Showing posts with label confessions. Show all posts
CoKF: SM Entertainment's Controversy (Red Velvet & Sulli)
Not even a day into their debut and SM Entertainment's newest group, Red Velvet is in hot waters. Not only have they been in controversy with their name scandal (a K-Indie band entitled 'Red Velvet' who apparently did not buy rights to the name and therefore, had to kind of fight with the agency only to have both group's keep the name) and then this one, SM Entertainment having Red Velvet's own debut music video, Happiness, feature the Japanese Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bomb incidents as well as a reference to the United States' devastating 9/11 incident. Of course, SM Entertainment is now removing Red Velvet's music video until further editing out of the scenes however, us writers at K-Pop Ranter want to shed light of the scandal revolving this group and SM Entertainment's carelessness.
Tiffany: This is like... explosive carelessness. Not even using just one countries unforgettable moment but using two to simply make a point for this music video? It's seriously beyond my head as to what this company was thinking when they incorporated that in there. There is literally no respect for international fans that don't have a big enough market as SM Entertainment gets with China. None. And what's funny, to people who are defending this (yes, I have actually seen some commenters say that it's 'no big deal'), is that everyone would be up in arms if there was incorporation of, for example, the Sewol Ferry incident, in a music video because that was a tragic accident as were the other two for the differing countries. There's no reason for the defense and especially no reason to believe SM Entertainment's excuse that they didn't 'catch it'. They surely did. They incorporated those elements on purpose regardless of it being a different language. All of those newspapers behind Irene? All English however, all focusing on the Japanese atomic bomb incident. This clearly wasn't a 'let's just google English newspapers' ordeal. This was intentional. The only reason why they're acting like this now is because they were caught, red-handed.
 |
| SM's policy: Don't give a fuck til' the public gives a fuck then act as if you actually give a fuck |
Likewise, as we are focusing on SM Entertainment scandals, we wanted to bring forth the ongoing scandal between Sulli and what seems like the world, starting in 2013 with a full explanation of her scandals here and still going on towards the end of 2014, the scandal mostly revolving around none other than her relationship with Choiza. Because we have time on our hands, we can discuss both of these scandals that are brewing in the SM Entertainment headquarters and causing ruckus especially with f(x) who halted their Red Light promotions abruptly without giving much word as to why.Tiffany: There's this ping-pong effect over who's fault this whole controversy is. Obviously, f(x) halted promotions randomly. Obviously, Sulli was in controversy prior and during the promotions. Obviously, the controversy mostly surrounded Choiza. However, after seeing deleted pictures online of Sulli and Choiza's date/vacation with each other, everyone is now putting the blame on Sulli as if it's her sole fault. I truly believe she should be able to date whoever she wants as everyone should. But not only is SM Entertainment continuously denying the cold hard facts that they're dating/not even saying anything anymore (which really isn't much of an issue, in my opinion) but Choiza is just having a ball with this scandal. He's mentioning it everywhere, uploading pictures, doing anything he can to ensure that everyone knows that Sulli is taken by him. And though it's cute that he's claiming her as his girl, it's somewhat... unprofessional especially at this time where she's promoting and the scandal was just dying down. Him leaving his wallet? His fault. These pictures going around? His fault. And no one is realizing that. Sulli shouldn't be blamed for loving him. He should be blamed for acting like a brainless douche who could care less about Sulli's condition but more about his own happiness. I speak for Sulli who hasn't been speaking much at all when I say that Choiza is ruining his own image as well as Sulli's and should just stop.
Andi: I completely agree with Tiffany. In the world of Kpop, females are viewed more critically and are bashed more frequently and with more ease than males. Choiza should know and understand this especially when his girlfriend is busy promoting her group's latest song. This is when people are paying attention to them the most and here's Choiza, not giving a damn about neither his own or his girlfriend's reputation. Sulli has already been in numerous scandals as it is and if she's trying to make up for her mistakes she made in the past, Choiza certainly isn't helping her situation at all. SM Entertainment isn't helping either by continually denying it. By now, SM should just accept the truth that the two are dating and release an official statement to hopefully put an end to all this madness.
Confessions of a Black K-Pop Fan - Gurl, You Is Lookin' Yeppeo Eunmi
Swiggity Swag the cat's out the bag. Swiggity Swingle, why am I single? Swiggity Swooty, it's Gurl, You is Lookin' Yeppeo's Eunmi. Don't know what Gurl, You is Lookin' Yeppeo is? It is most definitely the most awesome K-Pop fanpage on the face of the earth and everyone should like it by clicking right here. I have basically lived on this page for the past few months if not a full year so please, go check the page out since I'm sure if you're on this site, you have nothing better to do anyways.
Nevertheless, the road for international K-Pop fans is tough. Being banned from entering things like official fanclubs and concerts, not speaking the language and well, basically not having the same representation as others who are native. And especially after the scandal with G-Dragon and his blackface that happened way back when, I think it's more than necessary to highlight probably the most unrepresented point of view in the K-Pop fandom, the African-American point of view, from my favorite author on Gurl, You is Lookin' Yeppeo (Khun's my second favorite, sorry if the others are reading this but not sorry), Eunmi, a black American who of course, loves K-Pop.
1. First of all, who are you?
Hi, guys. I'm Eunmi from the K-Pop Facebook page, Gurl You Is Lookin' Yeppeo!
2.Who's your ultimate bias (if it's BYG, we're gonna fight right now)?
Ah, it's really hard to choose right now because it is between Xuimin of EXO-M and Bang Yongguk of B.A.P, they're both sooooo dreamy. /ugly sobs
3. Do you feel under-represented/unrepresented in the K-Pop Fandom?
A few years ago, i would've said yes, but now all you see is collaborations with African American artist like Missy Elliot, Pharrell, Snoop Dogg ect working with korean idols.It's great to see that.
4. How do you feel of blackface in general? G-Dragon's Blackface incident & responses?
I don't really care much for the black face topic, in all honesty, but I think that most people have to keep in mind that Korea is not a diverse country so some things may come off offensive unintentionally... but they should still keep in mine that they DO HAVE INTERNATIONAL FANS OF ALL RACES AND COLORS so the term "because they don't know any better" wouldn't really fit the situation.
5. When idols say [insert idol who's whiter than chalk] is dark what do you think of this?
I think of Kai just because people whine about it alot.
6. How do people react when they find out you listen to K-Pop?
They usually look at me like I'm crazy! And they say things like "why do you listen to ching chong music" or "they all look like fa***ts!". Most of them don't realize that you don't have to speak the music to love it.
7. How'd you feel when Lee Michelle had the chance to sign with YG?
I don't know much about her but I'm happy she signed with YG and got the chance to have a great experience to work with great people.
8. What attracts you to K-Pop?
The music....and the extremely handsome men who run around half naked.(lol)
9. How do you feel about K-Pop now like how it's going?
Right now, I like where the Kpop industry is going right now, it's becoming known world-wide and more diverse.
10. I know so many places don't allow international fan participation however, they want our money... is that even well, fair?
I don't think it's fair at all, it's practically being prejudice. International fans share the same love for idols k-fans do. I mean, yeah, sometimes we do act a little crazy, (they do too) but that doesn't mean we're all like that.
11. What's your favorite company?
SM ALL THE WAY
12. What do you do exactly at Girl, you is Lookin' Yeppeo?
I don't even know anymore, i post updates on K-Pop/personal K-Pop related stuff when i can. ;-;
13. Is Girl, you is Lookin' Yeppeo like... to you at this point being that they're getting more & more popular, a business now or still a personal page... you could probably make money from it
NAH BRUH.i don't see or plan on making a business out of it, it's just for fun and making friends.k
Crazy EXOtics Pull Yet Another Rediculous Stunt
Tiffany: I really have nothing to say to this whole scandal cause frankly, I'm tired of EXO and their crazy ass fans appearing in the news every single day. It's sickening, it's frightening but for the love of all that is Bang Yong Guk, it's tiring. And I know all you secret EXOtics in the comments are going to be like "dun genaralizeee oui r nawt al da saym" but I tell you, after you see a few people who are bad in the fanclub--and gosh, 400,000 signatures is by new means "a few"--you start to think of the whole fan club as a bunch of batshit apes who lost their way to the empire state building and fell in love with a human (King Kong reference for all you dip shits who don't understand). As stated before, I'm exasperated at the EXOtic fan club and seriously, at this point I could give less shits of what I say. EXO should just disband cause nothing else will help this 12 year old girls who just got their periods other than a nice glass of ass whoopin'... which EXO managers haven't been doing much of (weird cause most SM managers are eager to get a good handful of sasaeng face). Come at me, EXOtics. I'm ready for your shit.
Andi: I agree with Tiffany when she says that EXO should be disbanded. They've been receiving a lot of attention lately that isn't necessarily good and it's all because of their fans. I personally would like for EXO to stay together and continue performing because they really are all quite talented and I like a lot of their music. Unfortunately, with such a great amount of stress being put on them like this, I doubt they can last for much longer. However, a small beacon of light may be leading us out of the darkness and that light is EXO Planet. For those of you who don't know who they are, they are the EXO's official fan club. Just recently, they released a statement saying that they were never involved with the whole petition deal and refuse to sign it out of support for EXO. They have even gone as far as to say that they will take legal action if this shit goes any farther and I'm betting it will. Let's just wait and see how this war turns out.
Jeana: To present a different view, I do not think that EXO should be disbanded. While truth be told that they have indeed been infamous for their mindless fans, I do agree with Andi in that their tremendous talents and (pardon me) beauty as a group should not be forgone because of something so unworthy. Previous EXO sasaeng incidents were questionable, but I find this particular one to be plain wishful thinking on the part of those crazy EXOtics, much to the point of absurdity. As per Wikipedia, "Conscription, or mandatory military service or compulsory national service, is legislated in South Korea...". In other words, military service is not optional and all men in suitable condition have to enlist. So do those EXO fans really think that they can influence the government with that petition of theirs (please don't start any attempt to convince me of the possibility that EXO could appear on the list of exceptions for military service)? Honestly I really don't know what anyone should do besides taking legal action (or perhaps taking legal action is all there is to do) as mentioned by Andi, but for me, disbanding EXO is definitely not the answer.
What do you guys think? Comment below!
Confessions of a K-Pop Fangirl: KARA dun fucked
 |
| yeah Jiyoung it was so hard for you to do aegyo |
KARA has become the most recent group to have landed in the spotlight, but for the wrong reasons. After promoting in Japan for a long while, they finally returned to Korea with Damaged Lady. Yet, it was the appearance of 3 of their members - Hara, Seungyeon and Jiyoung - on Radio Star that caught the attention of many netizens and have sparked much controversy and hatred towards the group as a whole. A quick summary of what happened to the 3 members on the show:
1. Hara - teased about dating rumours, breaks out in tears
2. Jiyoung - asked to do aegyo, cries
3. Seungyeon - questions about controversy regarding her bad acting, blames it on the fact that viewers are used to seeing her as an idol not as an actress
Members Jiyoung and Seungyeon as well as their company, DSP entertainment, have already stepped forth to provide apologies for their behaviour. Representatives from Radio Star have also spoke up in support of the girls. Yet, are netizens appeased?
Today, writers Tiffany, Andi and Jeana have come together to share their thoughts on this whole controversy involving KARA, including some references made to several other groups including f(x) and T-ara.
Tiffany: From what I see, KARA is clearly done for. Radio Star is a widespread show throughout Korea that people watch from all demographic levels. They make jokes and somewhat rude remarks about the groups who appear on the show simply to entertain the viewer but for KARA to go on a show that they know does that and try to take away the “funny” is already enough to say: get the fuck off of the show. What KARA did that day was purely unacceptable… they acted as if they were the biggest shits in the world since they’re successful in Japan when in fact, they've lost a lot of their relevancy in South Korea. KARA’s Jiyoung even cried since she didn't want to do aegyo on the show but in the past, when they were thirsty for fans and popularity, she would have done it quicker than a fat man who didn't eat for a weak and saw a loaf of bread. As netizens say, they lost their roots definitely and need to go back to their rookie mentality. Not everyone likes them whether or not they’re successful in Japan so of course, they need to chill the fuck out.
However, even though this was bad, something similar to this happened not even that long ago on the same exact show but wasn't deemed near as controversial. Boring as hell f(x)’s Krystal and Sulli came only to look disinterested and unconcerned. But why isn't f(x) receiving the same treatment as KARA?When f(x)’s show took place, I’ve seen numerous comments only shaming the two girls who appeared and saying the other members, Victoria and Luna could do better, while on this episode when only three appeared, everyone’s bringing the whole group down. Are Nicole and Gyuri the same exact people as Jiyoung, Seungyeon and Hara? I’ve only seen one comment saying Gyuri wasn’t like the rest while the rest are basically saying KARA as a whole are over. Get the fuck out.
What’s with the double standard here?
Is it just another exhibit of SM’s power crawling on even this small little show?
Or were netizens already waiting for KARA to get in a scandal, hate in their hearts and memories of them leaving Korea for their archenemies Japan, Junhara’s break-up, Lee Soo Hara’s friendship, Hara’s ever-increasing plasticness… and basically just Hara’s existence?
Either way, I can just feel the unfairness creeping to this small broadcast between the two groups and to be honest, it’s not that fair especially when Krystal is constantly reprimanded for her attitude. Not to mention, Hara was in the same position as Sulli, Sulli in the midst of controversy during the time of appearance on the show.
Andi: At this point, I don't even see why KARA is even bothering with promotions in Korea anymore. They've been focusing so much on Japan that they've basically put themselves in a bit of a rookie status when it comes to relevancy in the Kpop world; and then they have the audacity to act like their the best thing since sliced bread publicly on broadcast. DSP Entertainment should seriously bear down more on KARA if they're wanting to actually fix up their situation.
We all know that it starts with a public apology and then some time to "reflect". Afterwards, if KARA intends to make themselves more relevant in Korea they should really take whatever CF job they can get and maybe do some charity work. Then instead of just disappearing to promote in Japan, they should actually give a damn about Korea and do something, anything to keep themselves relevant.
However, the chances of something like that happening are really low. I theorize that they will say nothing about the whole ordeal, finish up their promotions for Damaged Lady and then return to Japan, which is really the worst possible route they could take. Doing so would just show that they don't give a damn and basically looks like they're saying "f*ck this sh*t. Let's go back to Japan" which will really make them damaged ladies in the eyes of Korea.
Jeana: I do agree that KARA's behavior on Radio Star was rather unprofessional. They should have minded less about themselves as individuals and considered more about the entertainment value of Radio Star. Jiyoung shouldn't have minded so much about herself when asked to do aegyo but should have considered more about how viewers might want to see her do aegyo on the show and just do it. Furthermore, as celebrities, they should know how often controversies are brought up on variety shows and thus should somewhat know how to respond to their own controversies. Yet, Hara let her emotions get the better of her, while Seungyeon responded in a way that reflected badly of her attitude. All these details really put KARA in a bad light.
I do think that KARA needs to reflect more about themselves. Entertainment has never been about the I My Me or Mine, it has always been about the show, the viewers. They, as idols, should always be humbled and grateful, for their music careers could never have been possible without these key players. And given the unique situation that they are in, having been promoting in Japan for so long and finally coming back to Korea with Damaged Lady, they should all the more be respectful to viewers, or perhaps the fans that have waited for them for a long time. But they didn't, and it is already reflecting in their poor song charting. Knowing how scary netizens are, who knows how long the backlash might last. They are already beginning to be labelled as "The New T-ara"! I just hope that this becomes a huge wake up call for them, and maybe when their true beautiful characters start to surface during this time of adversity, netizens might come to accept them again. But of course, the chances of this occurring is extremely low, looking at T-ara's very experience.
What are your thoughts on this whole controversy? Do you think that netizens are being too anal and critical or is KARA's behaviour really deserving on a backlash? Do share your comments in the section below!
Confessions of a K-Pop Trainee: Lori Thomas of Paramount
To introduce her, Lori Thomas is an "Ameriasian" trainee of the company Paramount Music, whom, as mentioned above, debuted their first ever group, Chocolat, back in 2011. Living in America for a huge chunk of her life (yes, she speaks English), she's now residing in Osan, South Korea while training for Paramount's upcoming girl group (which apparently will debut near the end of this year). She appeared in Chocolat's Black Tinkerbell as Wendy and is
Are the typical trainers and trainees super strict, fun to be with or super judgmental?
fun to be with
How do other trainees and trainers treat foreign trainees? How about new ones?
They treat them the same as they would a person of their own race. Every trainee is different, just like any person in the world. If they are kind, they will welcome new trainees. If they aren't as kind, they will be more cautious
How'd you feel when you were new? Was it hard to follow the training?
I felt really small and like an outsider as if i didn't fit in, but that all changes. It was hard for the first few days but then it got easier. My instructors are really good instructors.
Is the competition between trainees very intense?
It's not as though you guys would fight to death for it (like your thoughts should be) but in every company, the competition is pretty high.
Are the training sessions and tests hard?
They are pretty rigorous.
Do you always have a recital, if you do, what happens to trainees with
low scores? Do they get kicked out?
How do other trainees and trainers treat foreign trainees? How about new ones?
They treat them the same as they would a person of their own race. Every trainee is different, just like any person in the world. If they are kind, they will welcome new trainees. If they aren't as kind, they will be more cautious
How'd you feel when you were new? Was it hard to follow the training?
I felt really small and like an outsider as if i didn't fit in, but that all changes. It was hard for the first few days but then it got easier. My instructors are really good instructors.
Is the competition between trainees very intense?
It's not as though you guys would fight to death for it (like your thoughts should be) but in every company, the competition is pretty high.
Are the training sessions and tests hard?
They are pretty rigorous.
Do you always have a recital, if you do, what happens to trainees with
low scores? Do they get kicked out?
It depends on the company's management and how they judge.
Does the company require plastic surgery? Or do they give you a choice?
Our company does not require plastic surgery. They believe more in natural beauty.
Are the dance routines harder when you are a trainee or is it harder
when you are a debuted idol?
When you are a trainee because you are in the process of learning.
Do some trainees really bully or shun others?
Are the dance routines harder when you are a trainee or is it harder
when you are a debuted idol?
When you are a trainee because you are in the process of learning.
Do some trainees really bully or shun others?
Not the ones that I know.
If you are a new trainee, is it hard to fit in and follow the training?
You think it will be but it's not that bad c:
What do the companies do for trainees? Free food? Dorm? What?
It depends on how close you are to debuting but usually yes, free food and dorming as well.
How do you hang on or survive the recitals and frustrations?
I pray and think about my family.
Are companies very strict with the weight, do they require you to diet
and exercise?
If you are a new trainee, is it hard to fit in and follow the training?
You think it will be but it's not that bad c:
What do the companies do for trainees? Free food? Dorm? What?
It depends on how close you are to debuting but usually yes, free food and dorming as well.
How do you hang on or survive the recitals and frustrations?
I pray and think about my family.
Are companies very strict with the weight, do they require you to diet
and exercise?
Yes, but the trainees are more strict on themselves about their weight and dieting.
Are companies strict with your physical appearance? Are some trainees
shunned by others or the instructors because of their appearance?
Are companies strict with your physical appearance? Are some trainees
shunned by others or the instructors because of their appearance?
Some companies may be but physical appearance doesn't matter and shouldn't matter.
What are your most favorite and least favorite aspects of training?
favorite: reaching goals and moving on to the next level. least favorite: when your body doesn't do what your mind wants it to do.
Do fights ever break out between trainees?
What are your most favorite and least favorite aspects of training?
favorite: reaching goals and moving on to the next level. least favorite: when your body doesn't do what your mind wants it to do.
Do fights ever break out between trainees?
Not that I have seen.
Is the trainee life actually as hardcore as some people make it out to be?
Is the trainee life actually as hardcore as some people make it out to be?
Yes
Is there any coveted training position? For example: if trainees get singing, do others get jealous/envy?
It depends on the persons personality trait.
How much say do you have in what you do?
Not very much as a trainee, but that usually changes when you debut.
How intensive is vocal training?
Is there any coveted training position? For example: if trainees get singing, do others get jealous/envy?
It depends on the persons personality trait.
How much say do you have in what you do?
Not very much as a trainee, but that usually changes when you debut.
How intensive is vocal training?
Pretty intensive
Do you work with an actual instructor or alone?
Do you work with an actual instructor or alone?
An actual instructor
Explain your typical day and training life
Explain your typical day and training life
Wake up, grab a healthy breakfast, leave house, dance training, exercise, vocal training, eat a healthy meal, exercise, home, sleep.
How many days a week do you train and usually for how long?
How many days a week do you train and usually for how long?
It depends. Training days change every week. Training is almost all day long.
Does the entertainment company you're signed with prompt you to get cosmetic surgery if you're ugly and if you don't get it, you lose the ability debut in the said company?
Does the entertainment company you're signed with prompt you to get cosmetic surgery if you're ugly and if you don't get it, you lose the ability debut in the said company?
They do not force plastic surgery.
Also, I heard that you can't leave the company if you regret joining it because of the contract. You pay a termination fee if you want to leave which is either around 6,000 or 60,000 (I forgot the number since I read it quite a while ago). Is this true?
Also, I heard that you can't leave the company if you regret joining it because of the contract. You pay a termination fee if you want to leave which is either around 6,000 or 60,000 (I forgot the number since I read it quite a while ago). Is this true?
Yes, you can not leave as long as the contract stands in place. This is why you have to be cautious.
When interacting with other trainees, do you guys accord respect by age or by how long an individual has been a trainee?
When interacting with other trainees, do you guys accord respect by age or by how long an individual has been a trainee?
How long an individual has been a trainee. And also because I am so young, I respect the ones that are older as well.
Before you become a trainee for a company is it true that the contract you sign is literally a slave contract?
Before you become a trainee for a company is it true that the contract you sign is literally a slave contract?
"Slave" would be an over rated term but you do have to follow the basics and understand the basics of the contract.
Also have you seen situations of sexual assault or the bosses/taking advantage of the trainees?
I have not witnessed any of that.Also have you seen situations of sexual assault or the bosses/taking advantage of the trainees?
Lastly, I'd live to thank Lori Thomas for agreeing to the interview again and you can find the trainee, Lori Thomas anywhere--she created her own contact email: connectwithlori@live.com, twitter, snapchat and Instagram which all hopefully won't be removed post-debut.
Like our stuff? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!
Confessions of a Native-Korean: All Your Questions Answered (Hopefully)
It's a fact--every international fan has the same questions on their minds when they think about Korean Pop--how's K-Pop to national fans? Although the answer to some questions are already answered through a quick google search, the majority of the time, it's not even an actual native Korean speaking or answering and instead, a secondhand source who simply reiterates what they've seen. Nevertheless, today on K-Pop Ranter, we sought out to answer the unknown--through one of my best, native Korean friends whom I've known for years (since no one finds non-natives reliable anymore) that finally agreed to answer a few of the 'FAQ' of K-Pop. So without further ado, we're getting to the bottom of your curiosity.
Disclaimer: These are simply just answers from a native-Korean person so don't take offense if the opinions go against what you believe. The answerer of the questions wanted to keep her identity private, therefore, she'll go by 'K' (for Korean). The questions and answers were translated and don't reflect what EVERY SINGLE PERSON in South Korea believes. I simply asked questions gathered by the staff of K-Pop Ranter, if you have more questions, e-mail me and it'll probably be answered with a week or two (time zones are a bitch ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)).
안녕하세요 여러분
울산에서 살고있는 18살 여신입니다. (농담.) 지금 주셨던 답은 바로 사회가 알고있는 상식입니다, 나의 생각을 무러볼땐 말고.
내 말씀을 믿어주세요.
그리고.
k-pop을 좋아합니다.
외국인학교를 다녀습니다. 감사합니다! ^^
Hello everyone I live in Ulsan and I'm an 18 year old goddess. (I'm joking.) Most of these answers are what the public [South Korean] believes unless I was specifically asked my own opinion. Please believe what I say. And I like K-Pop. I attended international school before. Thanks! ^^
1. First and foremost, what do typical Koreans think of K-Pop and Idols?K - Typical Koreans are heavily influenced by K-Pop and idols. Kids basically worship them and even adults take interest in the industry. Why? Because looks appeal greatly to Koreans. K-pop plays everywhere... you should hear the ringtones.
People also make decisions on plastic surgery based on a certain idol's looks... for example, I met this one saleslady that really looked like a member of Girls' Generation... she even told me where she got her surgery done.
Tiffany - To add on (sorry for taking away, I'm not a native but I just want to add experiences with some native-Koreans), I was at one of my South Korean friend's house a few months ago (she moved to America around a year ago give-or-take, I'd say we're pretty good friends since I'm the only person who can communicate with her around here, anyway), and while we were all eating (fucktastic Korean food), her mother and I actually got into in-depth conversation about Korean culture then she asked me if I knew K-Pop. I answered, yes, but questioned why she asked me in the first place and she said something along the lines of 'K-Pop is very popular in foreign countries'.
Okay.
She named idol groups and acts so easily... Big Bang, Girls' Generation, Lee Hyori... It seems like most international fans have this idea that since netizens somewhat imply that they don't like idols, most Koreans hate them or even don't know them them, too, but really, that's not right. Look at it this way: If you live in America, you and your parents know Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Katy Perry... and probably know a few songs by them, too... am I right? Maybe you don't like them for example, lots of people get on Taylor Swift for her bad singing but... there's really no big difference in the knowledge of famous figures between Korea and America, in my opinion.
2. What do Koreans think of international fans?
Koreans generally find [them] fascinating, to be honest... but they're pretty much judgmental.
I asked her a better explanation for 'fascinating but judgmental' and she gave an correlating example: "It's like you go to a zoo and you see a giraffe. 'Oh, it's pooping! Let me take pictures!'
(I take this as international fans are too into K-Pop?).
K - In Korea, in the public, international fans will get stared at a lot and possibly made fun of by Korean youth.
Tiffany - Again, adding in: Some Koreans seem a bit 'PO'ed' (in a sense) that most international fans only care about Korea because of their fascination for K-Pop and K-Dramas and think Korea is the same. I was talking to a male friend who lived here for around 3 years but now is back in Korea for his mandatory military service on Kakao and his exact words were:
Most foreigners defend it by thinking 'Oh, they should be happy that we're giving interest about Korea!' but honestly, if millions people had the belief that your country is a soap opera, West Side Story or a Miley Cyrus music video simply because of your music or what they watch on television, wouldn't you want to set it straight?
Koreans generally find [them] fascinating, to be honest... but they're pretty much judgmental.
I asked her a better explanation for 'fascinating but judgmental' and she gave an correlating example: "It's like you go to a zoo and you see a giraffe. 'Oh, it's pooping! Let me take pictures!'
(I take this as international fans are too into K-Pop?).
Tiffany - Again, adding in: Some Koreans seem a bit 'PO'ed' (in a sense) that most international fans only care about Korea because of their fascination for K-Pop and K-Dramas and think Korea is the same. I was talking to a male friend who lived here for around 3 years but now is back in Korea for his mandatory military service on Kakao and his exact words were:
It is so rare that foreigners speak Korean/ There are many people who like KPop or dramas/ but sometimes that's all
Most foreigners defend it by thinking 'Oh, they should be happy that we're giving interest about Korea!' but honestly, if millions people had the belief that your country is a soap opera, West Side Story or a Miley Cyrus music video simply because of your music or what they watch on television, wouldn't you want to set it straight?
3. Do Koreans feel the same way that the Japanese feel about "Otakus" (considered perverts and rude people) as self-proclaimed "Koreaboos"?
...no, though I'm not as familiar with 'otakus'.
...no, though I'm not as familiar with 'otakus'.
4. How about rookie groups? A lot of them are unpopular from what I see from netizens...?
Rookie groups are unpopular during their debut. They will remain unpopular until a hit song comes up. It doesn't matter how talented the rookie group is-- there are too many groups out in the scene now, leaving no attention for the newbies. eg; Bangtan Boys is perfect. I love them but compared to the reactions groups like B2ST get, they don't get much attention. Their 'No More Dream' music video has a small number of views. 헉~
5. Okay, who's most popular group in K-Pop right now?
SISTAR probably.
Because of misunderstanding through the initial question before I reworded it, she said that Taeyeon and Hyorin were the most popular vocalists in K-Pop.
SISTAR probably.
Because of misunderstanding through the initial question before I reworded it, she said that Taeyeon and Hyorin were the most popular vocalists in K-Pop.
6. What are the general opinions on top Kpop artists like 2ne1 and SNSD?
As for SNSD, everyone loves them. They have more fans than antis generally because their faces are appealing and their songs are dumb yet catchy. They love 2NE1, too, but are more intimidated [by them] because of their stages. They seem very 'bad-ass' and violent but when they come out in variety shows, which they haven't done much, they show a more friendly side. The Running Man had lots of good hits, honestly!
As for SNSD, everyone loves them. They have more fans than antis generally because their faces are appealing and their songs are dumb yet catchy. They love 2NE1, too, but are more intimidated [by them] because of their stages. They seem very 'bad-ass' and violent but when they come out in variety shows, which they haven't done much, they show a more friendly side. The Running Man had lots of good hits, honestly!
7. How often do you see K-Pop in Korea... I mean on billboards, commercials, etc.?
Everywhere (they are actors, singers, on commercials, shows, billboards and endorsements..etc.).
Everywhere (they are actors, singers, on commercials, shows, billboards and endorsements..etc.).
8. Name 5 idols most 'got on for' for plastic surgery?
K - Girls' Generation (mostly Hyoyeon and Jessica).
Tiffany - Park Bom?
K - Park Bom, yes! SHINee. HyunA, too. Sunhwa, definitely. Boram... I heard things about Park Minyoung. Anyone in SM Entertainment but maybe not f(x), though... they're very natural, I believe.
K - Girls' Generation (mostly Hyoyeon and Jessica).
Tiffany - Park Bom?
K - Park Bom, yes! SHINee. HyunA, too. Sunhwa, definitely. Boram... I heard things about Park Minyoung. Anyone in SM Entertainment but maybe not f(x), though... they're very natural, I believe.
9. What do Koreans generally think of Kpop scandals? Are they really such a big deal or is it something that only bothers netizens? Also, what did T-ara's scandal do for T-ara? Nickhun for 2PM? Daesung for Big Bang? GD for Big Bang? Seungri for Big Bang?
ㅎㅎㅎ T-ara is ruined. Nickhun's scandal brought 2PM's popularity down. But groups like Big Bang have a different image and keep their popularity despite the scandals.
(she never really answered the first question but you can guess that women are damaged worse than men and greatly popular groups hurt less than smaller groups).
10. Who's Korea's 'it-girl' nowadays?
K - Krystal maybe.
Tiffany - What about Suzy?
K - Wow, I forgot about her ㅠㅠ! How? She is so popular these days!
K - Krystal maybe.
Tiffany - What about Suzy?
K - Wow, I forgot about her ㅠㅠ! How? She is so popular these days!
11. A question for I-fans... would you say that a non-Asian can debut AND be successful in Korea in the near future?
Honestly, no... unless they have real talent. But there will always be racism towards them or they will just be invisible like Shannon (half-Korean, half-British girl). I wouldn't care unless they stood out to me but I honestly wouldn't see them [getting popular and successful].
Why is the group Busker Busker (not K-Pop but K-Indie) an exception (i.e. one member is 100% Caucasian)?
Perhaps it's the way they came to popularity? They have attention because they almost won Superstar K. They had a lot fame [prior to debut]!
Do you have any other specific questions for 'K'? Place them either in the comment section if you want to display them publicly or instead, for more private questions, e-mail kpoppertiffany@gmail.com with the subject 'Confessions of a Native-Korean' and we'll get them answered ASAP!
Like our stuff? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!
Like our stuff? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!
Cray Cray EXOtics banned from Inkigayo
Just a few hours ago it was revealed that EXOtics would not be able to attend Inkigayo to see their beloved group EXO perform their new song Growl due to their inability to maintain a peaceful environment during the live show as well as previous instances where they broke rules, damaging the fandom and labeling them as 'crazy' with a harsh blow. While the extreme behavior of these fangirls (commonly classified under the umbrella term of Sasaeng fans) is definitely not foreign to EXO and to kpop in general, this official news release taking a firm stand against these fans is definitely an unexpected one.
Do these EXOtics who have perhaps simply gone slightly wild in the pursuit of their EXO biases deserve this treatment? And to the bigger question - do Sasaeng fans actually belong? Members Andi, Tiffany and Jeana share their views below.
Andi: So I've seen some pretty crazy stuff regarding fangirls and the stupid/crazy things they do to catch the attention of their oppars and the like. Some have managed to follow idols into the bathroom, others have even gone as far as breaking into idols' homes. Woollim Entertainment even once issued a notice stating that if the fangirls didn't calm the fuck down, they would postpone Infinite's comeback. Fangirls do a lot of crazy shit, but lets take a moment to look at the pinnacle of crazy fangirls: the EXO fans. If you haven't heard of it already, there was an incident before where someone was recording an EXO fans' stampede towards the line for Inkigayo and getting slapped for it. If you look at the picture above, you can see obscene posters fans have made and waved them about proudly in the hopes of Kris seeing them. I don't know about you, but I'd be pretty creeped out if my fans were waving that around at my concerts.
This kind of behavior is the reason why the EXO fandom in particular is now banned from Inkigayo. EXO fans have become violent, irrational, and to be honest, they've been acting like a bunch of meth addicts. Not only that, this shines a bad light on the members of EXO themselves because idols are always associated closely with their fan base. Now that's not to say that this is a symptom of EXO fans alone. SONEs too have shown to be rude and disrespectful, particularly towards ELFs when they wanted to take over the section cordoned off for Super Junior fans during a concert. Plus, don't forget the whole concerning the whole Only13 deal. This says a lot about SM fans as a whole.
Tiffany: I'm actually somewhat pleased that they're banning EXOtics from Inkigayo, but not in the devilish, anti-EXO way that you're probably thinking of. I feel like with this small little step of banning fans who broke the safety rules that actually kind of endangered some of the actual EXO members, it can open up wider doors in the future... maybe laws to protect idols from sasaeng fans or at the very least, better company security (I'm pretty sure they have enough money to hire a few more bodyguards) to prevent another thing like Taeyeon being pulled off stage to happen again.
Now, I'm not saying that all EXO fans are bad, but being that EXO is a quasi-rookie (word stolen from Andi) and are already receiving a bad reputation like this, let's think of what could happen with EXO in five years if they last that long and don't get the amount of protection and the less delusional fans that they need? What about ten years?
Taken from a tumblr post is legit audio of fangirls sneaking into EXO-M's Tao's hotel room and recording him showering and singing to G-Dragon's Crayon.
 |
| D.O. seeing sasaengs and fleeing |
This has seriously just been coming to madness and really, I feel no sympathy to anyone but the actual sane EXOtics who wanted to go to the concert to see EXO, the f(x) and Henry fans who have experienced EXO fans pretending to be their fans, sneaking in, causing ruckus and putting a bad reputation on them as well as for EXO because it seems like out of every single active K-Pop group so far, they're the ones that should be most fearful for what happens next... them not wanting to end up like John Lennon who got murdered by a guy who was supposedly one of his fans.
Andi: Like Tiffany said, I too feel bad for EXOtics that aren't absolutely insane and just want to support their favorite group without causing trouble. Unfortunately, for cases like these, it makes all fans look bad despite that not being the case. Because there's so much attention on the bad side of it all, the good side barely gets any recognition. This is also bad for EXO's moral due to the fact that their fans won't be around to give them support during music shows. On the other hand, this is good for the safety of others until EXO fans can learn to calm themselves.
Jeana: I agree with Andi and Tiffany in many ways. Firstly, I do feel indignant for the not-so-crazy EXOtics who had their genuine hopes to watch EXO's comeback stage on Inkigayo burst like bubbles, because of the erratic behavior of fellow EXOtics. Yet at the same time, it is heartening how someone of authority, in this case Inkigayo, is finally explicitly drawing a limit to the accepted conduct of fans When Sasaeng fans get so deluded and irrational by blinded love for their idols that they continuously strive to push the boundaries of fan behavior, I believe that a third party should eventually step in when things get out of hand, for the sake of the idols themselves. The 3 of us don't live in Korea, so the only Sasaeng situation we know to happen there is that of several accounts depicted here and there through social media, something I believe to be completely unrepresentative of the true situation there. Beyond threatening the safety of EXO as previously mentioned, Sasaeng fans exert immense emotional and psychological stress on them. [Check out: Tao addressed fans that had recorded him singing in the shower through his weibo] Honestly, just by scrolling through stories of Sasaeng-EXO encouters, I am genuinely worried for EXO.
I hope that EXOtics can learn to respect and love EXO with more sincerity. Life as an idol is tough, and so instead of putting them down with self-seeking acts, let us love EXO wholeheartedly and to support them in whatever they do. Love isn't self-centralized - It's not about us going all out to receive attention from them - but it's about wanting to protect the other party, and wanting them to succeed. It's definitely hard, but let's all learn to suppress our urges to run up to trace our fingers along the hot bodies of our idols. After all, love is about respect.
What do you think of the crazy EXOtics already causing ruckus to the world? Comment below!
Like our stuff? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!
