The Americanisation of K-pop: What Can the Asian Diaspora Bring?
K-pop is an exclusive and homogenous industry, often lacking the spice of multiculturalism and diversity. In recent years, however, K-pop has seen a la…
Culture
Pursuit of Beauty Trumps Safety in South Korea
The unexpected passing of rock legend Shin Hae-chul (46) after his surgery is bringing medical malpractice in South Korea to the forefront. Five years …
ATTENTION PLEASE! Marketing at All Costs
In the vast sea of idols, it's easy for any artist to be lost among the flotsam and jetsam. That is where a handy marketing team comes into play. It's …
SB Chat Box #42: BuzzBeats, MBLAQ and Ji-soo
It's Chat Box time again! Following the explosive content of the last Chat Box, we were hoping to take a more relaxed tone. Alas, K-pop had other ideas…
To Err Is Post-Human: VIXX’s “Error” and Cyborg Vanguardism
In a slightly quivering network of arms intricately entwined, the six members of VIXX hold formation at the opening of their “Error” choreography. In l…
“Hey, Nam Taehyun Is Talking”: Let’s Talk Banmal
Nam Taehyun from Winner has been in the spotlight recently for using informal speech ("banmal") to fans at a concert. On November 22, Winner and…
K-pop’s Clash With Islam
When thinking about K-pop, there are many adjectives that may spring to mind if you wish to describe it: imaginative, charming, entertaining. These are…
Celebrity Dads Fuel Social Change in China
What can spark a social revolution? Inspiring speeches? Massive protests? Social media? Try temper tantrums, snack time, and one dead tarantula. China’…
Nick Cannon’s Show: Not the End of the K-pop World
Like rabid wolves, K-pop fans are viciously protective of their own territory. That’s why when earlier this month Nick Cannon announced that in Decembe…
Plagiarism: Copy or Coincidence?
There are many damaging words thrown around in entertainment, but none is more blasphemous than the word plagiarism. It invokes a belief that the one a…