Granted, it's pretty much known that Kpop is generally the most westernized when compared to other Asian music genres, which in tern allows it to receive lots of international attention. Much of that attention stretches beyond Asia. However, this year for me, takes the cake for the most "try-hard" and "wannabe" American attempts the industry has ever seen. I mean, some of the concepts seen this year are almost blatant copies of styles, sounds, and images that can be found in the US. Just look for yourself:
Seriously, WTF was that?! For the past 4 to 5 years (give or take), the Korean music industry has been hell bent on achieving a global presence and going out of their way to appeal to international audiences, all the while neglecting the needs and wants of their home country. I believe it's all starting to come to a head, as acts from smaller companies and those producing more "Korean friendly" music are seeing a rise in popularity, and those producing heavily westernized songs are seeing a decline. Which brings me to the ladies of the hour, Crayon Pop!
This diamond in the rough quintet, Way, Eillin, Cho A, So Yul, and Gum Mi, were virtually ignored by Korean music fans when they first hit the scene back in 2012. They released several singles during that year but gained no real success.Under the small company, Chrome Entertainment, the group had minimal exposure and promotions, and often found themselves preforming on the streets. However, debuting in Japan, a country where one's record label and/or financial backing doesn't determine or heavily influence their success, Crayon Pop was able to gain some love with their first mini concert selling out in just one hour.
Just like any artist, Crayon Pop wants to be loved and enjoyed in their country of origin, despite hitting the ground running in Japan, a place where they would make more money anyway. Thus came the release of "Bar Bar Bar"...
Though success was not immediate, Bar Bar Bar has been picking up steam and caused a major dance crazy in South Korea, going viral on several internet sites with fans from school kids to police officers imitating the popular routine. The girls are also having success chart-wise, landing in the top 5 on various charts. So why is Korea going gaga over Crayon Pop?
Judging from the images above, the answer's quite simple. It's Kpop getting back to its roots by being fun, bubbly, catchy, and entertaining, while still maintaining a sense of simplicity. Its easy to become swept up in it. The Korean public must be delighted to have a group that doesn't take themselves too seriously and are not going out of their way to target foreign audiences. The local popularity of this group and others alike *cough*APink*cough* speaks volumes for what KOREANS want to see in THEIR industry. It's like they're finally standing up and saying "International attention/influence is NOT going to dictate what we like in Korea!," and I for one commend them for it!
Butthurt "Big 3" stans and international fans that only listen to groups with western sounds/images are hating on them hard and accusing them of cheating. I believe Crayon Pop's success is well deserved. Acts from the Big 3 have been allowing the attention overseas to go to their heads and been delivering underwhelming music to the Korean public as of late. Money and the power of their core fan bases can only carry them so far.
As a non-Asian American and long time Asian music and pop culture enthusiast, I found it quite refreshing to see Koreans acting KOREAN again, instead of being black and whitewashed. Quite frankly I don't wanna see that sh*t when I tune in for Korean and Japanese music. Why would I want to listen to the Asian version of Nicki Minaj, Rihanna or Beyonce, when I get more than enough of the real thing right here in the US? It defeats the purpose of listening to Korean music in the first place.
So keep pushing forward Crayon Pop! I hope to see you on top one day, and hopefully you maintain your integrity and don't forget about Korea!
