August 01, 2013
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We all do things we regret from time to time... maybe handling a situation differently, saying something differently... or just resorting to not doing anything, at all, which simply marks and paints the canvas of our lives. But with idols, it's different--it's not a simple hey! I left the stove on! kind of deal but rather something that can shape their entire careers and onward with just one, measly action... and if they simply just did something differently, they could've been something, but weren't. Now, now, this isn't necessarily popularity growth, it can be a fall from top-tier, the wrong company... in fact, it can be anything! Just as long as it's apparent that the grass would have been greener on the other side. So let's get started--shall we?
If Rainbow wasn't on this list, I don't know who else could have made it, this seven member group being the epitome of a group with potential that failed. Having basically everything that K-Pop fans could want and more from their debut and height with song, A, I believe that if DSP Media pushed the group harder rather simply focusing on KARA, they could've been at the very least around groups like SECRET or 4minute in regards to popularity... however, with the combination of the company feeding them shitty, cutesy songs (which the public obviously doesn't like... give us more 'A'!) along side lack of promotion, the group turned from 'A' to 'I', quickly... I standing for irrelevant.
What's different about the group, Wonder Girls, on the list is that they actually were top-tier however, aren't anymore. If they simply just stayed in Korea, they could've been head-to-head with now top girl group, Girls' Generation however, with Sunye's pregnancy and their prolonged inactivity, they've slumped to a level that no group would want to go. Not only that, in my eyes I believe that without JYP Entertainment's poor choices in America, they could've maybe been at least at a level higher than where they are in America right now.
With their hot debut with Dr. Feel Good in 2009, I believe Rania truly had a lot of potential in them. If Rania, like Wonder Girls, didn't push towards the American market and rather, focused more on the Asian market, they could've definitely had more fame going for them. I mean, it's not impossible to learn English at the same time as promoting in Korea... why didn't they do that? Likewise, I feel like if the group was from a better, more-established company, it'd be easier for them to have a high popularity... and the company could've realized both the American market and Korean market were able to be prepped for at the same times... and they didn't have to hold the girls back with constant delays of even their American debut and lack of Korean promotion.
With their hot debut with Dr. Feel Good in 2009, I believe Rania truly had a lot of potential in them. If Rania, like Wonder Girls, didn't push towards the American market and rather, focused more on the Asian market, they could've definitely had more fame going for them. I mean, it's not impossible to learn English at the same time as promoting in Korea... why didn't they do that? Likewise, I feel like if the group was from a better, more-established company, it'd be easier for them to have a high popularity... and the company could've realized both the American market and Korean market were able to be prepped for at the same times... and they didn't have to hold the girls back with constant delays of even their American debut and lack of Korean promotion.
Disbanding prior to debut, the YG Entertainment girl group, SuPearls could've been phenomenal and undoubtedly a hit. With statements that not all the members signed contracts with YG Entertainment (rumored to be Michelle), the group basically bursted into flames, the replaced, rookie monster Lee Hi the only one with the apparent career.
T-ara is a group I'm still a bit iffy about on this list... at the time prior to the bullying scandal, it was inevitable that T-ara was climbing their way to the top, similar to how SISTAR is currently. I believe that maybe if T-ara didn't have the scandal and Hwayoung left quietly, they maybe, might've, could've... with more song releases, of course, been head-to-head with top-tier idols... maybe even specifically Girls' Generation (inb4 SONEs!).
T-ara is a group I'm still a bit iffy about on this list... at the time prior to the bullying scandal, it was inevitable that T-ara was climbing their way to the top, similar to how SISTAR is currently. I believe that maybe if T-ara didn't have the scandal and Hwayoung left quietly, they maybe, might've, could've... with more song releases, of course, been head-to-head with top-tier idols... maybe even specifically Girls' Generation (inb4 SONEs!).
Believe it or not--the first and only guy group on this list! JYP Entertainment's six member creation, 2PM, faced a scandal from one of their foreign members, Nickhun, a few years ago. Though of course, Nickhun did apologize so many times he shat rocks, netizens still don't forgive him. Ah, k-netizens, you are appalling.
Lastly, there's KARA which was already mentioned on this list. You would think that they wouldn't be on the list, to be honest, but what I really want to point out is that KARA is going full out in Japan and forgetting their fan base in Korea, them, losing fans as a result which definitely could've been avoided. I truly do think that if KARA leveled themselves like Girls' Generation did in Japan and released their Japanese songs as well as Korean songs, they didn't have to fall so far from the top tier of Korean groups as they did in the last few years. But, hey! As long as they're making money (cause Japan gives much more money than Korea) then it's actually kinda worth it, right?
Do you know any other acts that could've been something but stopped short of it with bad actions (save SE7EN and Sangchu--too obvious to put on the list)? Comment below.
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Lastly, there's KARA which was already mentioned on this list. You would think that they wouldn't be on the list, to be honest, but what I really want to point out is that KARA is going full out in Japan and forgetting their fan base in Korea, them, losing fans as a result which definitely could've been avoided. I truly do think that if KARA leveled themselves like Girls' Generation did in Japan and released their Japanese songs as well as Korean songs, they didn't have to fall so far from the top tier of Korean groups as they did in the last few years. But, hey! As long as they're making money (cause Japan gives much more money than Korea) then it's actually kinda worth it, right?
Do you know any other acts that could've been something but stopped short of it with bad actions (save SE7EN and Sangchu--too obvious to put on the list)? Comment below.
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[[ I really copy paste this one hehe..]]
ReplyDelete" Lastly, there's KARA which was already mentioned on this list. You would think that they wouldn't be on the list, to be honest, but what I really want to point out is that KARA is going full out in Japan and forgetting their fan base in Korea, them, losing fans as a result which definitely could've been avoided. I truly do think that if KARA leveled themselves like Girls' Generation did in Japan and released their Japanese songs as well as Korean songs, they didn't have to fall so far from the top tier of Korean groups as they did in the last few years. But, hey! As long as they're making money (cause Japan gives much more money than Korea) then it's actually kinda worth it, right?"
---ok here's my answer
[ idea from someone]
Some keep saying that, 'Oh, it's for the Korean market popularity.' Well, I say this to them. Listen,, they don't make much money in music in Korea. That's why they are all going overseas market, mainly Japan, to make money. You cannot live in a bubble anymore in Korea regarding MUSIC business. Now, the idol group businesses HAVE to look at it internationally. Forget these popularity rankings on that stupid Pann Board at Nate.com .
--But Musically Yes KARA still haven't comeback yet.
but Activities in KOREA?..
they have lots of activities in KOREA right now
you want me to list?? or you just don't care??..just believe me anyway ..
Japan 2013
http://www.karaholic.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14349
Korea 2013
http://www.karaholic.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14347
---this year we all know that All kpop act album sales in japan dropped.
except TVXQ i think?...
But still KARA selling decently unlike other girl group there..but not that much as they use to be. so meaning ..as long sa there's still OPENING in JAPAN DSP will try everything to MILK Japanese fans.
now back to Rainbow...
actually Rainbow really got potential but the most stupid things that DSP did was.... they also tried to Promote Rainbow In JAPAN, DSP become greedy ...
Rainbow should at least make More comeback in KOREA while KARA doing more activities in JAPAN..
The way I see it the group that definitely screwed up the most was T-ara. They just weren't at the rise to the top, they were already there, songs like Roley poly( wich was #1 on 2011 gaon yearly charts) and lovey dovey (7th in gaon yearly chart in 2012) were huge hits Overseas and in Korea. They were easily a top 3 girl group couse that were huge in Korea and had a foothold in Japan. Even day by day was 19th on gaons yearly charts even though their scandal happened at the time of the songs promotion. If T-ara didn't self implode they would be on the level of GG, Sistar, and 2NE1. CCM has to be the worst management company ever! I have no idea what they are trying to do switching members left and right. The biggest mistake they ever made was kicking out hwayoung. If every one just apologized over time things would have gone back to normal but ccm made the Terrible Decision to let her go. Now T-ara will never be able to escape their "bullying past".
ReplyDeleteYou have to admit that except for pandora last year kara has literally been in Japan for almost 2 and a half years, THAT'S A LONG TIME. on top of that pandora was comeplety overshadowed by gang am style. What the article is saying is that they should have a comeback soon or they might drop in popularity.
ReplyDeleteExactly. T-ara had SO much going for them they were actually in the top tier... they were doing better than most oher groups.
ReplyDelete'If T-ara didn't self implode they would be on the level of GG, Sistar, and 2NE1.' - This. I think if the whole scandal didn't happen, KARA would still be considered an AMAZING group by all people.
'CCM has to be the worst management company ever!' Exactly! I think that honestly, I myself could manage that company better in a single week than KKS does/did the whole duration of CCM, damn.
'If every one just apologized over time things would have gone back to normal but ccm made the Terrible Decision to let her go.' - Exactly. This could've been quiet... however, weren't the rumors of bullying from netizens, anyway? I think if T-ara stood up and actually talked about it a lot sooner as well as the lack of stupid as fuck excuses from KKS... and maybe even the help of Hwayoung, they could've recovered.
oh KARA won against PSY ..PANDORA got 3 Awards in Music Show ..
ReplyDeleteare you for real?. 2 years?..hehe LOL
you don't know KARA's activities isn't ?..LOL
KARA always #2 against PSY and its an honor to win against psy that time
Kara: 1,503,346 Downloads (Pandora - #93 2012) DA: 145,990,519 (#75 2012)
Pandora: 90,425+ Physical album
Solo Collection: 14,575
Kc157489 & K-Pop Ranter Blog
ReplyDeleteby the way..how informed are you about KARA? i know your now a fan but ..of course i have to know ..since i think you have little knowledge ...about them....
For me..Guys for Business perspective i don't consider 2ne1 SISTAR near at KARA's level to be honest not shading ..
and T-ara? Yes T-ara has Tons of potential
They are all over in KOREA from drama to endorsement ...
and take note they have good response in DRAMA as well which is Good.. then scandal pop up..
tbqh, I don't know if I should take you seriously or not....
ReplyDeleteWhat I was saying with the lack of activity (did I even say 'lack of activity, anyway?' is the lack of comebacks in Korea.
'and T-ara? Yes T-ara has Tons of potential'
They were top tier and dropped with the bullying scandal, all I'm gonna say.
what do you mean by this?
ReplyDelete"":KARA would still be considered an AMAZING group by all people.""
just curious ?..
I am saying T-ara got potential to be as SNSD level ..
by seling Digital and Physical album at the same time with High response.
But they are good seller before the scandal..
What it says.
ReplyDeleteThey were heading their way to the top but with the bullying scandal, halted. They have digital and physicals but what most top tier groups don't have are scandals intertwined with them to keep it on their record, you know?
i am asking this one..
ReplyDelete""This. I think if the whole scandal didn't happen,""
"":KARA would still be considered an AMAZING group by all people.""
just curious ?.. or are you referring to T-ara?
They were heading their way to the top but with the bullying scandal, halted. They have digital and physicals but what most top tier groups don't have are scandals intertwined with them to keep it on their record, you know?
actually there's one article analyze about scandal thing...
http://seoulbeats.com/2013/05/ccm-clashes-with-sports-seoul-a-line-gone-too-far/#comment-908104697
T-ara. Typo, woops.
ReplyDeleteNo offense to you or Seoulbeats but with the scandal analysis, it's not really going to drown out the bullet that T-ara basically took.
no...
ReplyDeletego to comment section ..i put direct link to COMMENT section ..
---I knew it its Typo hehe i just want to confirm it hehe
'Well...looks like CCM is just keep going downhill. I wonder when it will hit rock bottom or when KKS will be kicked out. To be honest, no one in America even cares about Chris Brown and T-ara N4 or even heard about it.
ReplyDeleteCall me sadistic or unfeeling if you want, but I can't wait to see how this drama unfolds and if CCM or KKS will get some more bashing.' - This?
I am referring to this one
ReplyDeletehttp://seoulbeats.com/2013/05/ccm-clashes-with-sports-seoul-a-line-gone-too-far/#comment-908104697
http://entermedia.co.kr/news/news_view.html?idx=1591
To summerize: KKS has a successful long career in entertainment industry by being able to catch on to trend quickly, and being able to "media play" well. However with T-ara controversy his success formula failed for two reasons. One his media playbook was written in pre-Internet age. Two the controversy was not a mere entertainment gossip, but became a social issue resonating with many students and parents. Furthermore, KKS is still delusional about his ability to corral the media. Despite his long involvement in the industry, his organization lacks that organizational heritage(in US this would be called corporate culture, in a positive sense) that would withstand this sort of crisis and rebound. Ultimately this is in failure in KKS's value system, where entertainers are viewed merely as "consumables".
The article was written August 1st of last year, and still is valid despite some new developments. In fact, this incident regarding SportsSeoul strenthens the article's argument about KKS's impotence in Internet age media world. One small criticism I have is that he ignores the regional rivalry that may be in play. Hwayoung was only member from Jolla area, while Hyomin(born in Busan) and Boram(through both side of parents) are from Kyungsang-do. Other members might have Kyungsang-do background as well.
The article is actually a part of regular column titled "Why me?". It touches on social and political issues behind/above/below entertainment related controversies and is very worthwhile read for Seoulbeats regulars.
I think T-ara's slide actually started before the bullying scandal.
ReplyDeleteAt the height of their success, KKS pissed off all the fans by announcing that he was going to shake things up by adding two new members - including a 13-year old who didn't speak Korean. Then he cast a shadow over the whole group by saying the girls were lazy and that he might decide to kick members out of the group at any time.
The "bullying" scandal made things way worse but I think there is a good chance T-ara's best days were behind them no matter what.
I really don't blame Kara for focusing on Japan. You could say that SNSD has put most of its effort into Japan in the last two years as well.
ReplyDeleteWay more money to be made in the world's second largest music market than there is in Korea. Kara is easily the #2 girl group in terms of overall financial success. 2NE1 doesn't even come close.
ok, so I can tell that you are a huge Kara fan and so am I. Nicole is actually my second bias in all of kpop and I know a lot about Kara because I've watched a 20 part documentary like video on YouTube over Kara. the documentary shows their journey from their debut to now. so yes I know Kara is big in japan and in Korea but from this point on I'm going to put away my biasness and state facts.
ReplyDeleteas ive already said outside of Pandora last year Kara hasn't promoted any music as a group in korea for about two years now. Pandora, dispite it being an awesome song, was definitely overshadowed by gangnam style. seeing how Pandora didn't even make the top 50 in the 2012 gaon sales chart. Pandora was #75 on gaon yearly sales in 2012. compared to the other girl groups I mentioned which were all in the top 10 in the yearly sales. That's what I mean by the slight fall of popularity in Korea due to the lack of activity. Kara is still a top tear girl group but I'm just saying that they are slipping in popularity because of lack of activity in korea.
you're right their fall did slightly begin then but no one really cared about the member changes unless you're a big fan. (given, I have no idea why they would add new members to an already established girl group but that's ccm for you). what the bullying scandal did was completely cover the groups name for all of korea to bullying. so I think they would have definitely prospered if not for the scandal.
ReplyDeletebut you could say that adding the new members was really the downfall of T-ara because one of those members is the cause of the whole bullying scandal.
Promoted Music for 2 years?..
ReplyDeleteThe funny thing about what you said is ..claiming that KARA hasn't promoting Music for 2 years..
Here's some patern Yearly
DIGITAL SALES Kara 2010-2012
4 songs charted
Total = 8,460,268 downloads
Average: 2,115,067 downloads/song
2010
Kara Lupin: 2,977,898 Downloads (Lupin #7 2010) DA:(#18) 533,481,639)
Kara: Jumping did #64 with DA 369,862,218
2011
kara: Step did #55 on the 2011 list with DA 193,526,528
2012
Kara: 1,503,346 Downloads (Pandora - #93 2012) DA: 145,990,519 (#75 2012)
Physical sales 2010-2012
2010 (3rd Column)
Kara 172,117 - CORRECT
3rd Mini Album '?? (Lupin)' 64,782 (#16)
?? (Jumping) (EP)39,580 (#37)
2? Revolution36,418 (#40)
2nd Mini Album 'Honey (Special Edition)' 15,824 #94
1? Blooming 15,513 #95
2011 (4th Column)
Kara 150,230 confirmed: 146,267
Kara 3rd Album STEP 100,662 #11
Jumping (EP) 18,475(#87)
Revolution 15,759 (#99)
3rd Mini Album `?? (Lupin)` 2,472 Jan #37
2nd Mini Album `Honey (Special Edition... 3251 Feb 86
1st Mini Album `Rock U` 2830 Feb 77
1? Blooming 1,523 Jan #66
2nd Mini Album `Pretty Girl` 1,285 Jan #77
Jan-April 2012 Sales
Kara 1,222 - CORRECT
KARA 3rd Album STEP 1,222 (#79 January)
2012 Sales (January-December)
Kara
Pandora 70,425 #23
KARA SOLO Collection 14,575 Dec #6
KARA 3rd Album STEP 5,416 Oct #47
= 90,416
KARA still Selling well...
Yes they charted @23 is physical but it doesn't mean they are fading.. its just mean that Many other Artist or Groups Sold more that KARA...
why you are looking at the CHART?you should look at the NUMBER..
and Take note ..They just comeback in AUG 2012 while other groups have MULTIPLE comeback in 2012 so GAON combine all...t
and Yes Gangnam was a HIT last year..but KARA still sell Better like other groups and KARA manage to win at least ONE Vs PSY...
and also KARA become Top 4 at CF & endorsement income in KOREA 2012 ..korea only...
I'm NOT bias to my Opinion ..I have all the records if you want..i don't base my opinion just because of charting .i am basing my opinion base on Total sales and Report...
I give up, you're not reasonable at all..... I tried.
ReplyDeleteYeah, to be honest, it started a bit when Dani was gonna be added but it wasn't that hard. It's similar to Kahi leaving--Kahi left but After School is still pretty popular, am I right?
ReplyDelete'The "bullying" scandal made things way worse but I think there is a good chance T-ara's best days were behind them no matter what.'
Countryside Life was the shit, though and you have to admit it! I think it'd have made the 'adding in Dani' less noticeable because Ahreum was doing fine.
But that's already understandable--KKS failed hard.
ReplyDeleteand i really feel bad for T-ara .i like them but seeing them to suffer that much ..hays it breaks my heart ..
ReplyDeleteWhat reasonable ?..i don't start an argument (Positive way :) ) to be just reasonable ..i use Facts..
ReplyDeleteplease reply to this even if you don't want ..
you said this..
""as ive already said outside of Pandora last year Kara hasn't promoted any music as a group in korea for about two years now.""
KARA release Lupin/Jumpin 2010
KARA release STEP in 2011
KARA release Pandora 2012..
so where is so called ""No Music Promotion?""
they have comeback every end of the year since 2011
This is how KARA promoted their Songs..and you will see each year they promoted less and less since they have limited time in KOREA..
1st Album First Blooming 2007
TOTAL= 41 Music TV Performance Promotion
TOTAL = 3 Songs Promoted
EP's Rock U 2008
TOTAL= 25 Music TV Performance Promotion
TOTAL = 1 Songs Promoted
EP's Pretty Girl 2008-09
TOTAL= 25 Music TV Performance Promotion
TOTAL = 1 Songs Promoted
EP's HONEY 2009
TOTAL= 28 Music TV Performance Promotion
TOTAL = 1 Songs Promoted
2nd Album Revolution 2009
TOTAL= 41 Music TV Performance Promotion
TOTAL = 2 Songs Promoted
EP's LUPIN 2010
TOTAL= 19 Lupin + Umbrella 4= 23 Music TV Performance Promotion
TOTAL = 2 Songs Promoted
EP's Jumping 2010
TOTAL= 11 Jumping + Burn 3= 14 Music TV Performance Promotion
TOTAL = 2 Songs Promoted
3rd Album Step
TOTAL= 12 STEP + Ma Boy 2= 14 Music TV Performance Promotion
TOTAL = 2 Songs Promoted
EP's Pandora 2012
TOTAL= 22 PANDORA + Miss U 4= 14 Music TV Performance Promotion
TOTAL = 2 Songs Promoted
so my answer to your statement that KARA is active every last quarter of the year since 2011
.........look, what I said was, excluding Pandora it has been 2 years since Kara promoted in Korea, seeing how Pandora was overshadowed by Gangnam style.
ReplyDeleteSistar's Alone was 3rd in 2012 yearly sales gaon chart, Sistar's loving you was 4th on 2012 yearly sales gaon chart. 2NE1's I love you was 6th in 2012 gaon yearly sales, Girls generation sub unit TTS was 11th in 2012 yearly sales on gaon chart and even the wonder girls ,like this, was 18th on gaon 2012 yearly sales.
while Kara's Pandora was 75th in 2012 gaon chart sales. That's what I mean by slightly falling popularity.
True. TBH, before the scandal I wasn't a big fan of them. I listened to their songs and stuff but I never really was a HUGE fan like I am with other groups... I also admit a bit after the scandal I stopped caring for them but then when I saw the death threats and stuff, I started loving them xD
ReplyDeleteI like T-ara and I feel bad, too tbh OTL
and What chart sales are you referring
ReplyDelete@ Digital?
2012
Kara: 1,503,346 Downloads (Pandora - #93 2012) DA: 145,990,519 (#75 2012)
Oh yes That was Normal why Because they release PANDORA Aug 22. while those Songs that you mention above Release 1st quarter and 2nd quarter of 2012.
+ Yes Psy Gentleman was Huge during that time but it was not 100% overshadow ..i admit that PSY blocked KARA to win multiple times. but as i said KARA won at least once Vs Psy..and 2 awards total of 3 awards..and one more thing ..is it like KARA Vs the World ... what to expect?..
and besides ..look at the other perspective .. KARA @ number 4 at GAON as Girl group total sales.. and KARA just release 1 Material PANDORA ..and solo collection ..its not promoted ...
and 1 more thing ..
KARA PANDORA leaked issue ..
KARA NEWSEN continues Attack
if you are aware ?..
there's so many reason and data that can explain a little Drop ..but hey ..Pandora STILL best Selling Physical Ep's of KARA in just short amount of Time....
you know what, you're completely right, Kara is the greatest thing that has ever stepped on this planet. When each member was born, double rainbows flew across the sky in celebration of their births.
ReplyDeletewhen sunghee left kara angels cried for 7 strait days until they had no tears left.
Every time Kara releases music all violence in the world stops just to watch them perform.
Kara is perfect in every passible way and they cant do wrong.
lmao
ReplyDeleteWow very nice reply from you anyway <3...
ReplyDeletedon't worry ...i'm not upset for you sarcasm
LOL hehehe ...
ReplyDeleteI really feel sad for WG and T-ara.. It's mostly because of some decisions that were made that turned out bad...
ReplyDelete