Will Korean singers appeal to American audience?

[thexrhythm.livejournal.com]

Initiated by Rain's world tour concert in 2005, Korean pop singers are trying to break the U.S. entertainment industry. But it remains yet to be seen whether Korean pop stars will be able to be as successful as they are in Korea.

Pop star Rain has repeatedly made forays into the North American continent as a potential Hollywood star. His first Hollywood movie, "Speed Racer," (2008) paved the way for him to star in "Ninja Assassin," (2009). The new movie, upon its release in November, is expected to strongly influence his potential performance as a singer in the United States.

Another Korean pop sensation, Se7en entered the U.S. music field in 2006, following his Japanese debut in 2005. After three years of preparation, the singer released his first single, "Girls," in March. But despite his solid Asian fan base, Se7en still does not have much recognition in the United States.

Having achieved stardom in Japan, BoA moved her way on to America in 2008. In March, the singer represented her first official U.S. album, titling "I Did It for Love." Currently, BoA is promoting her album by touring the country, appearing on radio shows and performing.

Lately, Wonder Girls made their debut in the United States, with English version of "Nobody," a mega-hit song in Korea. Last month Wonder Girls began their tour opening for Jonas Brothers, in front of tens of thousands of people each night.

It may be too early to predict the outcomes of the Korean singers' performance in the United States. However, entering into the Billboard chart has not been easy for many foreign musicians. "The U.S market is a tough gateway to knock even for British singers performing in English-speaking regions. There have been a number of celebrated U.K. musicians who failed to penetrate the continent," Kim Dogg, a music reviewer in Korea for Hottracks magazine and Izm, said in an interview with The Korea Herald.

"To effectively ensure their local recognition there, the artists need to make active use of current trendsetters or icons who are hot locally," music critic Hong Hyuk-eui in Izm told the newspaper. For example, he said, "Participation of Lil' Kim and Darkchild in Se7en's album making was not the best choice because of their dwindling influence." He pointed to much healthier Billboard chart rankings of songs featured by prominent figures such as Jay-z, T-Pain and Kanye West.

Another pop culture critic, who wished not to be named, emphasized the need for a good communication with local fans. "The singers should be able to promote their albums and do interviews in English."

Good performance and real talent as a singer may be key points of fan connection, rather than English skill. "I believe that they (American fans) also value the best performance, and are more open to performances that are not in English," said Catherine Moore, a clinical associate professor of music business in New York University. "They (her students) chose Rain as one of the strongest because of the high-quality production, pop genre, and Rain's voice and energy. Even though the students did not understand the words, they felt a strong connection to the performance," she said in an e-mail interview with The Korea Herald.

There have been concerns among critics about Korean pop stars' actual singing abilities. "Without a unique quality, outstanding singing ability or performance, and attractive points, it will be difficult for the singers to survive in the business," said Han Dong-yoon, another music critic

By Hyun Ji-hyang

sr: korea herald

Comments

[dalpaengi.livejournal.com]

He pointed to much healthier Billboard chart rankings of songs featured by prominent figures such as Jay-z, T-Pain and Kanye West.

Who could pull off a collaboration with one of these artist and actually gain something out of it? Not trying to sound like a pompous American asshole for asking that but really. Maybe Rain could o.o;

[hoyah.livejournal.com]

xD wait are you saying they wouldn't gain anything from a collaboration with jay-z, t-pain, or kanye west?

[purkin.livejournal.com]

"I believe that they (American fans)...are more open to performances that are not in English,"

WAIT WUT? This is news to me. All my non-asian peers think that any "ching chong" language is the funniest thing in the world. America is extremely culturally self-absorbed imo.

[niara-honey.livejournal.com]

I think it's the fact that it's hard for a lot of Americans to get over what they're used to (ie. English speaking singers, certain formulas in music, stereotypes in music). I hope that groups trying to get into the U.S market but then again, for example, think about how many people will be open to boy bands again? That boat sailed a while ago, and who knows when people will think that it's time for the boy band wave to return, especially foreign boys bands? ._.
It'll take time, time and lots of money... how much time and money Korean companies are willing to spend to make it is another factor.

(And I was totally wondering about the whole Lil' Kim in Se7en's video. They most she can do is get him on BET. In this decade -ie not the late 90s- her influence value is sooo minuscule.)

[erbalurbal.livejournal.com]

little kim hasn't been relevant in about 6 years. She probably hurt him more than help him. Once I heard that he worked with her I felt bad for him lol.

[xoxoknlove.livejournal.com]

i live in america... but sadly for some reason, i'm going to say no.

[vi-ii-i.livejournal.com]

For example, he said, "Participation of Lil' Kim and Darkchild in Se7en's album making was not the best choice because of their dwindling influence."

bam. hong hyuk eui delivers the truth.

christine moore is probably full of shit because she is using a study probably based on KOREAN music where people pick what KOREAN songs they like best. in an uncontrolled situation people would not just come in off the street and listen to korean music because they like the performer's skill.

[heechul-oppa.livejournal.com]

They should get Timbaland to pimp their stuff out, not guest appearances by Jay-z, T-Pain and Kanye West, imo; follow in One Republic's steps and do what they did with 'Apologize'.

[vi-ii-i.livejournal.com]

except everyone is tired of timbaland

[cherrypop.livejournal.com]

The quick-guide for success in America:

1. Get your own show on the Disney Channel.

2. Bounce off your success with the Disney Channel and sing a cheaply produced song.

3. Profit.

[vi-ii-i.livejournal.com]

asian people are probably not allowed to be main characters on the disney channel

[carrotsandroses.livejournal.com]

"The U.S market is a tough gateway to knock even for British singers performing in English-speaking regions. There have been a number of celebrated U.K. musicians who failed to penetrate the continent,"

So true. Just look at the Kings of Leon. They're only just getting popular in North America, even though they've been popular in the UK for quite a while now.

[xshinebrighterx.livejournal.com]

i'm getting kind of tired of articles like this.
seriously, we can't predict if they will be successful or not.

All we can do is support them as much as we can and time will tell.

[heechul-oppa.livejournal.com]

ia.

[mandyyy.livejournal.com]

Meh.. I dunno. Personally I would prefer it if they did they own music here. Sure I don't understand a lot of it. But I'm learning and that's part of the reason why I like it. It helps me.

I think if anyone can make it in the American music industry it's gonna be Epik High, hands down. 1. His English is better than mine. 2. He lived and went to school here so he's got the culture part down. 3. The guy has craaaaaaaazy skills on the mic.

As much as it depresses me.. I don't think DBSK or SJ or SS501 or SHINee or 2PM would get very far. People are over the whole boyband. I'm not cause I love the shit out of each of them but most people. It's all electronic hip hop now.

I will admit i'm a little out of the loop as far as popular American music. I only listen to Kpop at the moment but I feel like if the WG are gonna make it they need something like Black Eye Peas, who love them anyway, to do a project with them. It would be one kick ass project to. I do boom boom pow.

Anyways there you have it, the opinion of a self-absorbed American.

[mandyyy.livejournal.com]

Yea okay, because I'm a self-absorbed American I forgot to add that Tablo is the reason Epik High would do so well.

[onerainysunday.livejournal.com]

"Participation of Lil' Kim and Darkchild in Se7en's album making was not the best choice because of their dwindling influence." He pointed to much healthier Billboard chart rankings of songs featured by prominent figures such as Jay-z, T-Pain and Kanye West.

Well this is a no brainer. But it's not as if someone of Jay Z's caliber would actually want to work with Se7en when there's very little return on investment.

[dalpaengi.livejournal.com]

ia
you stated that well..what my non-eloquent self was trying to say up there ._.

[krispy-bacon.livejournal.com]

are more open to performances that are not in English

Bullcrap. :| Tell that to people I know. They still wouldn't like them 'cause they can't understand them. People are really close minded.

It's really all about luck to get noticed in the U.S.

[erbalurbal.livejournal.com]

Honestly most of the american debut songs done by asian singers that I have heard sucked.

I liked utada but they never really pushed her. Her song was getting major play here. I like nobody but only because I know them from the kpop world.

Americans don't like engrish. So unless they come with something hot and a perfect accent, it wont work.

The boy bands can forget about it. Boy bands died a long time ago in the US. I think a group like super junior might get laughed at.

I think korean music is behind the trend when it comes to music. Hip hop and r&b dominate american radio. I just dont see their style of music being popular. Some of the lyrics are questionable as well lol.

If there is a singer with amazing vocals,perfect english, and a pretty face then that is another story.

[speakoslow.livejournal.com]

why is it that Korea technology & fashion trends are like 2 years ahead of America but then their music scene is like 10 years behind? lolz...

but seriously, the only Korean musicians who I could see making it somewhere in America is Big Mama. They've got mad vocals & plus they would not be going into mainstream they'd be targeting a way older/mature audience who are more open-minded. It can be done. Look at Il Divo.

[turdferguson.livejournal.com]

As a matter of fact, according to Forbes, American students trying to learn foreign languages and get into that sort of job market are not as appreciated (ten fold) as immigrants coming to America who can speak English. What does that mean? Learning another language for Americans is not as beneficial as it is to foreigners.

sigh, that makes me sad. i bust my ass trying to learn mandarin, japanese, and korean (i really think it would benefit me in the long run) and this fuckery is happening. i understand it though. i just hope other languages dont die out if the english language completely penetrates the entire world

[turdferguson.livejournal.com]

if there's going to be any collaborating going on, i think it should be with a group like Black Eyed Peas. I just think the combined ethnicities would be enough for Americans to handle. That might sound rude or whatever (i actually would love to hear what that sounds like) cuz i wasn't sure of how to put it >.< Even though I live where there's a huge concentration of Asians, there are those American-born who can't be bothered to listen to foreign music cuz ~1. lord knows what they're saying, it might be something bad and 2. why listen to a language you can't understand? (obviously the answer is WHY NOT)~~~

and of course, some people just aren't ready for some Asian fierceness in the music industry. THere's some psychological bullshit in this, i am sure, but meh. this whole business is making me smh

[steve-tales.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure American audiences are open enough to trying it. I think other markets might be more open to it (Canada for one)

It's hard for any foreign act to chart ... even Canadian and British acts only get on there a little.

One thing I find funny is that if something is successful in another country (movie or TV show), the US will tend to do a re-make with American actors in an American setting. For some reason they can't just import a show and run it.

[niara-honey.livejournal.com]

Another thing to think about, you know how SHINee's Juliette has the music of Corbin Bleu's Deal With It? And the minor hullabaloo it caused amoungst people because it was a 'remake'?
If groups are going to be coming over to America, there's gonna be quite a bit of "They're just doing that other song over! Not original. Not gonna listen." And sadly, one comment like that can spread quickly and powerfully enough to keep listeners away from enjoying the rest the group has to offer. And 9/10 people are going to try to emphasize/highlight reasons not to listen to them more why they are worth buying the album.

[speakoslow.livejournal.com]

Kind of off topic but this comment just made me realize something lol. SHINee remaking Corbin Bleu's song just goes to show how different the music scene is between America & Korea. I mean Juliette was/is a HIT in Korea but "Deal With It" huge in America???? That song would be laughed at, everyone would take it as a joke and tell them to take it back to Disney. Music taste is just way too different. I mean no one's even heard of that song or knows of it unless they like Corbin or SHINee.

[olive-101.livejournal.com]

I always think that Canada is a easier market to enter for Asian artists... Sure, the profit might not be as high and the population isn't either, but there are a lot of Asians in Canada who might already listen to songs besides for English ones. I find people more open and used to other cultures here. Then again, it just might be the area i live in?

[steve-tales.livejournal.com]

Agreed ... you won't break into Quebec... but you'd get a piece of the market. As part of an international tour a handful of stops is cool.

[honeebs.livejournal.com]

THIS
THANK YOU.

[speakoslow.livejournal.com]

This reply isn't directed just at this article but at everything thing that's been said about Kpop artists trying to break into America.
I think what some people & the Asian media are forgetting is is that the American market is hard period. Black, white, Latino, Asian, whatever you are it's hard. Someone once said that to become a successful musician in America, you have a 1% chance. Yes, you have a better advantage if you are black or white but being black/white does not guarantee success. We forget that a lot of these American musicians work their asses off for YEARS to get where they are..& this is not what Kpop artists endure which is 2-6 years of training, American bands spend year after year traveling North America in small vans playing in front of 50 people, making just enough to eat. Just because these Korean artists are HUGE in their respective country, we cannot expect them to become huge in American. There are thousands of talented American musicians who've worked their asses off for years who go undiscovered & always will be unknown.

I want these Korean musicians to succeed here BUT I'm sorry, I know way too many American musicians who are so much better who deserve the success a thousand times more & honestly, I'd rather they succeed here. I've seen them struggle for years even to just land a record deal.

Too many times we play the "RACE" card in these issues. But in actuality musicians of EVERY race have a hard time making it big in America. What do we say about awesome WHITE/BLACK-AMERICAN musicians such as Girl in A Coma, Miss Derringer, Lynhurst, Straylight Ray, Lights, Catchpenny, Quiet Drive, Hope, Terri Naomi, etc., who've been trying for years?? What makes these Asian celebrities so much more important than these unknown musicians??? The only reason why the success rate for white-American seems so much better is because America's white-American population is 80% while Asians are only 4%.

[honeebs.livejournal.com]

Flat out the reason why there will not be any kpoppers really diggin in for the long haul here in America is TIME. You have to put in time. Sometimes it happens over night and then you struggle to stay in it. Then there is the other way, you build a fan base have a great support team (label that believes in you and is about the music) you work for 10 years and a 5 minute song blows you up.
You can't trust charts and music shows in America for they are just a blink of eye of what's happening across 51 states.
IN Korea the fact that they start training so young you would think they are on the money with this but it's about fast hits. Train for 5 burn out in 2 and if you have a cute face you might be able to spin a drama.
So what do i say about Kpop money men who want to come over? First learn how to make your own "idols" go the distance and then you can try crossing over. How many groups last longer than 8 years, if you can count the total on two hands. Not good enough that's still not a stable industry, artist are so excited you're still with them after their second single wtf.. they haven't even dropped a full cd. So if the artists is thinking today is the day I pack my shit and go why should we the listener care. This is the problem give the US something to listen to and we will listen. Pretty makes a cute magazine cover for a month, and there is always a new month.
Se7en needs to take Rain's lead and jump ship coz he isn't calling the shots and and until any of them are they are going to be puppets. There is no schedule you have to jump and leap when it happens. I think Rain will make it happen, he's a special egg he's not gonna wait for someone to put him in on and he's not going to do it when their are 4 boats trying to stay afloat now. (yes my bias is showing)
I don't think one needs to be a perfect english speaker. The songs they sing need to have diction and THIS is not just for the American market this is a singers golden rule, pronunciation. As a singer you should want to be understood no matter what language is your native tongue. To sing is different than speaking. One more thing breaking into the US market isn't a summer vacation this is a path a long one, if the goal of having a truck load of kids by age 30 is on any of their 2do lists, get a refund for that ticket coz it's not happen. Don't get me wrong it can be done. The American market for foreigners is a WANT/NEED choice.. I want to try my hand and see what happens OR I need to give it my all for as long as I can.

[finalfantasyo13.livejournal.com]

long comment is long, lol.

[yourexsilly.livejournal.com]

America isn't keen on any artists breaking into the scene unless they are American, as sad as it is. We'll take some British singers but that's about it. And most Americans aren't going to give Kpop a second listen if they can't fully understand what's being sung or said.
We're a bunch of jerkfaces, basically.

[neptunepirate.livejournal.com]

We're a bunch of jerkfaces, basically.
this, seriously.

[gawibawibo.livejournal.com]

2NE1's music always sounds really American to me. I haven't listened to American music in a long time though so it might be meaningless.

[bowling1991.livejournal.com]

after reading a comment that implies "americans does not care about asians" ( I read this somewhere), I would say the chances are low, too low. but it is still possible. just..good luck. sorry to say, but that's how it goes. some people are just not open minded. but I'm really curious at how far each artist trying to get into the american industry will go. I mean, it's a big chance, a big risk, and [really] a hard task. so, yeah. really, good luck. :D

[anewsymphony.livejournal.com]

lol I like how much this article emphasises that artists need real talent and flair to break into the US market. the kpop industry is so dictated by concepts, trends, looks, youth etc that they have no real agenda anymore, none of their own flair...unless these groups land themselves a killer song and a collaboration with the best of the best, they'll never be taken seriously in the west. because, let's face it, with the exception of like 2 or 3 groups/singers I can think of off the top of my head, none of the mainstream and/or idol groups who have had incredible success in Asia, have anything really special. apart from looks.