K Pop

Good morning! I woke up late today, Le sigh... But I just self-declared holiday for myself! Hahahah!
Lessons in University is just like that, if you want to, you can skip lessons and sleep in. Of course, I'll have to revise and prepare for the midterms and exams which are coming soon!

This morning, I listened to NU'EST- Hello and even though it wasn't the first time hearing, I only get addicted to it now. It has a nice tempo and they have a good voice. Yeah, my comments are really vague, but I'm not a professional musician to give a proper comment.

I remember that a few years ago, J Pop was all the rage and then it transit to Mandopop (Mandarin Chinese songs). Ayumi Hamasaki and BoA were just one of the few who contributed to J Pop's industry. At that point of time, I had no idea that BoA was a Korean who ventured in Japan and released several albums there.

Suddenly, Kpop took over and take on the lead in 2008-2009 and you'll see Singaporeans singing to Wonder Girls- Nobody, Super Junior- Sorry Sorry, SNSD- Gee and Big Bang- Lies. In 2009, when 'Boys Over Flowers' was airing in Singapore's local channel, I took a holiday and flew to Korea with my family. When I returned, Kpop was all the rage and I had a hard time managing myself, thinking to myself am I in Singapore or in Korea still. My friends all gushed over Lee Minho and Kim Hyungjoong in Boys Over Flowers. I on the other hand, started to fan girl over Big Bang.

I tried to determine the differences between Jpop and Kpop and explain why there is a rise in Kpop these past few years. Well, these are just my perspectives and I wouldn't say it's true- it's argumentative and subjective.

Kpop idols aren't your typical idols who are pampered by their managers and companies. They have trained for ages since young and had sacrificed most of their time for the intensive training held by the companies. Okay, this is not a good enough reason for their success. To me, the most important factor is looks. Almost all the Kpop idols are good-looking or pretty. Just take a look at the 'visuals' from each group; they are the most good looking among the group members and usually the 'visuals' have the most fans. Eg: L from Infinite, Lee Minhyuk from BTOB and Yoona from SNSD. Their individual fanbase is wide and this help boost the group. (Not that the other members are bad)

Other than the looks factor, style and ever changing is something that adds on to their appeal. Take a look at Big Bang ,2NE1 and SHINee. Big Bang's leader G Dragon is known as a fashionista and he has a unique style that fits himself. 2NE1 is famous for their edgy and fierce fashion (songs also!) and they have collaborated with Jeremy Scott for his label. Many Kpop idols have expressed their interest in working with Jeremy Scott but 2NE1 was the girl group that caught his eye. Ever changing- you will never find one of those successful idols with the same hairstyle or fashion for years (okay let's not talk about Taeyang). Look at G Dragon- his hair changes fast! SHINee's Key- his hair also changes every now and then. Kpop idols aren't afraid of tremendous changes to their hairstyle; just like how Sandara shaved off a side of her hair. It's cause of such drastic changes that make fans Ooooh and Ahhhhs over with. With so many Kpop idols promoting in the industry, style must be changed constantly to make the fans anticipate for the idol's new 'concept', even drastic concept like BAP's One Shot MV.

Of course, idols are after all singers and their songs/dance are one of the major factors for their success. SHINee took the Korean music industry by storm cause of their 'Replay' choreography. Big Bang shot to fame after the release of -Lies a song mixed with rap in between. Infinite's Scorpion dance(Before the Dawn MV) and BAP's push up dance (One Shot MV) also left a huge impression on the fans. Hyorin from Sistar and Ailee are also famous for their splendid vocals (Ailee- Heaven). Kpop idols not only can dance well, they can also sing well. These, including the looks, make Kpop idols a good package and companies exploit on this.

Jpop idols on the other hand focuses more on Kei Visuals. Where the guys will dress up like girls or have thick make up and grow long hair. Their style hardly changes, but I'm not criticizing them, they still have a large fan base and they have their principles. However, such Kei Visuals aren't enough and most fans crave for new changes. Jpop songs on the other hand are very anime like or cutesy and almost all the group have those kind of songs. Kpop on the other hand have fierce to cutesy and sexy style like 2NE1, SNSD and Secret. Versatility? Jpop needs to improve and be better.

Jpop is still on-going. I like Flow and Namie Amuro still. But they have to start getting on with the trend and make slight changes to their marketing tactics. I believe Jpop will take on the world again. Or maybe we could see a collaboration between Jap and Korean songs. Like Jaejoong's Mine- it really sounds like Jpop to me just that the lyrics and singer is Korean.