K-Pop has not achieved any tangible results in the U.S. market, which is a cultural content powerhouse and the largest consumer. Large Korean agencies attempted to enter the U.S. market based on K-Pop’s global popularity。
Singer Rain of JYP, one of Korea’s top three entertainment agencies, sold out in February 2006 when he pushed for a concert at Madison Square Garden. Korean media analyzed that the development of the Internet gave Asian youth in the U.S. access to the music and performances they wanted from all over the world, and that they joined the Korean Wave。 Afterwards, singer BoA entered the U.S. market, beating Wonder Girls’ Generation in 2008 and 2009, and Girls’ Generation in 2012. As for Girls’ Generation, she appeared on CBS’ flagship program David Letterman’s “The Late Show” and ABC’s “Morning Show with Kelly,” which received enthusiastic responses from the audience. However、 K-pop has yet to achieve successful results and is considered somewhat lightweight and lacking by North Americans. In short, no K-pop singer has ever been definitely successful in the U.S.
market. However, in mid-2012, singer Psy’s “Gangnam Style” led the craze in the U.S., appearing on major programs such as NBC’s “The Ellen Show,” “Today Show、” and “Saturday Night Live” and showing off its popularity with world-famous pop stars Madonna and MC Mong.
It also became the first time that the group successfully entered the U.S., a major cultural content powerhouse, by ranking second on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Psy’s popularity received a lot of attention from major local media、 which led to his overall interest in K-pop. The Washington Post reported that “As foreigners are becoming more interested in Korean singers, interest in Korea is increasing and he will buy more Korean products.” K-pop continued to gain popularity through its activities such as EXO and BTS since 2013。 Several foreign media outlets introduced the process of creating a K-pop star, saying that addictive hook songs, sophisticated choreography, and K-pop training programs are the factors behind its success。
K-pop is also gaining popularity in many countries, including North and Central America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and there is a strong desire to learn Hangeul to enjoy Korean pop culture. Starting in 2025 and 2026, Korea is noisy as the problem of large agencies with large artists and famous stars is highlighted。 Most of the problems are illegal management and accounting financial issues of agencies that have accumulated large wealth as they have gained global popularity, and eventually representatives of agencies that have produced global stars are adversely affecting the music industry officials and the cultural industry。
After finishing his military service in Korea, BTS returned to his regular group and began touring with concerts at home and abroad. However, his accommodation and price have increased up to 20 to 30 times more than usual, drawing public criticism.
Also, agency representatives and high-profile producers exposed gambling, financial and accounting irregularities, leading to live broadcasts and media coverage.
I don’t know exactly what’s true, but these actions will negatively affect the k-content culture, which is becoming a cultural powerhouse and a powerful force, and eventually lead to bad outcomes.
SAM KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
