Kpop Primer

Not to slight Pat but I think I'm miles ahead of her in hipness.... after all I actually have a Korean Playlist and she does not. I thought perhaps some of you might like some education on Kpop so you are better informed. This could help during your next Trivia Competition!

BTS from a few years ago

First of all the difference in American groups vs Kpop groups.... The most striking difference is that American groups almost invariably play instruments. You know; lead guitar, bass, drums, perhaps keyboard, with a vocalist thrown in too if needed. Not so with Kpop. In Korea the groups do not usually play instruments as part of their performances; rather they focus on singing and dancing. In fact, if I were going to provide a concise definition of Kpop it would be groups (either male or female) of dancers and singers who perform together. These groups have very complex choreography with various members of the group singing at different parts of the performance.

Next, in the US I have the impression that most groups come together organically and begin playing and performing together. In Korea, this is a big business that isn't left to chance. Rather, young people audition in their teens or are sometimes recruited off the street to train. The management companies specifically look for 3 components:

the vocal line (young people that show a propensity for singing)

the dance line (young people that are particularly good at dancing)

and, the rap line (you get it.... they can rap.)

The various individuals are cobbled together to form a group. Management has a strong grip and will spend years developing them and sign them to multi-year contracts. Without the management group these young people probably wouldn't succeed in the music industry. Plus endorsements, public appearances, fan meetings, almost their whole lives... are controlled by the management companies. The individual performers have much less independence than performers in the US.

Lastly, I think there is a noticeable and remarkable difference in how the performers are expected to behave. If anything, in the United States, Rock Groups have a 'bad boy' image. Their misdeeds, drug use, drinking & smoking, trashing hotel rooms, etc are legendary. In Korea this is simply not tolerated. If a member of a group is caught misbehaving it can be devatating to their career. They could be dropped by management, or shunned by their fans, and certainly excoriated in the gossip press. For further info on this check out this article from the Korean Herald. https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20240816050538

By the way, for me, I love the showmanship and performances that Kpop provides. And yes, I've even come to appreciate the makeup on men.... I'm not a musical expert so I cannot address the relative strengths of their musical talent; but for raw performance I think Kpop is pretty hard to beat. Unvelieable Sets! Costuming! Shared spotlight! Exceptional dancing! Good music! ...... And of course, gorgeous Korean men. ~ Judy

Enhyphen - another big name although I am less familiar with them. Of course there are many Girl Kpop bands but this Gmama isn't rally interested in them...