Is Big Bang just a kpop idol?

[suxaholic.livejournal.com]

What do you think "kpop idol" is? Have you ever tried to define the meaning of the word? Well, here are some requirements for kpop idol.

Kpop idol

1. has trained for many years by kpop agencies

2. is incredibly young

3. is good-looking

4. is worshiped by teenagers

So, which is your favorite kpop idol? Some of you may say it's Big Bang, one of the most popular boy groups in Korea. But, I want to ask you if you think Big Bang is an "idol." Yeah, this may sound like a stupid question. Big Bang has trained for many years by YG Entertainment, was incredibly young when it debuted, is good-looking, and is worshiped by teenagers. Big Bang meets all the requirements for kpop idol.

By the way, it has been almost 10 years since the group debuted, and it seems that Big Bang is evolving out of an idol. Here are some evidence that shows Big Bang is not just an idol but an artist.

1. High Quality Own Songs

Have you listened to Big Bang's new songs, 'Loser' and 'BAE BAE'? Well, the songs are really awesome. The songs have refined melodies and sophisticated lyrics, while G-Dragon, Taeyang, and TOP took part in writing 'Loser' and G-Dragon and TOP took part in writing 'BAE BAE'.(I'm sorry I can't convey the whole detailed feelings of the emotional lyrics to foreign fans, but the Korean lyrics are really great. And the great lyrics are the main reason why I consider GD as the best idol rapper even though some disagree.

Some of kpop idols write their own songs like Big Bang, but most of them don't. So, people criticize idol singers for just singing and dancing to famous composer's music like robots. Nobody regards such idols as "musicians" or "artists." And as idols are kind of merchandises produced by kpop agencies, they usually jerk around like a puppet on a string.

However, the big bang members do their own music independently. Even Yang Hyun Suk can't boss them around.

2. Loved by People in their 20s and 30s

Without doubt, EXO is now considered as the most popular kpop idol group. However, there is a crucial difference between EXO and Big Bang. EXO has teenage fans' full support, while Big Bang is widely loved by people in their 20s and 30s too. And unlike EXO who is strongly loved by female fans, Big Bang has many male fans too.

It is very rare case that kpop boy group has as many fans in their 20s and 30s and male fans as Big Bang, which means Big Bang is loved by people not just as an idol but as a musician or artist.

You can see how much Big Bang is loved by male fans and fans in their 20s and 30s through the picture below. It's Melon's statistical data which shows who listened to Big Bang's 'Loser', while 44.6% of the listeners are males and people in 20s have the largest portion of the listeners.

3. Outstanding Artistic Sense

What do kpop idols do for a living? They sing and dance on stage, and some of them appear on dramas and movies. But it's very notable that the Big Bang members are distinguishing themselves in the art world.

GD, who is regarded as a representative fashionista, was invited to numerous fashion shows held at home and abroad, while he also held his own exhibition 'G-DRAGON SPACE 8' in 2013. And he's planning for a special exhibition to be held at the Seoul Museum of Art in June 2015. It is the first time for Korean art museum to collaborate with kpop star, while GD will take part in directing the exhibition. He certainly has established himself as a cultural icon.

TOP also has displayed his talent in the art world. He took part in Singapore's Prudential Eye Zone exhibition as a curator and selected Korean and Japanese works to be on display. He has his own viewpoint on art and has a deep knowledge of it.

source kpopbehind, jeyleader, iheartkpop

Comments

[imienazwisko.livejournal.com]

However, the big bang members do their own music independently. Even Yang Hyun Suk can't boss them around.
lol what about taeyang that had to fight yg to put love you to death on rise

[bunica1990.livejournal.com]

ikr? that's also imo the best song on rise.

[aki-san.livejournal.com]

I really dislike this kind of hierarchy that puts Big Bang on top just to throw shade at other idols. Are people really that ashamed to admit that they like an idol group?

[suxaholic.livejournal.com]

I think it's the same as in the western world. people of a certain age are not going to publicly stan bubblegum pop artists
such as one direction or justin bieber when he was still a white boy

[kyokomurasaki.livejournal.com]

As far as I know, Big Bang themselves haven't tried to distance themselves from their idol group status or claim that they're not an idol group, so I don't get why some people bend over backwards to try and say they're not. They may have more freedom than other groups in various aspects, but they're an idol group no matter how you slice it.

[suxaholic.livejournal.com]

true I think Korea has very a set archaic definition of what an idol is supposed to be

[scheisse.livejournal.com]

Isn't "idol group" just another way of saying "popstar"? They're all idol groups/idols, just like all our western faves are popstars. It doesn't matter if you have more control than others, you're still an idol/popstar.

[suxaholic.livejournal.com]

idols are popstar but more in the one direction, backstrreet boys category kind of bubble gum pop than let' say Rihanna
maroon 5 pop category

[bloodtaki2.livejournal.com]

I personally wouldn't have used exactly the same criterias. I always thought that one (among many) of the particularity of idols is that they promote a lot on variety shows. I also don't think being super super young has anything to do with it. I mean, look at Sojin, Suju, and half of 2ne1. They're not old imo, but they're not in their early twenties, and yet, nobody argues that they are indeed idols.

[charlotterhys.livejournal.com]

I hate this sense of superiority so much. It's so ridiculous, in so many different ways.

I could make so many arguments to explain how posts like these are complete shit but I've had a bad day and it's not like you can change the minds of fans this stuck up. (Or any kind of person with a similar, prejudiced view about things far more important than idol groups.)

[sakura-holic.livejournal.com]

Yes, BigBang are a K-pop group and will continue to be known as one.
Making good music does not make you any less of an idol and being an idol does not mean you can't produce good music.

Like seriously instead of trying to say that they are too "good" to be idols why can't we admit that they are "good idols" and why can't we use them to break that prejudice that all idols are bad (in terms of talent and music) and beneath everyone in the entertainment industry..

[aki-san.livejournal.com]

Amen.

[gray-fairy.livejournal.com]

EXO has teenage fans' full support, while Big Bang is widely loved by people in their 20s and 30s too
Actually, when I looked at that melon age chart a couple of times, most of people listening to EXO were people in their 20s too. But the "10s" bar was higher with EXO than with BB, that's def true.

[kjc48.livejournal.com]

Yup, once an idol has a hit song and goes mainstream older people will naturally listen to them. All idols target demographic is teens, but that doesn't mean only kids listen to them.

EXO has teenage fans' full support, while Big Bang is widely loved by people in their 20s and 30s too
Tell that to the saeseangs standing outside GD's house.

[blueglassbeads.livejournal.com]

...must we? Really, truly, must we play this game?

[itsnvrcldinhell.livejournal.com]

Love your icon

[fantaesticbaby.livejournal.com]

this article is a joke, right?

[sra-interesante.livejournal.com]

Mmhhh... i agree, they're not incredible young....
let's not call them old either (i'm in my 20' too... we're not old)
I agree they don't have a 'young' fanbase ..... their fanbase gives a cool mature feeling. i think they have lots of casual fans, this makes their fandom less dramatic and clingy also they have a good amount of fanboys , this probably mean less delulu fans (even less drama)

About not being good looking (sometimes i wonder why i'm not staning top) or not training in a company for a long time (i wanna say gd?? i just remember someone from bb used to be a sm trainee) I must differ
(http://s1085.photobucket.com/user/sologifs100/media/giphy_zpsd1o6tcog.gif.html)

[gray-fairy.livejournal.com]

I think people forget that actually 90% of idols are in their 20s and very few are teens. Idk why everyone seems to have this idea that most of idols are teenagers or something. Not even rookies are that young nowadays, you have a LOT of people debuting in their early 20s.

[ohlookshiny.livejournal.com]

this is kind of contradictory?? you can't say big bang are artists and then say that gd is the best idol rapper...

[atopworld.livejournal.com]

But I don't think BB have tried to distance themselves from the idol image. I believe that's what their solo efforts are for.

Also, there is nothing wrong with being an idol. Idols work their ASSES off, despite disagreements about how their achievements are attained.

[leopolitan.livejournal.com]

rainbow are the true artist-dols

[suxaholic.livejournal.com]

people need to calm down

Idols are perfectly packaged mass-produced commodity aimed towards mostly at teens and early twennies.

everything is decided for idols by companies. Their hairstyle, concept, styling, their individual character,dance. the companies have full control over everything they do no cellphones, no dating, no leaving the dorm etc.

The most important part they have zero control in any aspect of the creative production until they are a seniors even then its a select few like beast and boa who gets that freedom.

Most of these idols like a lot of young people from around the world are in the game to be famous. Most of them also have no real musical talent and it's not required either since they are idols= breathing talking products.

Bigbang breaks away by the fact that they always has had an influence over their music. They are in that sense different from other idols and people are going to define that differently depending on who they are some like the article and some will say breaking stereotypes

I find it weird that people are so offended by this article

[racquelle2005.livejournal.com]

Because they stan for said idols and don't wanna give bb credit for shit. Whether they like it or not bb helped revolutionize the industry

[fayfayren.livejournal.com]

I feel as if idol groups aren’t taken that seriously in Korea because the public considers the fans to be young teenyboppers. I kind of compare it to Justin Bieber in the beginning (before the racist and fuckboy behavior), when he came out with Baby and seemed like a harmless kid from Youtube, but so many people hated him and I think it’s because all his fans were young girls (even though some were over the top).

I don’t really like articles that try to sort and rank these idol groups between “us” and “them”. Also, I dislike the fact that in order to praise one group, you have to discredit the other one. All idol groups work extremely hard. They train for years, are away from their families, practically get no sleep, and have to always be “on”. Even if you don’t like them, you have to respect that work ethic.

[angela-derp-otp.livejournal.com]

but the Korean lyrics are really great. And the great lyrics are the main reason why I consider GD as the best idol rapper even though some disagree.

and it seems that Big Bang is evolving out of an idol. Here are some evidence that shows Big Bang is not just an idol but an artist.

It is very rare case that kpop boy group has as many fans in their 20s and 30s and male fans as Big Bang, which means Big Bang is loved by people not just as an idol but as a musician or artist.

But it's very notable that the Big Bang members are distinguishing themselves in the art world.

He certainly has established himself as a cultural icon.





The delusion is strong in this one.

[hipployta.livejournal.com]

Article would have been better off saying Big Bang redefined idols with producing their own albums, all being solo, and starting new trends since day one and from there imply they evolved past the label

[modernelegance.livejournal.com]

Agreed.

[kjc48.livejournal.com]

Big Bang will be artist when B1A4, Block B, BAP, etc (the list can go on forever, I mean even Suzy is a lyricist now) are seen as artist. Or better yet: when BB's credibility as artist doesn't rely solely on GD (ft. TOP).

Even SHINHWA are still idols~ You can't have rapid fangirls, the backing of a large corporation, multiple dead-weight members, and still say you're not an idol.

[psharp10.livejournal.com]

"doesn't rely solely on GD (ft. TOP)"

it doesn't though?? i'm not agreeing or disagreeing with anything in regards to the article but bigbang certainly now doesn't rely solely on gd and top to bring them artist credibility, if you look at their solos, each of them has established themselves well - for the group as well now, artists or idols, i know it's not just gd and top helping write/compose the album..

[ggumd.livejournal.com]

lol Big Bang is as manufactured as anyone else, there are a bunch of idols who write and compose their own stuff I feel like it's only yg that likes to media play about his idols being real artists~ even his idols believe in their own hype i.e gd and on that note I'm still jamming to loser hopefully the album has similar jams

[mad-nux.livejournal.com]

ive never seen fans of other group overrate their faves as much as elitist yg stans overrate big bang

[suxaholic.livejournal.com]

the author is not even a yg stan and I also t´don't get why I-fandoms are so insecure when it comes to bigbang

[revertigo.livejournal.com]

idol groups usually produce better music than bae bae and loser tbh

[kjc48.livejournal.com]

oop, although Bae Bae grew on me (#IGABimpacttbh)

[damn, can't see the gif. linking because it's gorgeous: http://i.imgur.com/FcKk8xt.gif]

[teruhiko.livejournal.com]

of course they're idols. I'm a big BB fan but the arrogance of some of the fandom is really irritating. we're all fans of pop music and there's nothing wrong with that. I don't appreciate the unnecessary superiority complex - pop music should be fun. if you want to brag about authenticity, go and get yourself into underground indie music. but of course, such music doesn't have big fandoms to align yourself with, so...

I think Big Bang are an incredibly talented and interesting boy band and I love them for having their own style and flavour. but they're still a manufactured boy band like every other boy band in kpop. they're not the only idols who create their own music, either, but people tend to gloss over the efforts of other artists unless they're actively seeking the "but look I am an organic genuine songwriter" image. many idols are not, regardless of whether they create their own works, presumably because they know where their careers came from. and I respect that. there are idols in every major company who contribute to their own work, but only YG seems to be concerned about promoting this fact, I guess to try and separate themselves from the idol industry they are intrinsically a part of in order to court more interest from the general public. and clearly from articles like this, it's working. people are easily fooled when they don't know the details.

maybe it's because I'm older and long past the desperate teenage/young adult need to find authenticity and originality in everything in order to feel confident about my interests, but I'm not here for trying to drive a wedge between groups who belong to the same genre whether we like to admit it or not.

[gray-fairy.livejournal.com]

if you want to brag about authenticity, go and get yourself into underground indie music. but of course, such music doesn't have big fandoms to align yourself with
Mte. It's funny that most of people want their favorites to ~slay~ (aka, being the #1 top group and recognized/liked by the masses) but at the same time it's like they're reluctant to stan "manufactured mainstream groups". It's kind of contradictory tbh.

[aleksu7.livejournal.com]

lol, jesus why are BB stans so insecure and elitists? I' ve already answered this question on other BB article.
Yes they are idols. Better than other boy groups? Probably. But they are idols, manufactured, pop music, mainstream... call it whatever you want, enjoy it and deal with it. And if you can't admit that you like them cause of their nature, idk... just listen to Indie xD Seriously, as if they are the only ones that write and produce their music or are "different" and doesn't fit the mold... People already said lot of examples about other boy bands, I usually don't follow boy bands so I can't say much but what about Jonghyun he also writes and compose. Brown eyed girls, LE from Exid...

Seriously BB fans need to get off their high horse. I really like some of their songs, but seriously their fans sometimes are kinda annoying.

[revertigo.livejournal.com]

lol the op didn't get the comments she was baiting so we're the offended ones.

anyway, if BB isn't an idol group, please don't participate in idol-driven promo shows like music bank, the show, inkigayo, etc. so EXID can continue to win ^_^

[suxaholic.livejournal.com]

to late for prayers locked all doors pushed up all furniture's peeping through my window waiting for on onslaught of zombies( is there any real difference) ala walking dead.