interesting talk about k-pop fan culture in the wonder girls post comments. If I knew korean I swear I would do some in-depth study of that. SNSD, mentioned in those comments, had a year of being 'the most hated group in korea' in 08, before enjoying by far their best year in 09 with several hits, omnipresence on talkshows and their own reality shows, winning every award, and finally venturing forth on that rare korean girl group event; their own solo tour. drama!
when you step back and think of the fact that these nine 19-20 year olds have been 'in training' for many years under the rule of their big scary company*, finally debuted with perfectly rehearsed dance steps, all live together in their flat and seem to be herded through seven tv performances each week (similar to many k-pop groups, though some of them have more than 9 members!), it's a wonder that they all seem so... relaxed, comfortable, personable and, dare I say it, even reflected. they do other things -- one is frequently seen acting in dramas, one djs a radio show, others have their own projects. not at all the doll characters they inhabit in Gee. I said once that SNSD were infinitely captivating as people, and that their music fell short of being as interesting, but lately I've come around to the music as well.
tl;dr version: my one year of being into korean pop, youtube-hopping subbed korean entertainment, reading and poring over every detail, has been an excercise in confronting prejudices, tearing many down, gaining a few new ones (mainly about fans).. and has probably left me as full of questions as before. The power of finding an odd, catchy pop tune. a highly recommended study, anyway.
(*in this case SM Entertainment, and I still haven't decided on whether they are scary or not. they're big, and there are differing opinions about them everywhere. speaking english, a lot of my info is based on fans translating. Here are the two SNSD diaspora members promoting a US event: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEodX3-O8-c)
no subject
when you step back and think of the fact that these nine 19-20 year olds have been 'in training' for many years under the rule of their big scary company*, finally debuted with perfectly rehearsed dance steps, all live together in their flat and seem to be herded through seven tv performances each week (similar to many k-pop groups, though some of them have more than 9 members!), it's a wonder that they all seem so... relaxed, comfortable, personable and, dare I say it, even reflected. they do other things -- one is frequently seen acting in dramas, one djs a radio show, others have their own projects. not at all the doll characters they inhabit in Gee. I said once that SNSD were infinitely captivating as people, and that their music fell short of being as interesting, but lately I've come around to the music as well.
tl;dr version: my one year of being into korean pop, youtube-hopping subbed korean entertainment, reading and poring over every detail, has been an excercise in confronting prejudices, tearing many down, gaining a few new ones (mainly about fans).. and has probably left me as full of questions as before. The power of finding an odd, catchy pop tune. a highly recommended study, anyway.
(*in this case SM Entertainment, and I still haven't decided on whether they are scary or not. they're big, and there are differing opinions about them everywhere. speaking english, a lot of my info is based on fans translating. Here are the two SNSD diaspora members promoting a US event: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEodX3-O8-c)
(Sorry for the digression)