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Reactions to “Kids React: K-pop Edition”

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Written by On January 12, 2012

While perusing through the world of K-pop via the Internet, I came upon this video “Kids React To K-pop.” As some background info on the the show, “Kids React” is a popular YouTube show in which kids react to various things on the Internet. Curious, I clicked on it and watched it. This was the first “Kids React” video I’ve ever watched and honestly, I thought it was hilarious. But when I watched it, it was before this video blew up in the K-pop sphere, in which it garnered a lot of disapproval and hate from many ardent K-pop fans.

I’ll admit that some of these children did act pretentious and were small-minded, but the comments in response were markedly worse. What better way to point out the narrow-minded comments of others than with narrow minded comments of your own? Physically threatening the children because of their criticisms of your favorite music groups is childish, and quite frankly, worse than the conceited comments some of the kids made.

That being said, I will agree that some of these children made comments without thinking it through. One little gem was William, who claimed that K-pop would ruin society and how he wished to return to a better time — the 1980′s, which was filled with mullets, crazy hair, and regurgitated rainbows in the form of fashion.

Personally, one should not take offense to this video at all because the videos shown to the children aren’t actual representations of K-pop itself. Yes, “Gee“ has become the official anthem of K-pop, but it’s not the only song under the K-pop umbrella; you have groups like the Brown Eyed Girls, Infinite, and others that are different. They also showed “Bonamana” by Super Junior, and as popular as “Bonamana” was, it’s far from being K-pop’s defining song. They also showed old pictures of SNSD and Super Junior from several years ago, and there were some funky things going on during those times.

That being said, I can understand why some fans were upset. Some of the comments towards the tweens (yes, the most ignorant comments made were the ones made by the elder members) were a bit unwarranted, such as the rather memorable comment claiming that K-pop was Korean Rebecca Black.  Another popular sentiment was that the songs were in a different language, which is why they disliked it. And that’s definitely a narrow-minded comment: just because we no longer live in a world where someone is ignorant of other nations, rapid globalization is nonetheless taking place, and we should start expecting “foreign” things to hit our shores. But at the same time, lyrics are a huge part of music, and I can understand why some people would prefer listening to languages they understand. But to write off something because it isn’t in English is narrow minded.

What many failed to see, was that this show was a window into how K-pop is perceived in the U.S.  2NE1 is heralded as one of the K-pop groups that can make it into the U.S. because of their westernized music style, attitude, and ”girl-power” concept. But what comments do they receive? “They’re like Lady Gaga,” and “Aaaaah.” Time to rethink that statement.

I thought this video was enlightening and amusing, mainly because it showed how K-pop is perceived by non K-pop fans. There were some negative kids who thought K-pop (of all things) would ruin society forever, but there were also kids who liked it and were open to it. But in no way is this video deserving of death threats so it’s time for y’all to relax. So someone doesn’t like K-pop? There are plenty of others who do, and hating someone because they disagree with you is a childish thing to do. Before we look at the comments made by others, its time to look at ourselves.

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  • Anonymous

    As many people say, “Out of the mouths of babes.”

    These kids’ reactions were very tame compared to the reactions that teens or adults would have made if they were the ones who were asked to see the videos. The kids were just being honest. Many of them were all, “OMG! What is this? I don’t get it. HUH?” with the over-the-top reactions. But they’re kids. This is how many of them act, they like to exaggerate the way they tell their stories or say their opinions, especially when seeing something unfamiliar without having the time to actually get accustomed to it, like KPop music videos. They want to be seen as knowledgeable and mature, but they also want to be seen as cool and in the loop, so you hear comments about Rebecca Black and Lady Gaga because those two have made some big headlines last year. 

    These kids’ comments are normal, and if KPop and its fans want to be recognized on the world stage, they’d need to develop thicker skin and not attack anyone, least of all kids, for not going crazy over Super Junior and other KPop groups.

    The problem with KPop nowadays is that it wants to be seen as a global phenomenon that everyone should embrace. If you don’t, then you’re labeled as close-minded, intolerant, racist, jealous, hateful, ignorant, etc. all because you didn’t happen to prefer the sound and image of KPop. 

    Back in 2008 (and this is somewhat related to it being a great year for KPop), times were simpler and more innocent. You get to be an international KPop fan without too much fan wars. You can just watch variety shows and listen to songs without too much attachment and too much politics going on behind the scenes. You don’t have to get sucked in into the dramas between fan clubs and fans vs. companies. You don’t get all these “KPop is awesome!” messages in the media.

    Now, KPop and its expansion have taken a very, very serious tone. You have the Korean government putting in a lot of money for SME and other companies to promote Hallyu overseas. You get the Korean media exaggerating KPop achievements and news in order to push the campaign that KPop is the best while other artists are inferior, and if you don’t like KPop, you’re missing a lot. Fans buy into this campaign and take it upon themselves to push KPop into others’ faces. 

    And then you get this video. 

    These are kids. Many of them don’t see things as black and white. They don’t know why a comment about “they all look alike” might be taken as offensive and prejudiced, and many of them don’t know enough of the outside world and foreign cultures to actually make an informed, intelligent, and educated response. Heck, I doubt any of them actually know much about the American music scene apart from Pop and Hip-Hop songs. 

    The fact that several made the connection about KPop companies controlling their idols like “puppets”, without too much information about how KPop companies really work and how terrible working conditions can be, was a very astute observation; something that some adults probably wouldn’t even think of, let alone care about. 

    Their comments might have been different if they actually had the time to research the groups and learn more about KPop, instead of just being bombarded with these music videos that may seem too different/weird for them at first watch.

    These comments are in the same vein as the ones that KPop will have to deal with if/when they truly come to America.

    For KPop fans to actually threaten these kids (“I want to punch them in the face”, “These kids are racist, I hate them” etc) are disgusting, and makes me wonder about the state of KPop and its fans. If fans can’t even take some random kids’ criticisms lightly, how would they react if KPop ever goes mainstream in America, and influential and popular showbiz figures, like David Letterman, mocks KPop? 

    Do fans want to keep KPop to themselves to protect their idols from criticisms, or do they want it to expand? They can’t have their cake and eat it, too. If fans want KPop to have more exposure, they’d have to take the criticisms in stride, because this comes with the territory of facing many people whose musical interests aren’t similar with KPop fans’. 

    • Igbygrl

      “The fact that several made the connection about KPop companies controlling their idols like “puppets”, without too much information about how KPop companies really work and how terrible working conditions can be, was a very astute observation; something that some adults probably wouldn’t even think of, let alone care about.”

      ^ I noticed that too…The comment of that one kid who noticed they seemed more like puppets than artists was very insightful. He’s a smart kid.

    • Kty1234

      I agree, they should make an update of these kids when they start enjoying clubs and underground house music. They haven’t even lived to be critics of the Now kids pop music.

       

  • Music=Love

    I find it very hypocritical for some k-pop fans to bash these KIDS for disliking k-pop when I have seen way harsher comments on American music from k-pop fans. I can’t tell you how many times people have described the American music scene as a bunch of sluts and thugs just singing about money, sex, and drugs and it’s not fair when they haven’t seen all of what American music as to offer. I’m just saying that he who has not ever criticized anyone else shall cast the first stone. 

    • Anonymous

      I’m glad you mentioned that!! I agree with you! I see many KPop fans casting stones from their glass houses.

  • Lilkiki3413

    Honestly when I watch this video I was pretty upset and embrassed about liking Kpop but then I thought about it and realized that I was just as ingorant about Kpop as those kids. Better yet, half those comments that the kids described 2NE1, Super Junior and SNSD was just about the same.
    The first group that got me into Kpop was Super Junior. I heard “U” (before seeing the video) and I thought it was catchy. But once I saw the video and seen quick flash pictures scene of each 13 members, I was WTF do thy really need to have 13 member to sing one song. I honestly thought this group would have only about 4 memebers or something. So seeing 13 in a video took awhile for me to get use to. 
    So I couldn’t get made about what those kids say about each of the groups, Yeah some of there comment were pretty harsh but majority of them was pretty funny and made me have a flash back moment of me trying to understand the Kpop world. Now with Kpop fans threating mind you 7-13 years old kid’s life is just pushing it. I know half of you fans before you became die hard Kpoppers had those many or same WTF moments until you just tolerated it all and and enjoy the genre itself.
    Fans fail to realize that Kpop isn’t God. It’s music! Not everyone going to like Kpop the first time. You should be happy at least some of the kids said they would try to give Kpop a second chance.

  • Xxxy

    i have read all the comment and i think when ‘kpop fan’ who leave the post at youtube is actually 2ne1,snsd suju fan………

  • kc

    I remember my friends started liking Kpop when we were around their age (maybe like a year or two older) and I was the only one out of our little group that hadn’t liked it… cause I mean, if I wanted to listen to pop I could just listen to pop in English instead of in Korean which I couldn’t understand…
    but I mean, this is what tweens are, they’re at the age when they become dramatic and annoying and while us older people scoff at their behavior we should probably think of how we were acting at their age… that little gap between kid and adult is a very defining moment for someone, in those years you learn more about your self, what kind of music you like, what kind of friends you should have, and even what kind of style you should dress in, it’s a time where kids grow up so we can’t really expect them to understand something like this if they’re so focused on them selves.
    IDK, people need to calm down, they’re just little kids who at the moment most likely believe that the world still revolves around them, they don’t quite grasp the melting pot yet.

    oh, and the youngest little girl was adorable^^

  • kc

    I remember my friends started liking Kpop when we were around their age (maybe like a year or two older) and I was the only one out of our little group that hadn’t liked it… cause I mean, if I wanted to listen to pop I could just listen to pop in English instead of in Korean which I couldn’t understand…
    but I mean, this is what tweens are, they’re at the age when they become dramatic and annoying and while us older people scoff at their behavior we should probably think of how we were acting at their age… that little gap between kid and adult is a very defining moment for someone, in those years you learn more about your self, what kind of music you like, what kind of friends you should have, and even what kind of style you should dress in, it’s a time where kids grow up so we can’t really expect them to understand something like this if they’re so focused on them selves.
    IDK, people need to calm down, they’re just little kids who at the moment most likely believe that the world still revolves around them, they don’t quite grasp the melting pot yet.

    oh, and the youngest little girl was adorable^^

  • Anonymous

    I loved Morgan. That little girl was just too cute, dancing to 2ne1. That’s it.

  • Anonymous

     Okay, I honestly chuckled at the one who said he wanted the 80′s to come back. That aside, I mean, is this really necessary to flame and give death threats to? They’re kids, and kids are honest (even if they lack political correctness and tact), and if anything, kids are much more open and receptive if given time to absorb the zaniness and understand what they’re being subjected to. I was exposed to Asian culture long before I even knew what Kpop was (Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Big O, Yu Yu Hakusho, Inuyasha (where I was introduced to BoA), Cowboy Bebop, fair share of role playing games), and before I got into Kpop, I learned Spanish (as a school requirement, but the movie Selena sparked genuine interest). I’m saying this as someone who’s Black and went to majority Black schools all her life. I [and I'm sure many others who are Kpop fans today] had the opportunity to be exposed to more than a purely American media experience because there was a bigger variety of outlets available. One could argue that there’s an even bigger opportunity now because of the internet, but most of the exposure a child will get to anything starts from TV, then moves to the internet unless they’re lucky enough to be raised in a multicultural community (which many are not). The 90′s had a ton of anime, and with that anime came the music that was sometimes sung by the original artist in English, hence, the small Jpop/anime fanbase here in America. Kpop doesn’t have that advantage. Most Kpop acts are discovered by accident while randomly browsing Youtube and a lot of the acts that are popular or have the most views (idols) are very much different from what we’re used to seeing/hearing in the average MV here.

  • http://www.facebook.com/roan.deguzman3 Ro-an de Guzman

    Sweeties, I don’t wanna continue watching the video commentary above because I could spew some rather harsh commentaries to the kids above. I don’t wanna see myself stomping to the ignorances of those kids as a person turning in my 30s.  It’s like slapping my own kid irrationally (I don’t have a kid yet BTW).

    However, their comments are rather untakeable. I understand that Americans are like that, since I work in a Call Center, and they will really rant the things they do not understand, but who should be blamed for their inability to think before they react? If their parents thought them to be understanding and be broadminded enough, they won’t be worsening the impression to the americans as nothing but ‘non-thinking stupid sluts etc…etc..’.

    I am critical of Kpop too and used to hate at how Kpop idols are being sexualized, how casting couch syndrome is ruining South Korean entertainment industry, and idols are nothing but manufactured humandroids. I used to claim Jpop is better than Kpop in terms of music quality also, but I can NEVER claim that American music is better than either Jpop or Kpop. American music is as formulaic as Kpop too, and even if they’ve got singers who are talented composers, it’s no secret to them how equally MANUFACTURED their are? Do you think those artists conceptualize their image, especially in Pop Music scene? No, unless they are Marilyn Manson.

    Case Example?

    Lady Gaga ==> We all know she is a talented singer, songwriter and instrumentalist, but if
                           you dig her past, seriously, you can’t imagine she WAS Lady Gaga. Not only
                           she looked decent and beautiful, her past music as Stefani Germanotta and
                           Lady Gaga before ‘The Fame’ is something unimaginable from her. I understand
                           that you have to repackage your image, but going from decent to disturbingly
                           grotesque is something “questionable”.

    and if you happened to be a Christian with alarmingly increasing knowledge in occultism, monarch programming and that illuminati bullshit, you’ll just end up cringing in your seat.

    The same thing goes with the following pop stars:

    Rihanna ==> I do not need to explain how far she went from cute and beautiful to something
                        disturbingly pokpok-y [Pokpok is a tagalog slang term for Prostitute BTW] who
                        ends up about to show her pussy when doing pelvic thrusts.

    Katy Perry ==> As much as I would like to appreciate her, her transformation from soulful
                           Gospel performer to being a shallow pop star who sings about how gay
                           is your guy, she kissed a girl, and how she wants to see your peacock.

    And SNSD is the Asian Rebecca Black? Really? Seriously, if Rebecca Black would dare auditioning her ass to SM, JYP and YGE, she will be turned down in a split second. If most SNSD “could not sing” then HOW IS SHE BETTER THEN, huh?

    And what’s with the images of most female teenstars starting from awesome teenage image to something wasted and slutty? Most Disney female youngstars ending up like that. Do not need to cite who they are, coz you know them. It is not even excuse that they are Americans, coz even fellow American people are hating those pussy-and-tits-showing sluts, and they don’t want their daughters ending up prostitot-y.

    2NE1 is like Lady Gaga, and even if Lady Gaga is more talented, girls of 2NE1 doesn’t end up looking grotesque to the point of spilling blood onstage (Lady Gaga did that in one of the VMAs of MTV). I hate bringing up this matter, but both groups manifest Illuminati symbolism, but 2NE1 could be far from being that. To be an Illuminati puppet is being obliged to sexualize yourself as a female, to be more grotesque in concepts, and as blasphemous as possible. Too much Blasphemy and Sexuality are the things that WON’T fly well to the Koreans as well as the rest of Asians.

    Do not get me started with fashion statements. Besides, and no offense to the Americans, Asians can wear miniskirts and bare midriffs and still looking decent while Americans end up “bleeeeechhhh”.

    I am speaking like this now because of my everyday experience as an Asian music and entertainment fan who ends up receiving “ching-chong-ching-chong” and other condescending comments from my colleagues. I work in a Call Center and I am a Filipino, and I even find my colleagues resorting to those comments as if American or Filipino is better and understandable while American or Filipino entertainment themselves are something cringe-inducing either. While Filipino entertainment scene is still able to preserve morality, and kind of safe from Illuminati infiltration, I still could not stand at how teen stars are sexualized in TV. If ‘Prostitot’ is existent in Philippine vocabulary, Cristine Reyes would perfectly fit the term. Self-explanatory.

    In America, if casting couch is not enough, they can even go to extremes like forcing an artist to worship Satan.

    • Issy

      Wow.  I don’t even know how to begin to reply to this.

      So, um…er…not even going to try.

    • Khimia

      you are reaching so much……………
      ” they can even go to extremes like forcing an artist to worship Satan. ”

      i can’t with this bullshit

    • Imarshy On Shuffle

      please don’t say you know americans are like that come to america and live her first yeah some people suck thats everywhere but im american and i was saddened by this video and i’m saddened by your comment

  • Jo

    some kids just happen to be at the age of ‘I hate everything’. Don’t bothered.

  • blue0116

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  • http://www.facebook.com/sahndy.faith Sahndy Faith

    k-pop wouldn’t ruin the society! their just making their own music for their country..they have the right to do that..and of course their song are in different language because they are koreans and they’re not americans..its not their fault if other countries like k-pop, they’re just working! kids this days should learn how to respect other countries and kinds of people..especially kids from that video(maybe they’re from U.S.)..actually I’m not a big fan of k-pop, I’m just a kid like them.. :)

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