Observations of a Gen-X KPOP Fan
KPOP Has A History
I have a confession to make. I’m American, Gen-X, and I like Korean pop, (KPOP). I’ve actually liked it for quite a while. I just didn’t know the genre name when Gangnam Style by South Korean rapper, Psy, went viral in 2012. I also didn’t realize there was more to this style of music beyond that one catchy song and dance move.
Demographics, Demographics
I’m pretty sure I’m not the typical demographic these artists are aiming for. My 23 and Me results assure me that I am 0% East Asian. Recent trends are reassuring, though. The South Korean music industry is pushing beyond the borders of the East Asian world, enlisting fans around the globe. So I’m good there.
But then I’m probably the wrong age, being at least a full decade or two older than the singers themselves. If someone passed out a memo dictating the age range of a KPOP fan, I didn’t get it. I would’ve ignored it anyway.
But that reminds me: I’m Gen X and I’m writing about something with which I’m not wholly familiar. I’m probably going to make a generational stumble or two in my observations. I’m placing that caveat up front and asking all KPOP fans (and the BTS Army in particular) to go easy on me. I’m on your side.
The Sea of East Asian Entertainment
The East Asian entertainment industry in general is larger than I thought, and gaining speed. A June 2018 article in the Christian Science Monitor Magazine (In China, US Films Struggle Against Home Grown Movies), supports this fact. China’s box office revenues surpassed those of the United States in the first quarter of 2018 for the first time ever.
An increasing number of Americans, most of them Generation Z, are tapping into the vast world of Asian entertainment. My daughter is one of them. Her continued mention of the Bangtan Boys (BTS) had me wondering what BTS and KPOP was about.
It’s All “Dope”
So I pulled up Youtube, plugged “BTS” into the search box and clicked on the first video. A handsome young man in a military-style uniform leaned into the camera. In a soft flow of Korean, he asked if it was my first time with BTS. Ironically, yes, it was. I didn’t know it then, but I was irrevocably launched into the song Dope and the world of KPOP.
The soldier exited right as another singer dressed in the garb of a policeman walked into view. He switched seamlessly from English to Korean as he sang. The camera panned with him until he passed in front of another group member.
This newest singer to take the 5 second spotlight had fire engine red hair. Dressed as an accountant or stoke broker, he flung paper into the air as he sang. Divesting himself of glasses, lanyard, and name badge, he smoothly transitioned into a dance routine with the other group members.
The edgy sounds of a saxophone added to the catchy music and beat, and they all danced in synchronized harmony. Wait. Exactly how many men are in this group?! Aaaand there’s another one, dressed in the jumpsuit of a race car driver. Did they always dress like this? Was it their shtick?
As it turns out, the costumes were only the style of that particular video. InDNA, BTS brings a radically different feel to the table. Bright and outrageously styled clothing, shoes, and hair. A set that reflects the lighter atmosphere of the music and lyrics.
The Moves And Sounds Of KPOP
The attitude of the videos might change, but the synchronized dancing was still a prominent feature. Delving further into the world of KPOP, I realized that it was amazingly formulaic. Like American boy bands of the 1990s, these dance sequences are precisely synchronized. However, the Asian music industry seems to have kicked it up a notch with notably more complicated and strenuous choreography. Sometimes the members are in a line, sometimes arranged in a diamond or arrowhead pattern. They are almost always in unison or complement with one another. Segues to individual singers punctuate the dance scenes. This allows each member to shine in their moment. The spotlight singer may break sequence, but will often move cleverly back into the choreography when done.
The music itself is less ballad-esque (NSYNC, anyone?) and more geared towards the rap end of the musical spectrum. A lot of high energy, often electronic sounds and a good, strong beat. The endless exchange of one singer’s voice for another’s as the lyrics progress and rapid transitions between Korean and English. This is KPOP at its best.
Perhaps there are those who pass off this form of music and dance as fluff or not “real” music. I’m not one of them. I appreciate the hard work these performers put into their craft. From the time they take rehearsing their dance moves to the creative process of writing lyrics, they work hard.
What KPOP Is Saying
Speaking of lyrics, I like the positive message a lot of these artists are conveying. Like most music, a portion of the lyrics deal with love lost, love found, intoxicating love, and even toxic love. But there are artists exploring the topics of self love, self acceptance, fear and doubt.
“Love Yourself” has been the theme of a three album series produced by BTS and Big Hit Entertainment. One of the more popular songs off the third album is Idol. The members of BTS are speaking to their critics in this song. They are also speaking to their fans, encouraging them to accept and love themselves while ignoring their own critics:
‘You can call me artist
You can call me idol
No matter what you call me
I don’t care
I’m proud of it
I’m free
No more irony
Cuz I was always just me
They point fingers at me
But I don’t care at all
Whatever the reason for your criticism is
I know what I am
I know what I want
I never gon’ change
I never gon’ trade
Keep on chit-chatting, saying this and that
I do what I do, so you do you
You can’t stop me lovin’ myself’
The South Korean artists come from a country with the 4th highest suicide rate in the world. This ranking comes from a June 2018 online article from U.S. News and World Report entitled Countries with the Highest Suicide Rates. Self love and self acceptance suddenly takes on far greater meaning in light of that ranking.
What’s To Like About KPOP
So I keep wandering through the world of KPOP, seeing what else is out there. I’ve found that I like just about every KPOP group that I’ve heard so far. This makes my daughter happy and has made for some really fun road trips with her. I certainly never expected KPOP to be a touchstone with Chloe, but it is and I’ll take it. Any parent trying to stay tuned in to their kids as they grow into adulthood knows the value of a connecting point.
Also, this music fits seamlessly into something that already appeals to me. I love CrossFit. Lifting heavy stuff to a strong beat and an energetic sound has a very positive association in my world. Combing a barbell with BTS’s Mic Drop makes for a happy and motivated workout.
The Red Pill, Please
Like Neo in The Matrix, I have taken the red pill and gone down the rabbit hole. Not aware there was a rabbit hole, I didn’t realize checking out a video would propel me down it. Are there other Gen Xers who went down the rabbit hole? I know of another. American Pro Wrestler, John Cena, is pretty fond of BTS. He likes the passion they inspire in their fans and, frankly, so do I. My daughter told me he’s been designated the unofficial president of the BTS fanclub. It seems he’d like to be the secret BTS bodyguard as well. BTS, what are you waiting for? Hire this man!
Well, Mr. Cena, here we are in another generation’s and another culture’s music. Sounds like you’re enjoying this as much as I am, so I guess I’ll be seeing you around.