Skip to main content

Idol in the making


Korean pop has been a vital engine to the peninsula's soft power projection. The concept of creating an idol, rather than just marketing them, has been well formulated and is now ready to reach the world. In fact, of late, k-pop has been inducting foreigners into the groups to capture emerging markets in Japan, China and other Asian states. One of the few groups which boast today of an enormous global influence is BTS, a boy band from Bangtan, which calls its fans ( Stan's, to be specific ) an army. 

The whole formulae have become quite a household knowledge in South Korea, where the big three, namely YG, SM and JYP, vouch for making idols out of talents. The trick is gruelling training which can last up to five years (or more), where talent is groomed into performance. This method has worked exceptionally well, churning out bands one after other who sway the audience to their tune. In fact, these companies are known to plan out the entirety of the band's activity, from the nickname of their fan groups to other media presence, which often becomes controversial. 
One of the raging controversies has been over the autonomy the idols have in their lives. Recently JYP were under fire for overworking their bands, and many have pointed out racist behaviour at SM. Since idols tend to become a national image, their actions are often subjected to massive public scrutiny. Anything from a dating rumour to an advertisement could become a national issue. In fact, many laws in South Korea have had a name from the k-pop idol who was involved in them.

There is perhaps no denying how big the k-pop industry is and its massive impact on the entertainment industry. However, it seems distant from a cultural point of view. Since k-pop groups dominate the scene, only a few, like IU, could make it as a soloist (a common feature in the west). Further, the age of the artists is quite a concern, given the average lifetime of a band. Training late teenagers who wear out by the end of their contracts might develop into serious trouble. One which was already seen in the cases of Sulli and  Goo Hara. 

I would end this critique on a positive note. This phenomenon of k-pop idols has only reached its third generation, and we, as fans (and Stan's), have a moral responsibility to make it a sustainable culture for the artists. That calls for us to consciously understand the idols rather than be only an audience.

Popular posts from this blog

Election afterthoughts

The unfolding of the Indian election might have come as a surprise to many, for one is the BJP who steamrolled the campaign seasons with slogans of "400 par". While it remains 240 seats popular in a house of 520 members, a few stories should not go unnoticed. First, the BJP's popularity and the win for a third term is no ordinary feat. Only a few leaders of the past have managed such an elusive feat. This, indeed, is the trust that the brand Modi has built over the years. In politics, we often get acclimatized to the situations, in certain aspects too critical of it. When the young generation looked at Indira Gandhi's cabinet, they vowed never to again let such a solid mandate to a single party that its chief could declare an emergency, and no structures would be able to prevent that. This, however, ended up in fragmented colours in the Lok Sabha, the era of coalitions and surprise prime ministers. Needless to say, the horse-trading of MPs and the mindless corruption ...
dive in...

Birth of a flood

The sky is almost dark, saving for those last golden tinges that would fade in no time. As palm trees mark the oblivion, a muddy reflection forms the ground. Last few days were mostly rainy. So profound is our love for rain. And why would not we? Unlike most other seasons, rain are so tender. A drop of patience which is about to reach its final destiny. Every time I look at rain drops they remind me of a struggle. A journey that begins with summer in an aura of dry and burning heat. And in no time the drop loses its sources. The long carried identity of its mother. With the loss of identity a awakening awaits. The pleasure to reach out and bond. As our drop moves up and up the end less skies, it realises the futility of pride and the necessity to bond. This comes with age. Not until it is near to earth it agrees to meet with other wanderers of the new world. And finally all our drops reach the cold atmosphere. The coldness makes life dreary and lonely. As the youthfulness dies out,...
dive in...

Consulting Constulting

Consultants are the most rampant, yet the most sushed topic in corporate. There are enough consulting firms today, to make one wonder if we need so many of them. And if the conundrum of needing to hire consultants was not big enough, here comes the issue of what they actually do. Over the last few years, many in the media have reported consulting firms to have held too much power for far too long to have become corrupted. Firms have relied on shady practices to keep their business afloat and, on many occasions, have walked out without much consequences. However, I find the above conclusion misrepresenting, if not incorrect.  The need for consultants doesn't arise from corporate's need to implement change or resolve issues. Corporations today are locked in an environment of constant change, be it in business models, products or even markets. The law forbids two companies from coming together and promising on a "happy ever-after". The consequence of this is action and r...
dive in...