Pop Culture Research Paper
Embracing the Exotic:
Is Pop Culture Good For You?
Icons like Elvis Presley, Whitney Huston, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Madonna, or Diana Ross were all positive influences with their music. These icons broke the molds of music with their lyrics and songs, through inspiring millions of people to change their lives, be better people, or even to spread positive messages. However, today’s music is no longer breaking molds. Instead, music is conforming to them: a mold in which displaying woman in mini outfits is acceptable, excessive drug use is positive, and where continuously partying is okay. Western music today does not inspire millions of people to change their lives, be better people, or spread positive messages. Today Western music degrades women with outfits …show more content…
and less than appealing lyrics. Today’s music no longer contains a powerful message; instead, it contains “Drugs, Sex, and Magic”. Even Western celebrities are conforming to a new mold where any publicity is good publicity, instead of being the model citizens and acting as good role models. While many, though not all, Western celebrities have fallen as good influences, there are still many more good influences in the world. Korean Popular, K-Pop, culture and their Idols is one of many positive influences that can still be found today and forgo “Drugs, Sex, and Magic” for modesty, love and integrity. We just need to open our eyes and ears to culture outside of our own. Common sense seems to dictate that Western videos are becoming even more degrading towards women and encouraging of drug usage. Consider “Bandz A Make Her Dance” by Juicy J, Lil Wayne, and 2 Chainz, for example. From the title alone, the song is already degrading women. Although the title does not state it exactly, it gives the impression that women will do anything for money even removing clothing for men’s enjoyment. Lyrics like “these chicks clappin”, “bands a make her dance”, and “the stripper pole her income,” suggests that women are merely beings controlled by money. The lyrics objectify women suggest we are on this earth for man’s entertainment. These inferences have a significant impact on young women today believing that the nickname ‘chick’ along with other belittling names are endearing, when the history behind the nickname is really as low as poultry. The lyrics also make it seem as though being an exotic dancer is a creditable professional. The group’s lyrics also encourage the use of drugs and alcoholic beverages stating, “We get trippy and then some” and “I got drugs I got drinks,” insisting drugs and alcohol will give street creditability and a higher social status. The music video to “Bandz A Make Her Dance”, women instantly are wearing skin-tight-short clothing, the group’s video goes as so far as to put an adult content reference, BRAZZERS, furthering the point that women are objects for man’s entertainment and should display their bodies. Having just argued so many negative aspects to Western music videos, I now want to complicate the point by suggesting that instead of abandoning all forms of celebrity influences perhaps Western entertainers should follow the lead of international entertainers.
Though K-Pop promotes morals and righteous ideals such as love, family, or morality does not mean it is all gospel. K-Pop does incorporate a Western flare to their music. However, the Western flare does not mean focusing on adult themes. Instead, in a recent article, SEO Min-Soo argues, “K-Pop relies on simple melodies that incorporate Western-style pop conventions” (5). Korean Idols such as BIGBANG, Girls Generation, B.A.P, and EXO incorporate this musical flare in order to make music globally appealing while having a moderately positive message. Unlike Western videos such as “Bandz A Make Her Dance,” which focus on adult themes and degrading women, Min-Soo mentions how K-Pop Idols have managers that “work with top experts in music and choreography to perfect the appeal of their upcoming artists” (4). In other words, K-Pop video focus on the overall aspects of their music videos such as dancing so they would not need half-dressed women to become popular. John Seabrook author of “Factory Girls” also mentions, “Neither the boys’ nor the girls’ lyrics or videos generally refer to sex, drinking, or clubbing—the great themes of Western hit-makers.” Seabrook and SEO Min-Soo are right, K-Pop Idols focus more on choreography and sets instead themes like clubbing and sex. Idol Group B.A.P focuses on their extravagant sets and production numbers along with the message of their songs. Even though B.A.P videos have, a rough, rugged, and Western feel the videos never degrade women or refer to adult content. On the contrary, the concepts of the videos are heartbreak, love, or loyalty with a Western flare. Other Idol groups such as EXO also focus on extravagant sets and production numbers, but also on meaningful lyrics. For example, “XOXO” by EXO-K focuses on the hugs and kisses of innocent love. The lyrics support the title with lines like “When I fall asleep as I think of you (in my dreams)”, “Give me XOXO L.O.V.E”, “You’re my XOXO L.O.V.E”, and “You’re my XOXO L.O.V.E”. These lyrics have an important impact on younger ages because they show an innocent approach to love. Although the lyrics do not say so directly, they are implying that love is possible without the pressures of intercourse, which many Western videos imply nowadays. Focusing on ideals that do not deal with adult content is important because younger generations will learn to embody them in place of the club hopping and drugs in Western videos.
Korean pop videos not only focus on lyrics, sets, and choreography, but also avoid degrading women. Seabrook also mentions that female Idols have a “sexy but demure style...” Seabrook’s point is that though female Idols allow themselves to be sexy, they do it in a respectable fashion. Female Idols can have a positive influence on younger girls by stating being sexy does not mean wearing less; rather, implying women can be sexy while being modest. As an alternative to being nude on top of a wrecking ball to make a dramatic statement in videos, female Idols use deep meaningful plots to convey their emotions, while wearing clothes. This seemingly simple idea of keeping clothes on can change the way millions of young women dress today. This perception of women can change tight tube tops into flowing blouses and short shorts into complementarily fitted pants. Female Idols not only change the way young girls should dress, but also the way young men should expect young women to dress. Young men can learn that a young woman dressed in a flowing blouse and fitted pants are more appealing and respectable than a woman in a tight tube top and shorts. Idols can change the way newer generations perceive music videos, lyrics, and women. To put it another way, the ideals that foreign countries hold close are the ideals that generations to come should live by. Rather than shelter, newer generations from the foreign music videos, older generations and Western celebrities should embrace the Korean pop ways.
Here, many people would probably object that not only do music videos corrupt the morals of the young, but also the way celebrities carry themselves. Many people would also ask what makes an Idol any different from a Celebrity. Seabrook mentions this point this way: “Unless you’re the Jonas Brothers or Taylor Swift, public drunkenness, brawling, and serial misbehavior can often enhance an artist’s reputation in the American pop scene; in Korea, a rumored sex tape or a positive test for marijuana can derail a career” (1). As many people notice when a Western celebrity has negative publicity it just means a bigger career is on the way. Western celebrities enjoy any type of publicity; negative or positive, they crave they lime light. When a Western celebrity’s career starts to falter, they do not come out with a new song or donate to a charity. Instead, Western celebrities make movies, and not the family-friendly kind, but adult movies. Prime examples would be WWE legends Chyna Doll and Hulk Hogan. Ogunnaike mentions how “Chyna Doll, whose real name is Joanne Laurer, got a career boost after her DVD 's release when she was cast on the popular VH1 reality show "The Surreal Life”. The National Post says that after the release of Hogan’s DVD “TNA Wrestling continues to pay him big bucks to tear his shirt off in public” because of the attention, he had received. Celebrities do not only put out films to extend their career but some celebrities do it just because they can or want to get attention. Kim Kardashin, Perez Hilton, and Paris Hilton had no motive to put out a tape other than to get attention. Idols on the other hand cannot be as careless as Western celebrities with publicity. Tapes like these would undoubtedly ruin the careers of international Idols such B.O.A or girl group Girls Generation unlike the Western WWE, star Hulk Hogan who was able to extend his career. For example, in 1989, Lee Soo-Man founded S.M. Entertainment, a Korean record label. Lee’s first success was a Korean singer and hip-hop dancer named Hyun Jin-young. However, Jin-young was arrested for drug use. After, experiencing the “crash and burn” of a potential Idol due to negative publicity Lee decided to have complete control over his artists. This is only one reason why Idols have strived to maintain a perfect public image because an Idols lifespan is so short they cannot afford to be dropped because of negative publicity.
A perfect public is also important to Idols because the idol lifespan is short. Starting as young trainees Idols go through five to seven years, Idols undertake rigorous training in fields such as dancing, singing, and learning multiple languages. These trainees have only a small window to début and become an Idol and as Min-Soo mentions, “even after this process, there is no guarantee of actually appearing on stage” (4) about one in ten trainees makes it to the début. If the audience likes the trainees, then they become Idols. These new Idols have to release an album every eighteen months and a five-song mini album each year and music styling changes continuously; therefore, the life expectancy of an Idol is usually no more than five years. Not only is the life expectancy of an idol short already because companies like SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment hold global auditions almost continually, but new and fresher talent is always arriving. Therefore, Idols careers can be even shorter because of fresher talent. Idols must maintain a good public image so that they can elongate their careers. If an idol were to gain negative publicity because of drug use or an adult film causing their career to end, they would have wasted about ten years of their lives for one mistake. Although, it may seem insane to maintain a perfect image in the public eye, this idea keeps Idols from straying towards what Western celebrities do to gain attention. With this mindset, idols can show younger generations how to carry themselves in the public eye with dignity.
Not only can Korean Pop Idols teach people how to carry themselves, but Korean Pop can also open younger generations to a new culture. Idols introduce a new language and a new culture through their music. Through listening to K-Pop, youngsters can learn how other cultures express their emotions through song. Through watching their music videos, youths can visualize the cultural differences. Ubonrat Siriyuvasak and Hyunjoon Shin mention this in “Asianizing K-Pop: production, consumption and identification patterns among Thai youth” that because a majority of K-pop fans in Thailand are teenagers they spend most of their time between home and school. Therefore, K-Pop is a time where they can come together and meet with friends, to take dancing lessons, or Korean language lessons. K-Pop is having a positive effect on Thailand’s youth, encouraging children to take dance and language lessons. K-Pop is helping build skills that could potentially help children in their futures. Children are becoming more interested in the Korean language and are more willing to learn. This interest in a new language can lead to many careers ahead, because children will be bilingual, they will have more job opportunities because of this skill. Even dance lessons have a positive effect on the Thai youth. Children will become more active rather than sitting in front of a television. Though not all, many will want to become like their Idols; children will work on their skills and become more active. K-Pop Idols introduce diversity, language, culture, and new skills to the youth of today through social media.
Though K-Pop has many positive effects on today’s youth, their music does not broadcast on television shows such as MTV or VH1 in other countries besides Korea. Therefore, K-Pop artist such as BIGBANG, Se7en, Girls Generation, BoA, and many other artists have to rely on social networks such as YouTube and Twitter to spread their messages. With networks like YouTube, Idols can bring together diverse cultures with their music. However, critics such as Malcolm Gladwell would insist social media is not necessary for celebrities to have a positive influence or bring cultures together. Insisting that because of the weak ties between people on the internet, it would be a moot point. Many would agree with Gladwell’s claim saying just because someone presses “Like” on Facebook to support a cure for Breast Cancer does not mean they really care about the cause. This is a valid point in today’s time social networks are more effective. Since social networking is a part of everyone’s daily life, from toddlers to elders, it is the most useful tool for change. I grant that the old-fashioned way of making a change is still effective. I still maintain that in the 21st century social networks are the best way to make any change even if the ties between people are weak. Even if people who press “Like” on Facebook do not really care, others will see that status and venture to that page. Those newcomers to the page will also press “Like”, the message will continue to spread, earnest people will soon be finding other who cares about a cure and strong ties then become formed. This example is the same with YouTube and the spread of K-Pop. AHN Shin-Hyun author of “Girls ' Generation And The New Korean Wave" said that “Social networking services such as Facebook and YouTube have played a key role in spreading this next Korean wave to Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, and then on to Europe, North America and Latin America.” SEO Min-Soo also mentions that when it comes to delivering K-Pop companies rely heavily on social networking services for worldwide exposure. This is because K-Pop videos go viral so quickly that it helps groups such as Girls Generation gain popularity quicker than times before social networking services. Some readers may continue to object and say that embracing different cultures through music will have no effect on today’s young. I would answer otherwise because celebrities are such an influence to the younger generations whether it is good or bad. Korean pop can use the flare of Western the beats and sound while focusing on the positive aspect of life; therefore, sending children a positive message through song that was long ago lost. To put it another way this blend of a Western flare and Korean ideals in music can indeed bring change among the younger generations. Above all, this spread of positive music will only spread worldwide through social media.
Primary Sources:
Azucena Rendón. “Juicy J "Bandz A Make Her Dance" (Remix Ft. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz) Lyrics On Screen.” Online Video. YouTube. YouTube, 7 Oct, 2012. Web. 7 Oct. 2013.
EXO XOXO. “EXO-K (엑소케이) - XOXO Lyrics (Member Coded/Color Coded) [Eng/Rom/Han - HD/1080p].” Online Video. YouTube. YouTube, 12 Aug. 2013. Web. 7 Oct. 2013
Annotated Bibliography:
National Post Staff. “How a six-year-old leaked sex tape of a 59-year-old wrestler became the web’s biggest story.” The National Post. The National Post, 10 Oct. 2012. Web. 7 Oct. 2013.
This article discusses how WWE Celebrity Hulk Hogan leaks an adult film and has gained a larger career.
I will use this article to show how negative publicity in Western music is looked as a positive thing therefore, influencing younger generations to do negative actions.
Ogunnaike, Lola. “Sex, Lawsuits and Celebrities Caught on Tape.” The New York Times. New York Times, 19 Mar. 2006. Web. 7 Oct. 2013
This article discusses how Western celebrities have released adult films and gained more success or longer careers from it. I will use this article to show how negative publicity in Western culture can be seen as good behavior for upcoming generations, proving K-Pop Idols better influences because they avoid attention such as adult films.
Seabrook, John. "Factory Girls." New Yorker 88.31 (2012): 88-97. Literary Reference Center. Web. 18 Nov. 2013.
The article discusses K-Pop, the article details how Korean music agencies recruit and train Idols, in various aspects of the industry. This article highlights how Idols deal with publicity and what happens if Idols receive negative publicity. I will use this article to explain why K-Pop Idols must maintain a positive in public to continue their
career.
Seo, Min-Soo. "Lessons From K-Pop 's Global Success." SERI Quarterly 5.3 (2012): 60-66. Business Source Complete. Web. 20 Nov. 2013.
In this article, they discuss how K-Pop Idols focus other aspects of music rather than adult content. I will use this article to show how idols focus on production numbers, meaningful lyrics, and overall appeal rather than the adult content in Western videos.
Shin-Hyun, AHN. "Girls ' Generation And The New Korean Wave." SERI Quarterly 4.4 (2011): 80-86. Business Source Complete. Web. 4 Dec. 2013.
This article mentions how K-Pop girl group Girls Generation had help to spread their popularity through the use of social networks. I will use this article to explain why social networks are useful in spreading the positive aspects of K-Pop Idols.
Siriyuvasak, Ubonrat, and Shin Hyunjoon. "Asianizing K-Pop: Production, Consumption And Identification Patterns Among Thai Youth." Inter-Asia Cultural Studies 8.1 (2007): 109-136. Academic Search Complete. Web. 3 Dec. 2013.
The article focuses on how the K-Pop culture has spread through Thailand. I will use this article to explain the positive effects have on opening young children to different cultures and ethnic groups.
Is Pop Culture Good For You?
Icons like Elvis Presley, Whitney Huston, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Madonna, or Diana Ross were all positive influences with their music. These icons broke the molds of music with their lyrics and songs, through inspiring millions of people to change their lives, be better people, or even to spread positive messages. However, today’s music is no longer breaking molds. Instead, music is conforming to them: a mold in which displaying woman in mini outfits is acceptable, excessive drug use is positive, and where continuously partying is okay. Western music today does not inspire millions of people to change their lives, be better people, or spread positive messages. Today Western music degrades women with outfits …show more content…
and less than appealing lyrics. Today’s music no longer contains a powerful message; instead, it contains “Drugs, Sex, and Magic”. Even Western celebrities are conforming to a new mold where any publicity is good publicity, instead of being the model citizens and acting as good role models. While many, though not all, Western celebrities have fallen as good influences, there are still many more good influences in the world. Korean Popular, K-Pop, culture and their Idols is one of many positive influences that can still be found today and forgo “Drugs, Sex, and Magic” for modesty, love and integrity. We just need to open our eyes and ears to culture outside of our own. Common sense seems to dictate that Western videos are becoming even more degrading towards women and encouraging of drug usage. Consider “Bandz A Make Her Dance” by Juicy J, Lil Wayne, and 2 Chainz, for example. From the title alone, the song is already degrading women. Although the title does not state it exactly, it gives the impression that women will do anything for money even removing clothing for men’s enjoyment. Lyrics like “these chicks clappin”, “bands a make her dance”, and “the stripper pole her income,” suggests that women are merely beings controlled by money. The lyrics objectify women suggest we are on this earth for man’s entertainment. These inferences have a significant impact on young women today believing that the nickname ‘chick’ along with other belittling names are endearing, when the history behind the nickname is really as low as poultry. The lyrics also make it seem as though being an exotic dancer is a creditable professional. The group’s lyrics also encourage the use of drugs and alcoholic beverages stating, “We get trippy and then some” and “I got drugs I got drinks,” insisting drugs and alcohol will give street creditability and a higher social status. The music video to “Bandz A Make Her Dance”, women instantly are wearing skin-tight-short clothing, the group’s video goes as so far as to put an adult content reference, BRAZZERS, furthering the point that women are objects for man’s entertainment and should display their bodies. Having just argued so many negative aspects to Western music videos, I now want to complicate the point by suggesting that instead of abandoning all forms of celebrity influences perhaps Western entertainers should follow the lead of international entertainers.
Though K-Pop promotes morals and righteous ideals such as love, family, or morality does not mean it is all gospel. K-Pop does incorporate a Western flare to their music. However, the Western flare does not mean focusing on adult themes. Instead, in a recent article, SEO Min-Soo argues, “K-Pop relies on simple melodies that incorporate Western-style pop conventions” (5). Korean Idols such as BIGBANG, Girls Generation, B.A.P, and EXO incorporate this musical flare in order to make music globally appealing while having a moderately positive message. Unlike Western videos such as “Bandz A Make Her Dance,” which focus on adult themes and degrading women, Min-Soo mentions how K-Pop Idols have managers that “work with top experts in music and choreography to perfect the appeal of their upcoming artists” (4). In other words, K-Pop video focus on the overall aspects of their music videos such as dancing so they would not need half-dressed women to become popular. John Seabrook author of “Factory Girls” also mentions, “Neither the boys’ nor the girls’ lyrics or videos generally refer to sex, drinking, or clubbing—the great themes of Western hit-makers.” Seabrook and SEO Min-Soo are right, K-Pop Idols focus more on choreography and sets instead themes like clubbing and sex. Idol Group B.A.P focuses on their extravagant sets and production numbers along with the message of their songs. Even though B.A.P videos have, a rough, rugged, and Western feel the videos never degrade women or refer to adult content. On the contrary, the concepts of the videos are heartbreak, love, or loyalty with a Western flare. Other Idol groups such as EXO also focus on extravagant sets and production numbers, but also on meaningful lyrics. For example, “XOXO” by EXO-K focuses on the hugs and kisses of innocent love. The lyrics support the title with lines like “When I fall asleep as I think of you (in my dreams)”, “Give me XOXO L.O.V.E”, “You’re my XOXO L.O.V.E”, and “You’re my XOXO L.O.V.E”. These lyrics have an important impact on younger ages because they show an innocent approach to love. Although the lyrics do not say so directly, they are implying that love is possible without the pressures of intercourse, which many Western videos imply nowadays. Focusing on ideals that do not deal with adult content is important because younger generations will learn to embody them in place of the club hopping and drugs in Western videos.
Korean pop videos not only focus on lyrics, sets, and choreography, but also avoid degrading women. Seabrook also mentions that female Idols have a “sexy but demure style...” Seabrook’s point is that though female Idols allow themselves to be sexy, they do it in a respectable fashion. Female Idols can have a positive influence on younger girls by stating being sexy does not mean wearing less; rather, implying women can be sexy while being modest. As an alternative to being nude on top of a wrecking ball to make a dramatic statement in videos, female Idols use deep meaningful plots to convey their emotions, while wearing clothes. This seemingly simple idea of keeping clothes on can change the way millions of young women dress today. This perception of women can change tight tube tops into flowing blouses and short shorts into complementarily fitted pants. Female Idols not only change the way young girls should dress, but also the way young men should expect young women to dress. Young men can learn that a young woman dressed in a flowing blouse and fitted pants are more appealing and respectable than a woman in a tight tube top and shorts. Idols can change the way newer generations perceive music videos, lyrics, and women. To put it another way, the ideals that foreign countries hold close are the ideals that generations to come should live by. Rather than shelter, newer generations from the foreign music videos, older generations and Western celebrities should embrace the Korean pop ways.
Here, many people would probably object that not only do music videos corrupt the morals of the young, but also the way celebrities carry themselves. Many people would also ask what makes an Idol any different from a Celebrity. Seabrook mentions this point this way: “Unless you’re the Jonas Brothers or Taylor Swift, public drunkenness, brawling, and serial misbehavior can often enhance an artist’s reputation in the American pop scene; in Korea, a rumored sex tape or a positive test for marijuana can derail a career” (1). As many people notice when a Western celebrity has negative publicity it just means a bigger career is on the way. Western celebrities enjoy any type of publicity; negative or positive, they crave they lime light. When a Western celebrity’s career starts to falter, they do not come out with a new song or donate to a charity. Instead, Western celebrities make movies, and not the family-friendly kind, but adult movies. Prime examples would be WWE legends Chyna Doll and Hulk Hogan. Ogunnaike mentions how “Chyna Doll, whose real name is Joanne Laurer, got a career boost after her DVD 's release when she was cast on the popular VH1 reality show "The Surreal Life”. The National Post says that after the release of Hogan’s DVD “TNA Wrestling continues to pay him big bucks to tear his shirt off in public” because of the attention, he had received. Celebrities do not only put out films to extend their career but some celebrities do it just because they can or want to get attention. Kim Kardashin, Perez Hilton, and Paris Hilton had no motive to put out a tape other than to get attention. Idols on the other hand cannot be as careless as Western celebrities with publicity. Tapes like these would undoubtedly ruin the careers of international Idols such B.O.A or girl group Girls Generation unlike the Western WWE, star Hulk Hogan who was able to extend his career. For example, in 1989, Lee Soo-Man founded S.M. Entertainment, a Korean record label. Lee’s first success was a Korean singer and hip-hop dancer named Hyun Jin-young. However, Jin-young was arrested for drug use. After, experiencing the “crash and burn” of a potential Idol due to negative publicity Lee decided to have complete control over his artists. This is only one reason why Idols have strived to maintain a perfect public image because an Idols lifespan is so short they cannot afford to be dropped because of negative publicity.
A perfect public is also important to Idols because the idol lifespan is short. Starting as young trainees Idols go through five to seven years, Idols undertake rigorous training in fields such as dancing, singing, and learning multiple languages. These trainees have only a small window to début and become an Idol and as Min-Soo mentions, “even after this process, there is no guarantee of actually appearing on stage” (4) about one in ten trainees makes it to the début. If the audience likes the trainees, then they become Idols. These new Idols have to release an album every eighteen months and a five-song mini album each year and music styling changes continuously; therefore, the life expectancy of an Idol is usually no more than five years. Not only is the life expectancy of an idol short already because companies like SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment hold global auditions almost continually, but new and fresher talent is always arriving. Therefore, Idols careers can be even shorter because of fresher talent. Idols must maintain a good public image so that they can elongate their careers. If an idol were to gain negative publicity because of drug use or an adult film causing their career to end, they would have wasted about ten years of their lives for one mistake. Although, it may seem insane to maintain a perfect image in the public eye, this idea keeps Idols from straying towards what Western celebrities do to gain attention. With this mindset, idols can show younger generations how to carry themselves in the public eye with dignity.
Not only can Korean Pop Idols teach people how to carry themselves, but Korean Pop can also open younger generations to a new culture. Idols introduce a new language and a new culture through their music. Through listening to K-Pop, youngsters can learn how other cultures express their emotions through song. Through watching their music videos, youths can visualize the cultural differences. Ubonrat Siriyuvasak and Hyunjoon Shin mention this in “Asianizing K-Pop: production, consumption and identification patterns among Thai youth” that because a majority of K-pop fans in Thailand are teenagers they spend most of their time between home and school. Therefore, K-Pop is a time where they can come together and meet with friends, to take dancing lessons, or Korean language lessons. K-Pop is having a positive effect on Thailand’s youth, encouraging children to take dance and language lessons. K-Pop is helping build skills that could potentially help children in their futures. Children are becoming more interested in the Korean language and are more willing to learn. This interest in a new language can lead to many careers ahead, because children will be bilingual, they will have more job opportunities because of this skill. Even dance lessons have a positive effect on the Thai youth. Children will become more active rather than sitting in front of a television. Though not all, many will want to become like their Idols; children will work on their skills and become more active. K-Pop Idols introduce diversity, language, culture, and new skills to the youth of today through social media.
Though K-Pop has many positive effects on today’s youth, their music does not broadcast on television shows such as MTV or VH1 in other countries besides Korea. Therefore, K-Pop artist such as BIGBANG, Se7en, Girls Generation, BoA, and many other artists have to rely on social networks such as YouTube and Twitter to spread their messages. With networks like YouTube, Idols can bring together diverse cultures with their music. However, critics such as Malcolm Gladwell would insist social media is not necessary for celebrities to have a positive influence or bring cultures together. Insisting that because of the weak ties between people on the internet, it would be a moot point. Many would agree with Gladwell’s claim saying just because someone presses “Like” on Facebook to support a cure for Breast Cancer does not mean they really care about the cause. This is a valid point in today’s time social networks are more effective. Since social networking is a part of everyone’s daily life, from toddlers to elders, it is the most useful tool for change. I grant that the old-fashioned way of making a change is still effective. I still maintain that in the 21st century social networks are the best way to make any change even if the ties between people are weak. Even if people who press “Like” on Facebook do not really care, others will see that status and venture to that page. Those newcomers to the page will also press “Like”, the message will continue to spread, earnest people will soon be finding other who cares about a cure and strong ties then become formed. This example is the same with YouTube and the spread of K-Pop. AHN Shin-Hyun author of “Girls ' Generation And The New Korean Wave" said that “Social networking services such as Facebook and YouTube have played a key role in spreading this next Korean wave to Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, and then on to Europe, North America and Latin America.” SEO Min-Soo also mentions that when it comes to delivering K-Pop companies rely heavily on social networking services for worldwide exposure. This is because K-Pop videos go viral so quickly that it helps groups such as Girls Generation gain popularity quicker than times before social networking services. Some readers may continue to object and say that embracing different cultures through music will have no effect on today’s young. I would answer otherwise because celebrities are such an influence to the younger generations whether it is good or bad. Korean pop can use the flare of Western the beats and sound while focusing on the positive aspect of life; therefore, sending children a positive message through song that was long ago lost. To put it another way this blend of a Western flare and Korean ideals in music can indeed bring change among the younger generations. Above all, this spread of positive music will only spread worldwide through social media.
Primary Sources:
Azucena Rendón. “Juicy J "Bandz A Make Her Dance" (Remix Ft. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz) Lyrics On Screen.” Online Video. YouTube. YouTube, 7 Oct, 2012. Web. 7 Oct. 2013.
EXO XOXO. “EXO-K (엑소케이) - XOXO Lyrics (Member Coded/Color Coded) [Eng/Rom/Han - HD/1080p].” Online Video. YouTube. YouTube, 12 Aug. 2013. Web. 7 Oct. 2013
Annotated Bibliography:
National Post Staff. “How a six-year-old leaked sex tape of a 59-year-old wrestler became the web’s biggest story.” The National Post. The National Post, 10 Oct. 2012. Web. 7 Oct. 2013.
This article discusses how WWE Celebrity Hulk Hogan leaks an adult film and has gained a larger career.
I will use this article to show how negative publicity in Western music is looked as a positive thing therefore, influencing younger generations to do negative actions.
Ogunnaike, Lola. “Sex, Lawsuits and Celebrities Caught on Tape.” The New York Times. New York Times, 19 Mar. 2006. Web. 7 Oct. 2013
This article discusses how Western celebrities have released adult films and gained more success or longer careers from it. I will use this article to show how negative publicity in Western culture can be seen as good behavior for upcoming generations, proving K-Pop Idols better influences because they avoid attention such as adult films.
Seabrook, John. "Factory Girls." New Yorker 88.31 (2012): 88-97. Literary Reference Center. Web. 18 Nov. 2013.
The article discusses K-Pop, the article details how Korean music agencies recruit and train Idols, in various aspects of the industry. This article highlights how Idols deal with publicity and what happens if Idols receive negative publicity. I will use this article to explain why K-Pop Idols must maintain a positive in public to continue their
career.
Seo, Min-Soo. "Lessons From K-Pop 's Global Success." SERI Quarterly 5.3 (2012): 60-66. Business Source Complete. Web. 20 Nov. 2013.
In this article, they discuss how K-Pop Idols focus other aspects of music rather than adult content. I will use this article to show how idols focus on production numbers, meaningful lyrics, and overall appeal rather than the adult content in Western videos.
Shin-Hyun, AHN. "Girls ' Generation And The New Korean Wave." SERI Quarterly 4.4 (2011): 80-86. Business Source Complete. Web. 4 Dec. 2013.
This article mentions how K-Pop girl group Girls Generation had help to spread their popularity through the use of social networks. I will use this article to explain why social networks are useful in spreading the positive aspects of K-Pop Idols.
Siriyuvasak, Ubonrat, and Shin Hyunjoon. "Asianizing K-Pop: Production, Consumption And Identification Patterns Among Thai Youth." Inter-Asia Cultural Studies 8.1 (2007): 109-136. Academic Search Complete. Web. 3 Dec. 2013.
The article focuses on how the K-Pop culture has spread through Thailand. I will use this article to explain the positive effects have on opening young children to different cultures and ethnic groups.