Asia's K-Pop clones dance to South Korean beat

I think it is important to understand that the korean government's "NATION BRANDING COMMITTEE" is funding the spread of "kpop" and it is a national initiative to spread kpop and korean culture, its not so much that kpop is really popular, you see so much coverage because its paid for.

paid advertisement ≠ success

all the comparison to jpop, i dont understand, japanese music industry is not trying to force itself or spread into the world, jpop is japanese music, the music of our youth and soul. i would hate for jpop to be forced onto people of the world like kpop is forced on us

I hope all you critics listen ONLY to indie music and noncommercialized music and have always shown the same level of derision to 99.99% of music that you listened to in your home countries. Pop is pop. Only once you assume this basic assumption, a sane discussion is possible.

AKB48 also just had a concert in Singapore the other day, but I don't really see anyone emulating the band or striving to be like them.

They're just too talented

BWA HA HA HA HA!!!! ROTFLMAO!!!

@Ash i dont care of being k-pops any where at all, but their stealth marketing makes me get a bit irritated.

AKB48 also just had a concert in Singapore the other day, but I don't really see anyone emulating the band or striving to be like them.

They're just too talented. It isn't really possible for anyone to emulate them. They have to emulate the grade B acts.

Apparently music doesn't matter anymore.

weak-minded, impressionable children have now begun to post here... sigh. K-pop is Unoriginal. It is simply an attempt to capitalize on the back of U.S. pop industry and Japan's past pop music glory days. The only difference is that Korean groups have been selling overly sexualized images of teen/young adult girl groups and calling it "pop music"

These music execs have created an enviroment where glamour, high heels, and make-up cancels the need to be a real vocalist, lyrical genius, and artist. The shelf life of most of these groups are only 3-5yrs max. No staying power because they are not selling music they are selling an image! yes the truth hurts. but i would say these is only K-pop. There are other forms of k-music that is actually good.

so many people on here are so bitter..but why? i think its maybe a bit cheesy music but its nice

many people love k-pop girls legs. wonder if those legs keep to be loved for years. and how much budget is allowed to spend for those products by k-folks. unfortunately exporting k-tv contents hasnt been success a lot these days, hope their exporting k-pop strategy will be better for their folks.

kpoop sux lol

Duplicate, replicate, imitate and call it talent? K-pop groups for years copied U.S./Japanese acts. Big Bang was even in trouble a few years back for copying lyrics. These groups have now begun to walk on their own but the product they produce is still unoriginal, and weak. They pander to masses of weak-minding, easily impressionable children. Even in Korea this is being seen as a growing problem.

http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/03/23/2010032300275.html

there is really a problem when half of all students want to be a singer, or actor.

She would more a,"to follow like sheep"?

I want to be the first Indian (Singaporean) girl to join a Korean girl group,” she quipped moments before stepping into the audition room, outnumbered by aspirants from Singapore’s ethnic Chinese majority.

Poor girl.She didn't realize than is being manipulated by mass media.

Brainwashing !

Korean world domination? Ha ha.

Well it beats reality......

After Asia, the next step is for Korean culture to conquer the world,” Yun told AFP.

Only electrical fans can stop them.

“After Asia, the next step is for Korean culture to conquer the world,” Yun told AFP.

Make way for Korean world domination in technology and culture.

The Korean girls are much prettier with all their plastic surgery. I do love their legs though. Long and slender and not bow legged.

Most are not tone deaf either which is a big change from here in Japan. Their ears do not stick out either and that is nice. The Dumbo look is not good.

It's amazing how dominant K-pop is becoming as Asia's 'representative' around the world, and even outstripping a lot of domestic stuff in other nations. AKB48 also just had a concert in Singapore the other day, but I don't really see anyone emulating the band or striving to be like them. There's definitely something in the cultural differences in which they are represented, as well as the fact that the K-pop groups often have actual talent, that is making such a difference.

I find it nearly all to be drivel, really, K-pop OR J-pop, but clearly one set is finding a massive world-wide audience.

The may also be a boom in plastic surgery clinics, as the young of Asia seek to emulate the looks of the K-pop artists. There are numerous websites showing before and after shots of these "stars".

My prediction; now that the image of more mature and non-kiddy women is pulling in the cash, we will see a massive shift in the image of AKB48 in an attempt to cash in on that.

In other words the masses still objectify Asian women.

If I said I liked to any of the Korean or Japanese female group acts for their music, I would be a liar.

Asia's K-Pop clones dance to South Korean beat

which in turn dance to a J-pop beat.

Sarcasm321; agreed. Utter, utter rubbish. The Koreans are churning out slightly less sinister rubbish though, so if I had to choose one, it would be them. My prediction; now that the image of more mature and non-kiddy women is pulling in the cash, we will see a massive shift in the image of AKB48 in an attempt to cash in on that.

Whether it's Japanese, Korean Taiwanese whatever, it's all grade A rubbish.

Pretty sad if you ask me, they want to work for someone else on a fixed salary and then dumped once you turn 24 years old....

dance in front of handicap toilets?

It may be that after 10 years here and with a young daughter the lolicon thing it making me sick, because I dont even know if they have the same thing in Korea, but I dont associate it with Korea.

@NickyWashida if you're female and want to make it in Korean entertainment it's associated with something else.

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jan/09/entertainment/la-ca-cultural-exchange-20110109

http://www.allkpop.com/2010/11/snsd-fans-angered-over-taiwanese-tv-show-accusing-snsd-of-providing-sexual-favors

http://www.allkpop.com/2010/08/selling-sex-to-be-a-korean-idol-taiwanese-singer-reveals-all

"We cannot stand the fabrication of a boom any longer," read one placard held by a protester.

Ha, ha, ha.

And how are most Japanese Pop stars any different? Pink Lady, Checkers, SMAP, Kinki Kids, Morning Musume, AKB47, etc. were/are all fabricated booms. Japan is no different from other countries trying to use "soft power" to their advantage.

I believe the conclusion of the article is fair. Whether it be Japanese or Korean culture, it would be good for Asia for more of the work ethic and standards to rub off on other countries- regardless of what one thinks of the actual music!

You are funny dentshop.

Weird place to be dancing. Why block the handicap toilet door?

its funny, because while I loath J-pop bands like AKB48, I actually dont mind bands like KARA, and the music is not that dissimilar so I cant quite put my finger on why. The only thing I can think of is that K-pop bands (believe it or not!) come across to me as a bit more mature, a bit tougher and stronger and less simpering and cutesy cutesy compared to the J-pop girls - at least the ones I know do! I much prefer their image.

It may be that after 10 years here and with a young daughter the lolicon thing it making me sick, because I dont even know if they have the same thing in Korea, but I dont associate it with Korea. Im a complete layman but it is just my impression.

My daughter is into KARA and Justin Bieber and although I am sure people who know anything about music will turn up their noses and sniff that it is not even music, I am really pleased about it when you compare it to some of the alternatives coming out of Japan.

As for this k-pop explosion, the stuff is fluff crap just like in Japan but at least they dont seem to push the pre-pubecent image like in Japan.

J-pop cud have done this yrs ago, must be a real kick in the stones to see they have been left in the dust.

Personally its all utter crap

Jeff, it was never picked up by the Japanese mainstream media, but the demonstrations have taken place multiple times outside the Fuji TV building in Odaiba. Searches for it will bring up several articles and pictures from personal sites and blogs (even a lengthy Wikipedia article).

Eww - whats with the photo? A handicapped woman limping out of the bathroom?

Never saw it either Jeff.

The Korean girls though have great legs.

the one in the picture is a massive YOURS

"Thousands of Japanese staged rallies to protest against the Fuji TV network for allegedly “forcing” South Korean programs on its audiences."

I don't recall the Japanese media reporting that. Odd, because I follow the domestic news every day. Anyone else?