mtvk opinion article: "Why the Current Music Show Format No Longer Works for K-pop"

[opal.livejournal.com]

OP-ED: Why the Current Music Show Format No Longer Works for K-pop

By Chris Choi
March 26, 2012

As a preface to this article, I have to say that I love the way K-pop works currently. The exposure, fan service, and all-around catering of idol groups to fans is something I’ve long thought was severely lacking in other music industries. Of course, all of that comes at a cost, usually to the members themselves, but that is a topic for another article.

Unfortunately, this system of triple crown wins and mutizens can no longer go on, at least not for much longer. Cut and dry, the reason why is: it’s too damn predictable. Whenever a “big” artist makes a comeback (2PM, Girls’ Generation, Big Bang, etc.), it’s a repetitive process of achieving all-kills, sweeping music show wins, and getting a worldwide trending topic on Twitter. With over a hundred idol groups debuting in 2011 alone, no longer can the same 12 or so groups continue to dominate effectively without the entire industry collapsing on itself.

However, the success of the big groups isn’t the problem. Rather, it is the artists that ultimately don’t win trophies and get buried on the charts because of this automatic success associated with established groups. When talented younger groups like B1A4 make comebacks as amazing as their most recent one but are overshadowed completely by powerhouses like Big Bang and 2AM, you can start to see a definite flaw in the system. Not to mention solo artists (that aren’t named IU) who have almost no chances of winning anything.

Up until this point, I think that the system as a whole has worked extremely well. In fact, I would contribute the success of K-pop worldwide to this system. From the “two period idol group” beginnings of K-pop (H.O.T, g.o.d, Fin.K.L, S.E.S) during the turn of the millennium to the full swing of the Hallyu wave in 2011, there hasn’t really been a problem. Top notch artists have been able to keep from direct competition with each other and have been able to spread the publicity among themselves throughout the year, for the most part.

Now the Big 3 (SM, YG, JYP) is finally facing some serious competition, but you would never know from looking at award wins and the music charts. But the worst part about the whole thing is that I can’t think of a solution. Unfortunately, the charts are pretty accurate and the most popular artists are winning the music shows because they deserve them — as far as fan base size and album sales go.

For the foreseeable future, the current K-pop system will remain in place. The Big 3 isn’t going to magically lose the formidable resources and influence they have and rookie groups are going to continue struggling to make it big (EXO excluded because… well, their success is basically guaranteed at this point).

Thankfully, not all hope is lost. It is much harder today to stan hard for a single group than it was just a few years ago. It’s very heartening to see terms like “bias list” gain traction in the discussion between K-pop fans as they come to accept multiple groups to spazz over. Fan wars have become less common because things like identifying as an ELF and a SONE are no longer equivalent to treason punishable by death. Solo artists like John Park, K.Will, and Ailee have recently proved that they can keep up with the likes of these idol groups.

In the end, what K-pop needs is a way to show less popular artists how they measure up against each other. Not necessarily by increased exposure, but at least by keeping them relevant even if, say, 2ne1 is making a comeback. The industry is on the brink of changing eras, and as a fan it would be great to see an adaptation of the system as we head into this new age of K-pop.

MTVK

Comments

[cairistiona.livejournal.com]

Ignoring the controversy with Brave Ent possibly buying back the albums, didn't that happen with Teen Top? And nothing came of that.

[kiminikaeru.livejournal.com]

rainbow and 9muses deserve all the awards tbh

[xredada.livejournal.com]

TOO TRUE!
9Muses News is still my jam till this day! My alarm and my ringtone too.

[benihime99.livejournal.com]

When talented younger groups like B1A4 make comebacks as amazing as their most recent one but are overshadowed completely by powerhouses like Big Bang and 2AM, you can start to see a definite flaw in the system. Not to mention solo artists (that aren’t named IU) who have almost no chances of winning anything.
But the worst part about the whole thing is that I can’t think of a solution.
Rookie award/show/competition would help if correcty advertised.

Of course, all of that comes at a cost, usually to the members themselves, but that is a topic for another article.
Hopefully that article will come at some point because that's an important and interesting issue.

[static-fixation.livejournal.com]

A rookie music show would be kinda cool, but the question remains if they can ever compete with the big wigs. Like for example, B1A4 would totally slay in a rookie comp. But when they move on to compete with the rest of the kpop world, they would still be buried under the bigger names.

& curious, when is a rookie no longer considered a rookie? After their first number one on a music show?

[fairchilds.livejournal.com]

This is true... For a while I thought 2AM weren't even going to win anything because of Big Bang (I'm a BB stan but I love 2AM and B1A4 too).

[askbask.livejournal.com]

I think he's taking those charts a bit too seriously. A bigger problem is that we have four identical shows, three of them with charts only varying slightly in methods. One show should work with the official Gaon chart and use that, because even the biggest artists don't make it more than like three weeks at #1, max, and mostly just one. Problem is the stations probably want fan interaction via votes, but whatever.

On the plus side all the three new, identical shows on new cable stations are now cancelled. I think some of the bigger ones need to follow suit, or at least change their formula. No need to see the same 10 artists do the same song four times a week for months.

[cairistiona.livejournal.com]

What with things like Music On Top, we now don't just have four shows. :|
Or did you include MOT on the cancelled shows? That sucks because that WAS a rookie-orientated music awards show. :(

[cairistiona.livejournal.com]

Wae u no mention UKISS? Manmanhani was so close to winning but overshadowed at the time.

This really does highlight the points we've all been thinking though. It's more a popularity contest than actual talent or good songs when big names come back.

[gashinenai.livejournal.com]

I think it would be nice to have a music show for "not big" groups.
it doesn't mean only rookies can participate (U-KISS are definitely not rookies; B1A4 have debuted almost 1 year ago, technically they are not rookies anymore)
but think about it: a music show withou SuJu, SoShi, BB and all the other "big names"; a show only for all the others.
then something like voting and streaming and charts would have a whole different meaning
I'd like that

[bimpossible.livejournal.com]

The problem is that most people vote their favorite artists, regardless of the quality of their new releases. I mean, c'mon, let's admit it, fandom-loyalty will always come first. If, say, a rookie group or a not-so-popular solo artist released a very good song that you happen to like so much at the same time your bias group does, who are you going to vote for? The reality is that even if your bias group's new song is so bad or just a rip-off of their previous releases, you'd still vote for them just so you can make your oppas/unnies/noonas/hyungs happy by giving them all the awards they can get.

[ilovemiki.livejournal.com]

I completely agree with you - personally I'm a SNSD fan, but despite not being too keen on The Boys, I still bought the album to support them... ><;;

[asnindie.livejournal.com]

Lol if you think B1A4 is being unappreciated compared to the hundreds of artists that never get anywhere because they don't even have huge companies getting Charts to feature their music, being played constantly etc.

The issue is simple, charts need to be about Chart positions and that's all, the rest of the crap needs to go. And have a separate chart for Singles and Albums. There are alot of issues with the charts and it's not going to be changed anytime soon, every idol stan believes their group is entitled to a win everything even if the charts are saying something else.

[dilettantka.livejournal.com]

My nugus won twice and they did it through both fan-skewed and industry-skewed rankings (radio/TV broadcast count) so I see no problem \o/

Well, I personally think the whole self-created importance of these music countdown shows and their shady scoring is a joke, but because everybody in the K-Pop industry appears to take it with deadly seriousness, I guess you have to either play the game or go home (or go to Japan?) B1A4 seem to be doing fine to me though, they'll probably win something this year.

[fallingstarryuu.livejournal.com]

this isn't a problem with k-pop alone (this writer is deluding him/herself if he/she thinks it is), it's what happens globally. well I think with music everywhere, it's build up your brand name and release songs etc. until you get popular. whoever keeps up with the trend, releases at the right timing and has hype going for them will do well. It is not a problem faced by Korea alone lbr, new artists need to take time to get themselves known, release at the right time and have some hype going for them. except for the few lucky ones that have instant success (even then, they have to continue to ensure they aren't a one hit wonder).

I would rather check out the latest song by a popular artist that everyone is talking about rather than a new song from an unknown group that less than 10 people I know give a fuck about. it's just how it works.

[sks2k5.livejournal.com]

I think you're right, but it's extremely pronounced in K-pop. Like, SNSD comes out with a new song, goes straight to #1 on the digital sites, and stays for a month or so on various charts. You can have huge North American stars like Rihanna or Katy Perry do it -- see "Part of Me" -- but eventually the song will fall if it doesn't have immediate support from everywhere. A singer or group's star status isn't a guarantee of a #1. Justin Bieber has never actually gotten a #1 on Billboard -- "Baby" is his highest-charting at #5. A "classic" superstar like Madonna or Mariah has ups and downs ("Give Me All Your Luvin'" came and went...and in the UK, it didn't even say hello). And current pop stars like Katy Perry/Rihanna/Lady Gaga/Ke$ha (not in any order, mind you) don't always get #1 for every single song released, and if they do -- like Katy Perry and her string of 6 #1s -- it's considered a huge feat. Also, in K-pop, it's hard for a newcomer to do really well with their first song. I think Miss A's "Good Girl Bad Girl" is the last debut song that went #1. In the States, it's easier for a newcomer or a previously unknown artist (say, fun.) to climb up, if the song resonates.

And as the article alludes to, you rarely see the biggest group from each company compete at the same time; they (intentionally or not) give each other breathing room. It's not like 2PM, Super Junior, and Big Bang will all come back at the same time...although it's funny because this was done all the time in the 90s.... Elsewhere, music comes out when it comes out. Sometimes there are even intentional chart battles (Destiny's Child's "Bootylicious" was physically released at the same time as Mariah Carey's "Loverboy", her first non-Sony single to stop her from getting another #1). But in K-pop, the #1s look like they're shared among the big groups -- see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_Bank_%28TV_series%29 (although it kinda shocked me to see that T-ara didn't win anything for "Roly-Poly").

Billboard's methodology is complex and uses various sources for their data -- digital sales, physical sales (if it still applies; it helped the Wonder Girls and it's pretty much the only reason they charted), radio airplay, and now online video?/song play. Korean charts mostly use digital sales for their chart data. Of course, in any country, the ones who will most often buy music -- even on multiple sites -- are the diehard/hardcore/obsessive/whatever fans. But in Korea, because of the way their charts work (I think Music Bank still has a fan vote component), it's much more malleable.

Also, because of fan loyalty, K-pop groups don't necessarily have to keep trying to release good singles. Umm..before I get shot, I should say that this doesn't mean that groups DON'T. But, for example, "The Boys" was seen by many as underwhelming compared to previous group efforts, especially by international fans. But in Korea, it still went #1, and it was as strong as the rest of their singles (if not stronger than some of them). In other places, the group or singer's previous strength can only go so far. If they come out with unliked/unpopular music, they will most likely crash and burn. Like Christina Aguilera. Or Mariah after Glitter. Or the last Spice Girls album. Or -- to a degree -- Lady Gaga's "Marry the Night" (her first non top-10 hit). Sometimes, in K-pop, the group or singer's popularity will basically support a song's success. I mean, it's K-pop, so it's not like the song will be absolutely horrid and somehow non-catchy, but sometimes I look at K-pop and think that, like, a blah song will do so well simply because of the people behind it.

tl;dr -- basically, i agree with you, but everything's just a lot more pronounced in K-pop because of the smaller market, the chart emphasis on digital sales, and the stronger-than-average fan group actions.

:D

I don't know why I wrote so much. :P

[sai12.livejournal.com]

Just here for the b1a4 mention :D

[kimiko1387.livejournal.com]

I think B1A4 would have won something if they weren't smack dab in the middle of a BB, SHINee and 2AM comeback. Right now it's all about timing for other groups while the big names just try to avoid coming out within two weeks of each other. Honestly right now the system gives itself away and I don't even pay attention to the awards because there isn't any weight to them. Mass voting for your faves so they know you love them only gives an award so much weight, but I don't think a group of experts voting is any better (look at the joke they call the Oscars).

I thinking sticking to the chart would make a good show (something like TRL/ 106&Park) but also cycling out different groups to perform every week. It would be something I would watch because right now I don't keep up with any of these shows on regular basis.

[ayumikoshiro.livejournal.com]

I think people just place too much importance on winning the awards (mostly for the vetran groups) I guess for a rookie group it may seem like an achievement but let's be serious do you really think BB and Girls generation cherish their 100th a weekly award the same way Teen Top does their 1. Sometimes it's not all about winning it's about exposure to, yeah everyone is waiting for SHINee, but just maybe that Ailee song isn't half bad and maybe you think B1A4 sounds pretty good too. It's nothing but good news for nugu groups when fans tune in because they gain tons of exposure. When nobody good/well-known is on nobody watches and then every nugu loses out and your show gets cancelled.

[in-noctem.livejournal.com]

I definitely think B1A4 would have won this promotional period if it weren't for Big Bang and Shinee but that's just how it is. They seem to be doing pretty well, especially for rookies, regardless of the bigger names. They'll definitely win their first award during their next comeback I think. They release good music (and it's very distinctive and unique to them which is a plus) and have a solid fanbase. Just wait for the right time to make a comeback and the win will be theirs.

[goshipgurl.livejournal.com]

they should just get rid of all the awards.

one or two music shows every week for artists to perform their new songs is enough. and korea should just finally adapt the chart system like the rest of the world. the US has billboard, japan has oricon, every country has its own charts where you can exactly see which song is popular. ever since i joined the kpop fandom i thought the whole award system is just plain stupid.

i know that korea has the gaon charts but i feel like nobody gives a fuck about it

[x-doctess.livejournal.com]

Exactly. A couple of Top-Of-the-Pops-style shows per weekend would be excellent.

[notyourgeisha.livejournal.com]

It's unfortunate that copping a few weekly music show awards has become the standard of success for idol groups, which only serves to keep their identity cemented in the "idol" bubble. Tbh music shows don't even matter when the general public doesn't even know half the idol groups.

[johnnyquest89.livejournal.com]

Ditch the triple crown rule and tbh both big named and small named companies need to stop pussying out on comebacks (out of courtesy and awards) I mean cool BigBang and 2ne1 dropping albums on the same day in Japan.... that's a great marketing tool but noone gives a fuck about them in japan. Do that in korea kpop war 932 would go down and the hype behind it could be huge (Competition = $$). Same would go down if it was from different companies but noooo. If you're in BB/SNSD status folks push their comebacks to 2-3 weeks before or 2-3 weeks after you drop your release just so they can catch you on the down scale of your promotions give them the triple crown freebee and make it seem like 32 irrelevant new folks and are coming in all at once right after with B list groups coming to take a big % of that viewership. I mean that's a way of competition too but it leaves empty weeks where no one really watches the music show for anyone but the big names to weeks with such a high influx of nugus that no one will care about them either...

tl:dr.. stop blindly pampering the high class while just being cutthroat to the poor.

[setsuna16.livejournal.com]

BoA is a solo artist.

Give her ALL THE AWARDS!

[xredada.livejournal.com]

Spica and Ailee seriously deserved some awards for their flawless stages and song.

[johnnyquest89.livejournal.com]

if ailee keeps goin the way she is.. she'll prolly have the most dl'd song of the year + rookie of the year is in the bag.

[rylee900.livejournal.com]

Didn't Shinee beat Super Junior with Juliette when they were essentially nugus though?

[ideservestars.livejournal.com]

nugus can win, this writer obviously has liked kpop for three months or smth

[-ochre.livejournal.com]

Whatever. These awards are indicative of who's popular and who's not in Korea, not talent. Who cares about talent.

[shocko-o.livejournal.com]

on the brighter side, b1a4 gets more exposure since more people are tuning into music shows for the big name artists?

[ideservestars.livejournal.com]

i was about to say why is mtv making an input, music isnt even relevant to them
but this just sounds like a butthurt nugu stan. sorry if they were popular they would win awards and that why you can't think of anything. they're getting exposure being on the show and they'll keep getting a fanbase if they keep releasing good music.

[ideservestars.livejournal.com]

i don't rly care about the whole award thing, i just wish the music shows weren't so fucking cheap. i don't think it's alot to ask for a nice set or a themed show with special stages every once in a while.