Rap was once considered black only music. Then it crossed over into the mainstream and you even have Korean rappers. K-pop is currently jumping into the mainstream just like rap and hip hop did. KATSEYE is proof of that. The truth is it’s almost done, and K-pop will soon only represent the style of music, not who sings it. Like example of Lisa makes a solo Kpop album, it’s still K-pop, even if she is from Thailand.
That's certainly an interesting observation! I do wonder though whether K-pop itself has become a double-edged sword of its own success. The music has always been inspired by the west, like R&B and Hip Hop. Its distinct quality was that it featured primarily Korean lyrics and was made by Korean producers. Now that doesn't seem to be the case, with the myriad of western producers taking part in the creation of K-pop hits. I see K-pop as an example of global dissemination. While the music is largely based from Korea, it's a product of people from all over the world coming together to create something.
I agree, it was meant to happen tho. Kpop got too popular and Korean producers haven’t done enough to keep production local the way they have with kdramas. But now with Netflix, I’m guessing that’ll end as well. Squid Game was a precursor to that I think. It’s always sad when something loved changes and “sells out.” It is an indicator of its success though. So just like back in the 2000’s kdramas and kpop were so sweet… I think that time has gone and will never return again :(
Rap was once considered black only music. Then it crossed over into the mainstream and you even have Korean rappers. K-pop is currently jumping into the mainstream just like rap and hip hop did. KATSEYE is proof of that. The truth is it’s almost done, and K-pop will soon only represent the style of music, not who sings it. Like example of Lisa makes a solo Kpop album, it’s still K-pop, even if she is from Thailand.
That's certainly an interesting observation! I do wonder though whether K-pop itself has become a double-edged sword of its own success. The music has always been inspired by the west, like R&B and Hip Hop. Its distinct quality was that it featured primarily Korean lyrics and was made by Korean producers. Now that doesn't seem to be the case, with the myriad of western producers taking part in the creation of K-pop hits. I see K-pop as an example of global dissemination. While the music is largely based from Korea, it's a product of people from all over the world coming together to create something.
I agree, it was meant to happen tho. Kpop got too popular and Korean producers haven’t done enough to keep production local the way they have with kdramas. But now with Netflix, I’m guessing that’ll end as well. Squid Game was a precursor to that I think. It’s always sad when something loved changes and “sells out.” It is an indicator of its success though. So just like back in the 2000’s kdramas and kpop were so sweet… I think that time has gone and will never return again :(
Interesting discussion!