K-pop idol group with more foreign members?
YG Entertainment released a video of the final selection process of the debut members of the new girl group Baby Monster on the 17th. It is YG's first new girl group in about seven years following BLACKPINK's success. The majority of the prospective members are teenagers, including seven multinational members, three Koreans, two Thais and two Japanese.
It is unclear who among them will be selected as official members. However, the fact that there are more foreigners as members of K-pop idol groups is a hot topic.
Why are K-pop entertainment companies including more and more foreign members in their idol groups?
In recent years, K-pop has become a global phenomenon, with its catchy music, synchronized dance moves, and stylish visuals winning over fans all around the world. As the popularity of K-pop has soared, so has the international appeal of K-pop idol groups. Increasingly, K-pop entertainment companies are including foreign members in their idol teams, a trend that reflects their desire to expand their global reach, tap into new markets, and diversify their talent pool.
One of the main reasons for this trend is the growing popularity of K-pop beyond South Korea. K-pop has become a cultural export, with fans from all over the world embracing the music, fashion, and aesthetics of K-pop. In order to cater to these diverse markets, K-pop agencies have sought to recruit foreign members who can speak multiple languages, connect with fans from different cultures, and serve as cultural ambassadors for K-pop around the world.
For example, the boy band NCT, which is managed by SM Entertainment, includes members from South Korea, China, Japan, and the United States. The group has a unique concept of "unlimited members," where new members are added to different sub-units, each with its own style and sound. The inclusion of foreign members has helped the group gain popularity in China, Japan, and other Asian countries, as well as in the United States, where the group has collaborated with American artists such as Ava Max and Ryan Tedder.
Another reason for the inclusion of foreign members is to diversify the talent pool. The K-pop industry is highly competitive, with thousands of trainees vying for a few spots in idol groups. By including foreign members, entertainment companies can broaden their search for talent and bring in individuals with unique qualities and experiences.
For example, the girl group (G)I-DLE, which is managed by Cube Entertainment, includes members from South Korea, China, and Taiwan. Each member brings a different set of skills and experiences to the group, which has helped them stand out in the crowded K-pop landscape. The group's leader, Soyeon, is known for her songwriting and producing skills, while the Chinese member, Yuqi, has become a fan favorite for her playful personality and unique vocal tone.
Risk of recruiting foreign members
While including foreign members in K-pop idol groups can bring many benefits, there are also risks that K-pop entertainment companies should consider. These risks include cultural clashes, language barriers, and potential backlash from fans.
One of the main risks of including foreign members is the potential for cultural clashes. K-pop is a highly stylized and choreographed genre that has a distinct Korean flavor. When foreign members are added to K-pop idol groups, there is a risk that their cultural backgrounds and perspectives may clash with the traditional Korean values and aesthetics that are deeply ingrained in K-pop.
For example, when the Taiwanese member Chou Tzuyu of the girl group TWICE waved the Taiwanese flag on a Korean variety show, it sparked a controversy in China, which saw the flag as a symbol of Taiwanese independence. The incident led to a backlash against the group in China, with some Chinese netizens calling for a boycott of the group.
Another risk of including foreign members is the language barrier. While many K-pop idols are fluent in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Japanese, there are still challenges in communicating effectively with fans from different countries. Foreign members may struggle to learn the Korean language, which can make it difficult for them to connect with their Korean fans and integrate into the K-pop industry.
For instance, when the Chinese member Victoria Song of the girl group f(x) appeared on a Korean variety show, she struggled to understand the Korean language and culture, leading to awkward moments and miscommunications with the Korean hosts and guests.
Finally, there is the risk of backlash from fans, who may feel that the inclusion of foreign members dilutes the Korean identity and authenticity of K-pop. Some fans may argue that K-pop should stay true to its Korean roots and that the inclusion of foreign members is a form of cultural appropriation or commercialization.
For example, when the Chinese member Yanan of the boy group Pentagon was absent from the group's activities due to a health issue, some fans criticized the group for relying too heavily on foreign members and neglecting their Korean members.
In conclusion, while including foreign members in K-pop idol groups can bring many benefits, K-pop entertainment companies should be aware of the risks involved. They should take steps to ensure that foreign members are properly trained and integrated into the K-pop industry, and that cultural clashes and language barriers are addressed. By doing so, they can create a more inclusive and diverse K-pop industry that appeals to fans from all over the world while staying true to its Korean roots.
Analyzing the Strengths and Risks of Diversity in K-Pop
Enter your details below to save your shopping cart for later. And, who knows, maybe we will even send you a sweet discount code :)