Nonetheless, the reality is that idols have the ability to make their own decisions. This can be the clothes they were, what they say or whether they smoke or not. You may not agree with some of their decisions but let’s remember that we are all human. What you think is a totally cool purple dress may be seen as butt ugly by your mum. Similar to people thinking smoking is wrong but others believe it’s acceptable for recreational purposes?
Also just because they are labelled as idols doesn’t necessarily make them one to you. You decide who you admire. You decide what aspects and abilities of an idol you admire.
Let's end on a happy note, shall we? Thank you, KPOP, for a wonderful year in 2011! Despite the ups and downs, the controversies and the excitement… It was amazing to be a part of this fandom. Thank you! Can’t wait for what 2012 brings!
Fans often say “I wish I was Korean.” In my opinion, the K-POP fandom has become an idealistic euphoria that one have placed upon all one's highest expectations. K-POP is a world - a haven, for a better word - that you escape to, you enjoy, you listen, you watch and where you can be yourself. It is this place where everyone is beautiful, talented, funny, witty, intelligent and charming. It might have also been the place where you’ve fallen in love with a bias or OTP of some sort. Whenever you are upset, sad or lonely, the K-POP fandom is the one place that welcomes you with open arms. It's relatable as I feel the same way towards this wonderful fandom too. So it is with NO WONDER that you enjoy associate being Korean with these feelings of acceptance, happiness, love and success.
Hey, you know, there are a variety of idols in the K-POP industry who aren't of Korean ethnicity but have worked hard at learning the language, culture, traditions and are living the lifestyle (Well, celebrity lifestyle).
