Some idol producers are upset with digital sales from 'I Am a Singer', YG remains cool papa

[ashiva.livejournal.com]

Idol group producers disgruntled over 'I Am a Singer' dominating music charts

Despite the many controversies the show is embroiled in, MBC's 'I Am a Singer' is a force to be reckoned with on the music charts. Decades-old hits began creeping back into the charts when the show first aired, and now they're just about dominating every position imaginable.

This public recognition of veteran talent is long overdue, but music producers aren't at all happy, and are even making claims that the show is "killing the music industry".

But why?

On March 31st, one producer (who asked to remain anonymous) stated, "Digital songs from 'I Am A Singer' are dominating the live music charts. All comebacks and promotions for new tracks are being buried underneath these old songs on the charts."

"I, too, understand the importance of spotlighting talented artists and bringing back hit tracks from the past, but if 'I Am a Singer' continues to distribute the songs digitally for profit, it will put the industry in crisis."

Another industry representative also spoke up on the matter, beginning with an acknowledgement of the positives. "In an industry that's so heavily concentrated on dance and idol music, it's encouraging that 'I Am a Singer' is promoting a sense of change. Such talented artists are only known by few these days. Introducing hit tracks from the past and giving spotlight to deserving and talented artists to better introduce them to the mainstream industry is a fantastic deed."

"However," he continued, "It's different when the broadcast company is taking a large portion of the profit made from those digital sales. I hope that a program with such good intentions won't become tainted."

Viewers and netizens have also been keeping close tabs on the phenomenon, with many criticizing idol group producers for "whining" about their positions on the charts now that talent has emerged.

Netizens raged, "Idol groups used to dominate the charts, and now that they can't, these producers are all rushing to do whatever it takes to get money in their pockets" and "I don't understand why these producers are complaining now when they're the ones that ruined the industry by forcing the monotony of their idol groups onto it."

Other netizens retorted, "Whether it's an idol or a talented artist, it is a bit severe that everyone is being pushed off the charts because of this show" and "The show should re-invest the money that's being made from the shows into public interest or in improving the music industry."

On the income distribution for the songs, MBC explained, "60% of the profit goes to the distributor and copyright holder. 10% of the remaining 40% is split into donations for the improvement of the music industry. Whatever's left is divided 5:5 amongst the singers and us."

KMP Holdings, a music and broadcasting organization that SM, JYP, and YG Entertainment are all a part of, will be holding a meeting at 5 PM KST on March 31st to come up with a statement against MBC releasing 'I Am A Singer' covers into digital songs.

Korean Source: Sports Today via Nate, Herald News
Source: Allkpop

Yang Hyun Suk defends 'I Am a Singer'

Thanks to MBC's new program, 'I Am a Singer', Korea's been experiencing a revival of interest in their legendary artists. Though the music industry was reported to be disgruntled by this new development, YG Entertainment's Yang Hyun Suk has stepped up to defend the show and everything it stands for.

Through an interview with OSEN, Yang Hyun Suk expressed:

"When I first heard that Kim Bum Soo won #1 for the first time in his career, I felt a lump in my throat. 'I Am a Singer' is undeniably an excellent program, and the fact that music industry representatives are opposing the direction of the show is definitely news to me."

"Music is like fashion in that trends come and go. Hearings news about how Kim Bum Soo was able to grab his first win demonstrates just how bias our music industry really is. To me, I'm ecstatic that talented singers like Kim Bum Soo are finally able to receive spotlight through shows like 'I Am a Singer'."

"YG itself houses idols like Big Bang and 2NE1, but I'm glad and also welcoming of the veteran singers' return. Instead of a world dominated by idols, it's better that a more variety of singers and a wider diversity of genres are heard in the Korean music industry."

"Reflecting back on the past couple of years, the industry seems to have swayed too far to one side. When talented singers emerge, the wave of interest sways to that side. When idols gain popularity, the wave of interest sways to that side, thus leaving the others with no place to stand. It's so fortunate that such a program allows talented singers to reinvent past hits and communicate with the public."



When asked why he agreed to an interview specifically on the show, he answered:

"I felt that since our artists and myself have no relationship to the singers on the show, as well as the fact that YG is known for being an idol group agency with Big Bang 2NE1, it'd be easier for me to speak more transparently."

"Through the show, I've realized once more how important it is for songs to be able to move the heart. How amazing is it that people are finally focusing on the music itself and taking an interest in it? I applaud the show's efforts and hope that 'I Am a Singer' continues to advance and improve itself."

"Industry representatives are opposed to the show releasing remakes into the digital market, but this does not reflect YG Entertainment's opinion. I myself am actually curious as to who would say such a thing like that. These singers are merely moving the hearts of viewers with their talent, why must such a situation arise? It's truly upsetting."

Korean source: OSEN via Naver
Source: Allkpop

ETA: In addition to JYPE, SME, and YGE, also Star Empire, Medialine, Ken Entertainment, and Music Factory are part of KMP Holdings. So, YG's say in the organization might not be that much. :-\

Comments

[beauty0fparting.livejournal.com]

I've been looking everywhere to find this show subbed.

YG is cool indeed. -_~

[erbalurbal.livejournal.com]

I can't understand why they have a problem with it. Ok, they don't get #1 for a few days but they will still get the sales they were going to get.

also, kim bum soo never had a #1 song? That is hard to believe.

[ghost-whisper.livejournal.com]

haven't you heard? not having number one within 5 seconds of release (preferably before release, even) equals a flop. OFC, not having #1 for a few days in an industry-wide critical disaster situtation.
What would happen to the world if people actually enjoyed older songs? It would be the apocalypse! the sun would turn black, and demons would eat the souls of all omntd-ers!

[earthequality.livejournal.com]

As someone who's grown up with older artists, in general, I've always been curious about KMusic's history but it's really hard to find anything on the internet. In the long run, I think this will actually help KMusic to grow. The Industry needs a shake up, they're too many idol groups coming out with similar concepts and songs. People need variety.

That and if fans, worldwide and national, see and hear what inspired what we have today, I think we'd be able to understand and appreciate the references and appearances of older generations of singers that we see on Strong Heart, Star King, and numerous other Korean programs. That and remakes are nothing new, they're just going onto the market at the same time.

[itangeisha.livejournal.com]

I've always been curious about KMusic's history but it's really hard to find anything on the internet

Do agree.

[snoorella.livejournal.com]

exactly. i've tried finding sung si kyung's albums in good quality for so long, but it's the hardest because it's quite old. but that's what i want to listen to: old, timely ballads that seem so much more interesting and nice to listen to than the so-called "ballads" being put out by idol singers. i want to listen to something that is not so repetitive.

[orenji13.livejournal.com]

I got SKK, MC Mong, Park Hyo Shin, YDH and others old songs from bww2. I don't know if it's still active though.

They still on heavy rotation on my playlist. I only listen to SMTOWN er tbh, due to the pop approached that they make to their album

[pumpkinskin.livejournal.com]

try japkorchi.de

[loveisdesire.livejournal.com]

I for one don't see why they are complaining. It's not any of the idols out right now have music that deserve to win. Kmusic is getting boring and repetitive so having the old songs on the charts will surely shake things up. Beside without these old songs, none of the idols we have right now won't have any inspiration for their songs, companies should be grateful.

One thing that does piss me off is when people thinks idols can't be talented singers. They are talented singers in idols too.

[ghost-whisper.livejournal.com]

yeah, I hate the fact that people automatically correlate idol with lack of talent. lots of talents "idols" thanks. In fact, I sorta hate the 'idol' title, simply *because* that connection.

On the other hand, I also get annoyed with agency/producers implying that idol=talent unnecessary, and then whining about talented people winning, just because it's not their idols, because their idols aren't allowed to grow and are given generic songs that they might not even like/connect with. Of *course* this is a recipe for quick-to-die/poorly received songs.

[itangeisha.livejournal.com]

Kim Bum Soo never won? It's surprising.. But depends when music programs started. If it started along with idols.. And maybe they don't speak about awards ceremonies with daesangs and stuff.

"Music is like fashion in that trends come and go."

Prtty much this.

[waltz-in-code.livejournal.com]

This public recognition of veteran talent is long overdue, but music producers aren't at all happy, and are even making claims that the show is “killing the music industry”.

irony

[swrighteous.livejournal.com]

Papa YG's being more chatty these days, I love it :)

That aside, I don't see why there should be adversity to this sort of program. A music industry needs variety otherwise it'll eventually collapse upon itself. And, yeah, idol acts are apparently getting shifted down the charts at the moment due to the veteran singers from the show, but it's not like they won't immediately bounce back up later on. Stop complaining and just step back for a little while.

[shintotchi.livejournal.com]

If I looked up the definition of 'Hating', I'm pretty sure the first half of this article would pop up. Seriously, tainting the show by actually making a profit from the songs? Unfair because they dominate the charts? If the public didn't like the music, then they wouldn't buy it! Are there subliminal messages telling people to buy their music? No. This is nothing other than pure hate.

YG...I thank you. Have confidence in your own artists. In order to reap success, you can't just concentrate on your own stuff. You have to reach out and help/support others too. Eventually you'll get a boost when you least expected, because you looked out for someone who never forgot what you did for them. Good karma all around

[ghost-whisper.livejournal.com]

basically this. Industry is only threatened because they have no confidence in their artists to succeed, because they *know* that so many producers are half-assed about things, figuring that idol status and a few months of 'training' is all that's necessary.

[valieleen.livejournal.com]

This is exactly what it is. Instead of trying to improve the quality of their own music they choose to complain and point their fingers at talented artists. They need to step up their game and quit whining.

[after-an.livejournal.com]

Hey idol producers, how about producing better music? T_T

[ghost-whisper.livejournal.com]

I Am a Singer' continues to distribute the songs digitally for profit, it will put the industry in crisis."

Solution: create better songs, and put out talented *singers* (not just performers)

it's pretty stupid - anyone who follows the music/book/movie industry realizes that old releases frequently have revivals of interest. It's not a threat to the industry, just a passing fad as *any* popular song, new or old is. These songs are only a threat to the ill=conceived songs/groups released purely on the basis that agencies feel that "if we put out an idol, they'll be popular" - sorry to say, but lots of people have a little more thought than that, and will get interested in genuinely good music, old/cover, or new. (I myself *love* covers)

[lydzi.livejournal.com]

Irony is dripping from all your pores dear Idol groups producers. I'm terribly sorry to ear that you can't buy this new Porshe you deeply wanted anymore.

[devilstay.livejournal.com]

I LOVE my idol singers but in truth I don't really consider them idols but boy/girl groups that I really like, which need competition from other types of genre in order to keep improving the music industry. Variety is not just important it's also very valuable. I don't understand why people would get upset over the fact that more then one type of genre is being heard. It's about time that producers acknowledge Korea, isn't one big mainstream audience.

[naturalhonee.livejournal.com]

the idol producers who are complaining must hv released their music around the same time the 'i am a singer' songs were released.

and only a few idols hv released new music the past week or so....not too hard to guess who they are.

[albeitalways.livejournal.com]

when did 'i am a singer' actually released the songs?

[naturalhonee.livejournal.com]

they've been on the charts for less than 7 days according to some of the sites

[earenya-beryl.livejournal.com]

I don't really see the problem, I mean young idols sings older/other singers song all the time (that's how I learn to love oldies trot songs, and that Onew's voice is heavenly singing them).
Besides, when it comes to ballads and heart-wrenching songs, non-idols is where it's at.
Idols got me into kpop but I can honestly say, discovering non-idol singers and older singers is why I'm still here.

[o-o-mai-o-o.livejournal.com]

I am really glad that this change is starting to happen.
The Korean music industry is way too overflown with idol groups and solo artists barely make any money or get any kind of recognition unless they're huge like Rain or Lee Hyori, and they really do deserve it. They're SINGERS, real singers, not some idols dancing around to pop music.

And these so-called producers with a stick up their ass can just suck it up. Boohoo, oh no, an idol's song isn't getting number one because a talented solo veteran singer is winning it instead who has never won it before in their life, how wrong!

[albeitalways.livejournal.com]

KMP Holdings, a music and broadcasting organization that SM, JYP, and YG Entertainment are all a part of, will be holding a meeting at 5 PM KST on March 31st to come up with a statement against MBC releasing 'I Am A Singer' covers into digital songs.

Since YG's already stated his side, I wonder what the other two will be.

[qrizta.livejournal.com]

LOL those idol producers. Hopefully, they will end up with similar says as YG in the meeting. I see nothing wrong with older songs getting on charts.

[orenji13.livejournal.com]

Idol producer should realize that they are the first one who take the market away from singers like them, who only stand and sing and replace it with image and good marketing gimmick.

I doubt that these singers and idols share the same market tbh. Imo, fans of old music or fans of these singers finally had access to their song and the singers got the spotlight that was stolen from them by these idols.instead of making the market smaller, these singer actually make it wider.

[purekpopology.livejournal.com]

This is ridiculous. If you have talent/appeal, you will be high on the charts whether you're competing against new songs or old songs.

[midnitemaraud-r.livejournal.com]

Here's my question: What are the demographics for the viewers of the show, and just who is buying all of these digital singles? Are they really "stealing" the idol fans/potential sales, or are older people - a different demographic who would never/rarely purchase idol music anyway - and/or older fans of the older singers also accounting for a significant amount of the digital sales?

Cry moar, producers.

[ilu.livejournal.com]

So, if we put this in an American context, would be like American producers getting mad that Glee does covers of old songs (like, say, Don't Stop Believing) and whining that their latest auto-tuned pop sensation isn't getting #1 in sales? I'm seriously confused as to what exactly they're "hating" about.

[vehemence.livejournal.com]

I don't get it...

[pluhzee.livejournal.com]

What's the controversy they're talking bout? A lot of my friends are buzzing about this show and telling me to watch it/ talking about the controversy but what's going on exactly?