30 replies to this topic

[Kudaranai]

Christ, here we go again.


Anyway. Yay! Thanks for the video. I love her "holy crap" too. Her English is definitely better now than 3 years ago. (Although, that's kind of a given) I was surprised by Key's English too. I'm not a shawol, but I do follow their stuff at times. (Wee, Minho) I had no idea he speaks it so well.

[Cori]

Mashimaro-san, on 05 March 2012 - 09:09 AM, said:

So you think just because a Korean act is "known" they are successful? Please... again I estimate 1 out of 20 K-pop acts in Japan actually succeed, that is, they are popular, have an impact on local culture, etc. SHinee is an practically unknown and irrelevant in Japan, what are you talking about? Via internet? How about speaking to people who are actually in Japan...?

And you Cori is one of the reasons why I get put off my K-pop so much, so much flaunting with their "overseas success" *eye roll.* And the fact that you ignore album sales as indication of success? Its not successful if they aren't selling. The record labels are losing money. You have to remember, its the music industry, its a type of business. If a business is popular but not selling, then its not successful.

Wow...just...wow.

For a person ticked off that papers exaggerate things, I must say you read far too much into a persons post. Once again, in no way did I say it was dominating (I actually said "not DOMINATING"), there is an impact and you can't deny it, even in the slightest. I never said there was "SO MUCH OVERSEAS SUCCESS" Via the internet implies people that I have met that actually life in Japan...Your justifications are valid, I am simply trying to point out that it goes beyond album sales because it is getting noticed more (never said it is getting more successful), as much as I hate it. I buy my idols albums, unlike the hefty majority of foreign Kpop AND Jpop fans who give the excuse that it's overseas so they have no means to get it (I am not imply this is you, rather making a statement).

You make me seem like some fangirl, saying that someone like the Wonder Girls or SNSD has made "so much impact it's unreal" Here is where I eye roll.

Also, if I am someone that puts you off from the fandom of Kpop then you have never met any crazy, make you want to to pull your hair out fans. Because, I have. Can't I just go back to liking my own language/culture/genre of music and you go back to enjoying yours? Thank you.

PM me if you want to continue.

[yunapolaris]

Mashimaro-san, on 04 March 2012 - 12:26 PM, said:

Oh great now the "K-Pop World Domination~" over-exaggeration has hit the USA.

Sorry I'm not buying it, I really don't see what is so special with K-pop, its basically American music in Korean.

First of all, I apologize if any one feels like I jump into your conversation, but since it's a public discussion so I guess...it's ok to speak up ^^" .
From all of what I've read before I made this post. I dare to say you- Mashimaro-san , is a very Jpop-biased fan. For that reason, I lost half of respect for your opinion because its lack of fairness. You looked at the topic with a insular prejudices.
I recall you ARE the one who kept saying about "Hallyu DOMINATION', but any one else. The article & documentary video posted in here saying that Kpop is finding a way into US music market --> "the wave of Korean cultural expression that, bit-by-bit, is making a mark on the world" - quoted. Where did you find the idea of "world domination" or it was just the bias & hatred in your mind leading you to perceive it that way?

From from point of view, the article was simply talking about a new-born trend of Asian music in US. They are media for God's sake, and they write about new things that are happening in the society. And K-pop is simply just another 'new thing', no matter if it will become a 'big thing' or not. I don't see any problem to write about it.
And saying that Jpop doesn't give a cr*p of what Western thinks or likes about their music is also your prejudices & assumption. Sorry but you are no one to speak on behalf of Japan and their music/culture. So if it's ok for Japan to keep their own spectacular/unique/beautiful music to themselves , what makes it so 'wrong' and 'horrible' of Korea trying to spreading music to the world? If you never try, how do you know if you will succeed or fail? Kpop wants to try and to challenge itself in US and more, so be it. Japan wants to preserve their precious, so be it.
I can't help thinking your reaction is out of jealousy, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Also, music is various in style, it's just its nature. If you don't like a kind of music, simply because it's not your taste, doesn't mean it's bad or garbage. It's ok to dislike, but don't judge.

[Mashimaro-san]

yunapolaris, on 08 March 2012 - 01:20 PM, said:

First of all, I apologize if any one feels like I jump into your conversation, but since it's a public discussion so I guess...it's ok to speak up ^^" .
From all of what I've read before I made this post. I dare to say you- Mashimaro-san , is a very Jpop-biased fan. For that reason, I lost half of respect for your opinion because its lack of fairness. You looked at the topic with a insular prejudices.
I recall you ARE the one who kept saying about "Hallyu DOMINATION', but any one else. The article & documentary video posted in here saying that Kpop is finding a way into US music market --> "the wave of Korean cultural expression that, bit-by-bit, is making a mark on the world" - quoted. Where did you find the idea of "world domination" or it was just the bias & hatred in your mind leading you to perceive it that way?

From from point of view, the article was simply talking about a new-born trend of Asian music in US. They are media for God's sake, and they write about new things that are happening in the society. And K-pop is simply just another 'new thing', no matter if it will become a 'big thing' or not. I don't see any problem to write about it.
And saying that Jpop doesn't give a cr*p of what Western thinks or likes about their music is also your prejudices & assumption. Sorry but you are no one to speak on behalf of Japan and their music/culture. So if it's ok for Japan to keep their own spectacular/unique/beautiful music to themselves , what makes it so 'wrong' and 'horrible' of Korea trying to spreading music to the world? If you never try, how do you know if you will succeed or fail? Kpop wants to try and to challenge itself in US and more, so be it. Japan wants to preserve their precious, so be it.
I can't help thinking your reaction is out of jealousy, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Also, music is various in style, it's just its nature. If you don't like a kind of music, simply because it's not your taste, doesn't mean it's bad or garbage. It's ok to dislike, but don't judge.

First of all I never said it was wrong they are debuting in the West. I just don't really see what the whole buzz is about. I never said its garbage, but from what I see its not that at all different from Western music other than the language. Maybe because K-pop has been getting Americans to produce their songs more and more. I really don't know, but K-pop wasn't always this obvious carbon copy of American music before.

Also my frustration with K-pop mainly stems from the craycray fans that over exaggerate everything, I really don't hate it. Its unfortunate but a lot of the K-pop fans I've met are pretty obsessed with it and kind of need to calm down... The article might not say it but its basically implying that K-pop will dominate, eventually, but not right now.

Why does jealousy come into it...? What's to be jealous of? Its not jealousy, more like annoyed seeing the word K-pop everywhere. Perhaps if K-pop died down a little bit instead of being in-your face all the time then maybe I won't be so stingy about it.

I think K-pop needs to slow it down and develop its own style before going into the West, that is my opinion. I used to be a K-pop fan, so from 2002 - 2007, I know more about it than recent fans. I think before it was unique because solo acts were more prevalent and they brought more creativity and distinct styles that set them apart from each other. I also find that there was more variety back then, there was a rock-style, SOUL/Gospel style, etc. But now its mostly idol groups that sound similar to each other, with the same similar style and image, its gone over-commercialized much more than American music.

I think this is just a phase in K-pop, the idol craze, that the USA and Europe had back in the 90's. Japan still has it but they have solo acts and groups that are not idols topping the charts that have their own distinct style and sound so it balances it out. You can say South Korea is a bit late in the idol craze, its still an industry that is growing. Perhaps in the following decade we'll see more different styles, image and sound from South Korea instead of K-pop idol groups singing the same similar dance-tunes with similar precise choreography, with a similar image all the time. And maybe I'll not be so biased about it.

I'm hoping BoA will set herself apart from the K-pop crowd, a Korean IDENTITY perhaps? This time well executed, and I think its possible with the huge backing SM has for her.

[yunapolaris]

Mashimaro-san, on 14 March 2012 - 05:46 AM, said:

First of all I never said it was wrong they are debuting in the West. I just don't really see what the whole buzz is about. I never said its garbage, but from what I see its not that at all different from Western music other than the language. Maybe because K-pop has been getting Americans to produce their songs more and more. I really don't know, but K-pop wasn't always this obvious carbon copy of American music before.

Also my frustration with K-pop mainly stems from the craycray fans that over exaggerate everything, I really don't hate it. Its unfortunate but a lot of the K-pop fans I've met are pretty obsessed with it and kind of need to calm down... The article might not say it but its basically implying that K-pop will dominate, eventually, but not right now.

Why does jealousy come into it...? What's to be jealous of? Its not jealousy, more like annoyed seeing the word K-pop everywhere. Perhaps if K-pop died down a little bit instead of being in-your face all the time then maybe I won't be so stingy about it.

I think K-pop needs to slow it down and develop its own style before going into the West, that is my opinion. I used to be a K-pop fan, so from 2002 - 2007, I know more about it than recent fans. I think before it was unique because solo acts were more prevalent and they brought more creativity and distinct styles that set them apart from each other. I also find that there was more variety back then, there was a rock-style, SOUL/Gospel style, etc. But now its mostly idol groups that sound similar to each other, with the same similar style and image, its gone over-commercialized much more than American music.

I think this is just a phase in K-pop, the idol craze, that the USA and Europe had back in the 90's. Japan still has it but they have solo acts and groups that are not idols topping the charts that have their own distinct style and sound so it balances it out. You can say South Korea is a bit late in the idol craze, its still an industry that is growing. Perhaps in the following decade we'll see more different styles, image and sound from South Korea instead of K-pop idol groups singing the same similar dance-tunes with similar precise choreography, with a similar image all the time. And maybe I'll not be so biased about it.

I'm hoping BoA will set herself apart from the K-pop crowd, a Korean IDENTITY perhaps? This time well executed, and I think its possible with the huge backing SM has for her.

I do agree with you on one thing that Jpop or Japanese music is various, more than Korean music. Kpop totally dominate the Korean music industry, even if the songs belongs to hip-hop/rap, they are still labeled it 'Kpop'. However, isn't it the same in Jap music thou? Jpop is still the majority of music, even thou there is J-rock or soul or R&B and hip-hop, but how many percent of them are performed on Jap music shows every week?

And K-pop is not a completely carbon copy from Western pop, I'd say K-pop is influenced by Western music. But again, isn't it the common in Asian music? Thai-pop, Viet-pop, Chinese-pop, Taiwanese-pop , they are a lot more like a carbon copy than Kpop, from the music to even the styles. I dare to say Japanese music got influenced a lot from Western music too. Soul, R&B , Rap, Hip-hop , they were started in the West. We find a lot of English lyrics in Jpop nowadays too.
And Japanese stars like Utada or Ayumi tried to enter US market also, with English albums. But they did not create a 'Jpop wave'. Why? I leave the answer to you.

It's still really early for K-pop right now, but at least it's on the right track. Like you say, give Kpop some more time. From what I understand,probably Kpop has chosen the way of blending first, to get people accustomed with the concept of 'Korean pop music' /Kpop first to crack into the market, after that they will have a base to grow. And I think they are doing pretty good so far.

And I do understand the frustration you have towards the fans. I myself dislike some groups in Kpop because of their fans. I don't understand the youngster nowadays anymore, they are a lot more immature than us before, but oh well, they're young

I agree with you on hoping BoA set herself apart from nowadays K-pop too. I think she has passed that phase. Now her & her company should focus on being unique by being herself.

[Mashimaro-san]

yunapolaris, on 16 March 2012 - 11:51 AM, said:

I do agree with you on one thing that Jpop or Japanese music is various, more than Korean music. Kpop totally dominate the Korean music industry, even if the songs belongs to hip-hop/rap, they are still labeled it 'Kpop'. However, isn't it the same in Jap music thou? Jpop is still the majority of music, even thou there is J-rock or soul or R&B and hip-hop, but how many percent of them are performed on Jap music shows every week?

And K-pop is not a completely carbon copy from Western pop, I'd say K-pop is influenced by Western music. But again, isn't it the common in Asian music? Thai-pop, Viet-pop, Chinese-pop, Taiwanese-pop , they are a lot more like a carbon copy than Kpop, from the music to even the styles. I dare to say Japanese music got influenced a lot from Western music too. Soul, R&B , Rap, Hip-hop , they were started in the West. We find a lot of English lyrics in Jpop nowadays too.
And Japanese stars like Utada or Ayumi tried to enter US market also, with English albums. But they did not create a 'Jpop wave'. Why? I leave the answer to you.

It's still really early for K-pop right now, but at least it's on the right track. Like you say, give Kpop some more time. From what I understand,probably Kpop has chosen the way of blending first, to get people accustomed with the concept of 'Korean pop music' /Kpop first to crack into the market, after that they will have a base to grow. And I think they are doing pretty good so far.

And I do understand the frustration you have towards the fans. I myself dislike some groups in Kpop because of their fans. I don't understand the youngster nowadays anymore, they are a lot more immature than us before, but oh well, they're young

I agree with you on hoping BoA set herself apart from nowadays K-pop too. I think she has passed that phase. Now her & her company should focus on being unique by being herself.

Non-mainstream J-pop, Soul and R&B, etc. are performed and do appear in weekly major music shows, they just don't get that much buzz or coverage from the media. Japanese pop duo moumoon had a summer smash hit in 2010 with Sunshine Girl, charted #5 in Oricon singles, but there was no buzz whatsoever for their TV performances (i.e. Music Station). Unlike K-pop, there are just not that many people able to share videos online for J-pop. If Japan didn't have such strictly enforced copyright laws you would see so many underrated acts performing on TV, recorded and posted in YouTube. Instead what you get is the J-pop "idol" artists that sell based on personality and image rather than musical talent. And they definitely get more buzz and coverage by the media.

However, these "non-idol" artists, whether it be J-rock, or just non-idol J-pop, still chart on Oricon charts and sometimes enter top 5. This is the difference between K-pop and J-pop in terms of variety, that non-idol artists actually chart high in Japan. There is more chance for the non-idol artists to succeed commercially.

J-pop has a different style in delivery, yes influenced, but not copied. The vast majority of J-pop is American or European influenced, but their delivery is uniquely Japanese. The style and image tends be the major dividing factor. In K-pop the image, style and sound are delivered in such an Americanized manner. Its hard to explain lately. You can say J-pop, in its "true" form, is melody-harmony based, lighter and polished. K-pop is very much like mainstream American music, it is mostly very urban, songs are based around a beat, and edgier.

You are wrong. A Japanese song charted #3 in Billboard Hot 100 back in the 1960's (here). Kyu Sakomoto's album also charted #12 in Billboard 200 (here). There was a J-pop wave. Japan has been there done that. People underestimate J-pop for not being globalized and conforming to Western standards, but that is its true strength, it has its own identity that can claim for itself.  Utada Hikaru did not succeed because her songs were not meant for mainstream music. She brought unique sounds, she didn't conform with American standards. They released songs that were unconventional, original, in fact quite ahead of their time. Utada Hikaru released EXODUS, a pop-electronica-dance album in 2004, way before this whole electro-dance craze. EXODUS is an amazing pop-electronica-dance album.  Her second attempt, This Is The One, didn't have mainstream music in mind, she produced and wrote songs, she wanted to create an old-school pop/R&B sound, which obviously would not sell now. I'm certain if Utada wanted to threw her creativity out and release mainstream sounding American pop songs she would've have had better chances. Ayumi Hamasaki never debuted in the USA, I have no idea where you got that from. Ayumi doesn't need the USA, her singles and releases still sell like hotcakes in Japan.


Let's hope BoA throws something new to the K-pop table. And I would watch out for J-pop, Perfume just got signed by Universal Music, and a lot of newer J-pop releases since late 2011 are starting to appeal to international fans, its probably because of the wave of international influences recently, especially after March 11 when Japan was front-page news, its picking up again. As m-flo said, March 11 changed Japan and "woke it up."

Edited by Mashimaro-san, 16 March 2012 - 05:05 PM.

[yunapolaris]

Mashimaro-san, on 16 March 2012 - 05:03 PM, said:

Non-mainstream J-pop, Soul and R&B, etc. are performed and do appear in weekly major music shows, they just don't get that much buzz or coverage from the media. Japanese pop duo moumoon had a summer smash hit in 2010 with Sunshine Girl, charted #5 in Oricon singles, but there was no buzz whatsoever for their TV performances (i.e. Music Station). Unlike K-pop, there are just not that many people able to share videos online for J-pop. If Japan didn't have such strictly enforced copyright laws you would see so many underrated acts performing on TV, recorded and posted in YouTube. Instead what you get is the J-pop "idol" artists that sell based on personality and image rather than musical talent. And they definitely get more buzz and coverage by the media.

However, these "non-idol" artists, whether it be J-rock, or just non-idol J-pop, still chart on Oricon charts and sometimes enter top 5. This is the difference between K-pop and J-pop in terms of variety, that non-idol artists actually chart high in Japan. There is more chance for the non-idol artists to succeed commercially.

J-pop has a different style in delivery, yes influenced, but not copied. The vast majority of J-pop is American or European influenced, but their delivery is uniquely Japanese. The style and image tends be the major dividing factor. In K-pop the image, style and sound are delivered in such an Americanized manner. Its hard to explain lately. You can say J-pop, in its "true" form, is melody-harmony based, lighter and polished. K-pop is very much like mainstream American music, it is mostly very urban, songs are based around a beat, and edgier.

You are wrong. A Japanese song charted #3 in Billboard Hot 100 back in the 1960's (here). Kyu Sakomoto's album also charted #12 in Billboard 200 (here). There was a J-pop wave. Japan has been there done that. People underestimate J-pop for not being globalized and conforming to Western standards, but that is its true strength, it has its own identity that can claim for itself.  Utada Hikaru did not succeed because her songs were not meant for mainstream music. She brought unique sounds, she didn't conform with American standards. They released songs that were unconventional, original, in fact quite ahead of their time. Utada Hikaru released EXODUS, a pop-electronica-dance album in 2004, way before this whole electro-dance craze. EXODUS is an amazing pop-electronica-dance album.  Her second attempt, This Is The One, didn't have mainstream music in mind, she produced and wrote songs, she wanted to create an old-school pop/R&B sound, which obviously would not sell now. I'm certain if Utada wanted to threw her creativity out and release mainstream sounding American pop songs she would've have had better chances. Ayumi Hamasaki never debuted in the USA, I have no idea where you got that from. Ayumi doesn't need the USA, her singles and releases still sell like hotcakes in Japan.


Let's hope BoA throws something new to the K-pop table. And I would watch out for J-pop, Perfume just got signed by Universal Music, and a lot of newer J-pop releases since late 2011 are starting to appeal to international fans, its probably because of the wave of international influences recently, especially after March 11 when Japan was front-page news, its picking up again. As m-flo said, March 11 changed Japan and "woke it up."

On the first paragraph, you basically stated the fact existing in not only Kpop, Jpop but in music of all time. The mainstream music always draws the most attention. So, the fact that mainstream groups/singers in Kpop get a lot more attention is not just Kpop. Korean music got many talents which are not mainstream too, like Rumble Fish- the one who covers BoA's 'No.1', they are very talented, but I'm darn sure that they don't get 1/10 attention from media like groups like Shinee or SNSD gets, or Lee So Young, or Kim Bum Soo. Again, it's not typical just Kpop, it's like that every where.
And Japan is strict in copyright and stuff, but Korea is not easy either. Hundreds of video were removed from Youtube by SM & YG, etc. The shows like Music Station we still can find them all over the internet despite how strict the copyright is, so I don't think the copy right should take the blame here.
For the non-idol appears on the chart, it's the same in Kpop or any other music industry. They will get on there sometimes, not all the times and not whenever they release. And that's why they are 'non-idol' , frankly, because they are not popular to the crowd, despite their talents. They still have a certain amount of fans, but it's not the majority. If the non-idol 'succeed commercially' like you said, they would be called 'idol' by then.
If Kpop was being critized for focusing too much on 'idols' , so is Jpop and the whole music industry in general

I'm not sure what your definition of 'wave' is, but to me, a couple people-who are unknown til now- made it to some chart 50 years ago shouldn't & couldn't be called a "Jpop wave" . There must be a significant amount of recognigtion to be called 'wave'. A very simple example, Shinee or TVXQ or SNSD they haven't made any major chart ranking yet, however many of my cowrokers who listen to music knows about them- and not through me! They know their songs better than me. Kpop did a good job in getting people o recognize the concept of 'Kpop'. I think you need to give Kpop more credits on the fact that it is contribute to the world's recognition for Asian music.

For Ayumi, I didn't mean to say she made debut in US, my bad for unclear statement, I meant to say big star like Ayu tried to rech out of Japan in general, not exclusively to US. Ayu's "Guilty" was releases in more than 20 countries outside Japan. For Utada, all due respect, her music is great and she is an undeniably talent; however it comes down to the question: was she ahead of the music or she didn't do the best timing? And if she was so good at electronica-dance that she was ahead, and if the present is electronica-dance's era, why wouldn't she seize the chance and produce some album that can bring her big hits?
Ayumi doesn't need the US, likewise, Us doesn't need Ayumi or any Girls Generation or any Super Junior added to a already-crowded music market.
About Kpop is trying to enter US market, it's like a hiker tries to conquer the Everest - the ultimate challenge for a hiker, just like US- the biggest music market also the biggest challenge.
m-flo is absolutely wise when saying it's time for Japan to wake up, cuz while Jpop is enjoying its domestic victory, the world is moving on and moving forward, before you even know it, Jpop would be so far behind and faded on the map of world music.
I dearly like Jpop and I hope nothing else but the best for Japan and its music.

For BoA with Kpop, I'm not sure I will like it if she goes with the mainstream. Like I said, I think she's already passed that phase, it's time for her to be her true artist, no matter if it follows the mainstream or not.

[Kentjr]

Can't we just be excited that they're at least getting minimum exposure. It's something XD.

[Mashimaro-san]

yunapolaris, on 17 March 2012 - 10:12 PM, said:

On the first paragraph, you basically stated the fact existing in not only Kpop, Jpop but in music of all time. The mainstream music always draws the most attention. So, the fact that mainstream groups/singers in Kpop get a lot more attention is not just Kpop. Korean music got many talents which are not mainstream too, like Rumble Fish- the one who covers BoA's 'No.1', they are very talented, but I'm darn sure that they don't get 1/10 attention from media like groups like Shinee or SNSD gets, or Lee So Young, or Kim Bum Soo. Again, it's not typical just Kpop, it's like that every where.

And Japan is strict in copyright and stuff, but Korea is not easy either. Hundreds of video were removed from Youtube by SM & YG, etc. The shows like Music Station we still can find them all over the internet despite how strict the copyright is, so I don't think the copy right should take the blame here.
For the non-idol appears on the chart, it's the same in Kpop or any other music industry. They will get on there sometimes, not all the times and not whenever they release. And that's why they are 'non-idol' , frankly, because they are not popular to the crowd, despite their talents. They still have a certain amount of fans, but it's not the majority. If the non-idol 'succeed commercially' like you said, they would be called 'idol' by then.
If Kpop was being critized for focusing too much on 'idols' , so is Jpop and the whole music industry in general

No, non-idol J-pop artists do get lots of media exposure - in Japan only. They don't get any media exposure outside or by the international communities. While in K-pop, non-idol just don't et any exposure even in Korea. That's the difference. In Japan, non-idol singers are still immensely successful, hold arena tours even, and actually chart high at the charts - regularly.

Really? If it was just as easy to find current Japanese music and performances on YouTube as K-pop then why can't Kana Nishino's new music video in full length? I can't even find her new performances. Japanese copyrights are much stricter than K-pop. Kana Nishino released a single and I haven't seen a single performance at all because the moment its on YouTube its taken down with 24 hours. Its much harder to get J-pop out there because the copyright laws are so strict.

Quote

I'm not sure what your definition of 'wave' is, but to me, a couple people-who are unknown til now- made it to some chart 50 years ago shouldn't & couldn't be called a "Jpop wave" . There must be a significant amount of recognigtion to be called 'wave'. A very simple example, Shinee or TVXQ or SNSD they haven't made any major chart ranking yet, however many of my cowrokers who listen to music knows about them- and not through me! They know their songs better than me. Kpop did a good job in getting people o recognize the concept of 'Kpop'. I think you need to give Kpop more credits on the fact that it is contribute to the world's recognition for Asian music.

Alright K-pop get credits for getting Asian music recognized and creating some sort of K-pop wave. But you shouldn't underestimate J-pop either, it has just as much influence, but the only problem is that they aren't exerting this influence. J-pop hasn't fully tried to break into the Western world, it tries occasionally but its perfectly content staying in Japan.

Quote

For Ayumi, I didn't mean to say she made debut in US, my bad for unclear statement, I meant to say big star like Ayu tried to rech out of Japan in general, not exclusively to US. Ayu's "Guilty" was releases in more than 20 countries outside Japan. For Utada, all due respect, her music is great and she is an undeniably talent; however it comes down to the question: was she ahead of the music or she didn't do the best timing? And if she was so good at electronica-dance that she was ahead, and if the present is electronica-dance's era, why wouldn't she seize the chance and produce some album that can bring her big hits?
Ayumi doesn't need the US, likewise, Us doesn't need Ayumi or any Girls Generation or any Super Junior added to a already-crowded music market.
About Kpop is trying to enter US market, it's like a hiker tries to conquer the Everest - the ultimate challenge for a hiker, just like US- the biggest music market also the biggest challenge.

Ayumi had Guilty released in 20 countries, so that means she tried? No, it just means her record label just decided to release it to 20 countries. Numerous artists do that from all corners of the world. There was no effort whatsoever. Did she actually go outside of Japan to perform it? No. Ayumi Hamasaki did not try whatsoever to try and garner the West or the world's attention. Ayu had an Asia-wide tour, but it was mainly for people who was already a fan of her, and she has quite a lot actually.

Utada Hikaru released EXODUS as a dance-electronica album because she said herself it was experimental, she expected zero success. That alone should tell you Utada had no intention whatsoever in going mainstream. Utada decided to do a classic pop/R&B instead of a dance-electronic album because that was what she wanted as an artist. You forget that Utada is first and foremost an artists, not some idol who will do anything to garner mainstream success. If Utada left her creativity and artistry for mainstream American success, well a lot of her long-time fans would be disappointed with her, she's always been different from the norm, she shouldn't forsake her artistry just for American success.

Utada's effort in the USA cannot be compared to K-pop artists. Utada isn't an idol, she won't bend down and take it, she'll fight for her creativity. BoA? Lets be real, she Americanized her music to the max to fit-in mainstream, and the same can be said for all K-pop attempts at the American market. Utada? Hell, Utada even told her fans on Twitter not to buy the BEST OF album her American label, Universal, released in the USA because her label did it without her approval.

I admire K-pop for trying to break into the American music scene, but there really isn't anything new or amazing with what they are trying to bring here. They'll have to bring something new and amazing to trump all the current and upcoming American acts. It really won't be easy. That's what I say when "K-pop there really isn't anything special about it" when compared to the local acts we have here in North America. For all the catchy dance-tunes and excellent choreography they have, there's an American artist that is already doing that or can probably do even better. K-pop needs to step up to the challenge. They're great in Korea, stand out in Japan, but they are mediocre here in the West.

Quote

m-flo is absolutely wise when saying it's time for Japan to wake up, cuz while Jpop is enjoying its domestic victory, the world is moving on and moving forward, before you even know it, Jpop would be so far behind and faded on the map of world music.
I dearly like Jpop and I hope nothing else but the best for Japan and its music.

For BoA with Kpop, I'm not sure I will like it if she goes with the mainstream. Like I said, I think she's already passed that phase, it's time for her to be her true artist, no matter if it follows the mainstream or not.

What m-flo said doesn't just apply to J-pop, it applies to the rest of Japan. I can't speak for Japan, but I do think its time they stepped up their game because they are actually declining very steadily, just not as evident.

BoA, well here's the thing I'm a fan with the things I like from her. I don't like everything about BoA, but I'm still a fan of her as singer. I'm critical with BoA, just as I am with every artist. The only difference is that I'm vocal about BoA, while for other artist I keep it to myself. I'm vocal about BoA because I actually know her discography, career, etc., so with all that knowledge I'm able to criticize her without being inaccurate.

Edited by Mashimaro-san, 24 March 2012 - 01:32 PM.

[yunapolaris]

Mashimaro-san, on 24 March 2012 - 01:29 PM, said:

-posted content-

I will continue this conversation in the PM box since it is trailing off the topic and becomes personal opinions between you & me. Hope it's okay with you .
Thanks.

[BoA_rocks_in_english]

Baco__, on 04 March 2012 - 12:25 PM, said:

well, whoever wrote this article made some mistakes, 'cause here's the interview video and those errors are nowhere to be found ;D



the holy crap part is amazing lol i keep repeating lol

Hahahaha I just busted out laughing when BoA said Holy crap XD love how good her english is getting, I understood everything and it didn't sound awkward. Could care less about girl and boy bands, I just want my girl back here working on another English album, I loved all the songs on the first one.

Edited by BoA_rocks_in_english, 30 March 2012 - 12:34 PM.

[yunapolaris]

BoA_rocks_in_english, on 30 March 2012 - 12:33 PM, said:

Could care less about girl and boy bands, I just want my girl back here working on another English album, I loved all the songs on the first one.

Hear, hear !
I honestly don't care about what she's gonna do with her music, mainstream or not mainstream, I just want another English album from her first. Criticism can wait. (and can kiss my butt )

[BoA_rocks_in_english]

yunapolaris, on 31 March 2012 - 11:31 AM, said:

Hear, hear !
I honestly don't care about what she's gonna do with her music, mainstream or not mainstream, I just want another English album from her first. Criticism can wait. (and can kiss my butt )

Agreed 100% plus its obvious BoA hasn't given up on the USA she knows she has tons of fans here and that's enough to make her wanna come back, =)

[Kentjr]

BoA_rocks_in_english, on 31 March 2012 - 11:42 AM, said:

Agreed 100% plus its obvious BoA hasn't given up on the USA she knows she has tons of fans here and that's enough to make her wanna come back, =)

BoA_rocks_in_english, on 31 March 2012 - 11:42 AM, said:

Agreed 100% plus its obvious BoA hasn't given up on the USA she knows she has tons of fans here and that's enough to make her wanna come back, =)

Omg exactly! I really hope she does do another English album I am first and foremost a fan of her Asian music but I can't wait to see what she'd do with a second try.

[BoA_rocks_in_english]

Kentjr, on 01 April 2012 - 07:23 AM, said:

Omg exactly! I really hope she does do another English album I am first and foremost a fan of her Asian music but I can't wait to see what she'd do with a second try.

Specially now that her accent is so little, Distance blew me away. I play that song more than any of her Asian music from 2007 to now.
I'm working on a project right now to get more people into her to buy her first english album, I figure it would catch SM's eye if the album starts selling again.

Edited by BoA_rocks_in_english, 01 April 2012 - 10:30 AM.