Everyone knows that EXO, Big Bang, and BTS are currently at the top of the K-pop scene. But it will be difficult to guess which one of them will be the most popular K-pop band 10 years from now. To answer this question, we look into their trendy points.
Fashion styles changed every year
They’re all trendsetters and they always appear on TV with a brand new outfit, but some people think that their fashion sense follows too closely every time there’s a new trend in society or International Media. SM has been known as an innovative company, but it carries concerns if its idols fail to break out of such predictability.
“They’re all unique in their own way, but they can be seen following the trendy points established by International Media. I hope that they will become more unique and refined over time.” (A 50-year-old fan who has been a fan of EXO for 5 years)
Musicians follow what’s currently trending… But make it their own style?
You can see many musicians appearing on TV shows with powerful performances, but there are worries if the idols fail to express their unique musical colors because of this trend. If you look at Bigbang or BTS, you can find some kind of consistency in all stages presented by them during debut days to today. It is special that Bigbang even presented new moves like “Fantastic Baby” and “BANG BANG BANG”.
“K-pop’s overall tendency is to follow the trends, but they need their own colors that can’t be found in other singers. They should show us what makes them different.” (A 28-year-old fan who has been a fan of Bigbang for 5 years)
K-pop songs are nice… But not too unique?
Bigbang’s legendary “Fantastic Baby”, EXO’s track with EDM sounds like Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk”, or BTS’ performance which had hip hop, rock sound, and EDM altogether. These songs were mostly produced by YG Entertainment. On the contrary, SM artists like EXO or Red Velvet have been known for their musical sensibility. If these companies follow the tendency of the International Music Industry, they carry concerns if K-pop songs become too similar to one another.
“When I listen to Bigbang’s “Bang Bang Bang”, it makes me think of global EDM sounds. It’s great that there are many artists who try new things rather than sticking to one genre.” (A 30-year-old fan who has been a fan of Bigbang for 10 years)
They know what the fans want!
Bigbang always spends time with fans through concerts, EXO released a limited album “For Life” written by members themselves and BTS constantly updates S and online communities in order to communicate with their fans. They seem to be reaching out to the public through communication rather than advertisements.
“Every idol group tries hard to communicate, but I think that BTS does it better than other idols.” (A 28-year-old fan who has been a fan of EXO for 3 years)
Other companies should learn from them… But they will still lose because of international media!
They are talented and marketable… But can’t escape International Media’s influence?
Many experts cite concerns over the fact that Bigbang or EXO may become so popular in South Korea, but not abroad. SM artists like Red Velvet haven’t had much success outside of Asia whereas YG singers like Winner haven’t shown signs of breakthroughs in South Korea. This is because domestic success isn’t easy to achieve unless singers are extremely popular worldwide or have outstanding talent, but it’s difficult if they’re not that well-known.
“International Media influences the K-pop market a lot, so I don’t think there will be anyone who can turn the tables around.” (A 45-year-old fan who has been a fan of Bigbang for 15 years)
There are many musicians who are talented enough to do anything… But their companies are too conservative!
They used to be known as “dinosaur companies”, but it seems like they’ve lost their power now… SM and YG were the ones who took over the market by pioneering Hallyu, but they are still seen as companies with conservative views.
“Bigbang’s “Fantastic Baby”, Red Velvet’s “Red Flavor” or BTS’ “Blood, Sweat & Tears” were all executed in unique styles, but I think it is unfortunate that they couldn’t really take off because of conservative views.” (A 25-year-old fan who has been a fan of EXO for 5 years)