The once-novel idea of a K-pop group without Korean members, which caught the attention of the BBC and CNN , now seems on the brink of becoming the norm.
Between February and April 2024, I visited audition venues: once in Vancouver in February, and twice in Toronto in March and then April. I observed increasing cultural and ethnic diversity among hopefuls aspiring to follow in the footsteps of K-pop groups like BTS, BLACKPINK or Canadian K-pop artists like Toronto-born Keeho in the band P1Harmony.
While BTS’s leader RM defined K-pop as a cultural “premium label” in a 2023 interview , the term ‘K’ might be losing its distinctiveness — prompting questions about what it might encompass in the future.
Beyond linguistic borders
Outside the audition venue, I observed participants rehearsing their K-pop songs. They hummed with proficient Korean pronunciation, yet interspersed a notable amount of English in their lyrics.
Data from the Circle Chart, managed by the Korea Music Content Association, corroborates this linguistic blend . K-pop girl group songs show a significant increase in English language, with 41.3 per cent of lyrics from top digital chart hits in English during the first half of 2023, up from 18.9 per cent in 2018. Similarly, K-pop boy groups have also incorporated more English in their lyrics, but at a more gradual pace.
The clear shift to go beyond all-Korean lyrics associated with K-pop implies K-pop’s sound is not just about the language — but also its adaptability and evolution.
Exporting the K-pop blueprint
The driving force behind K-pop is no longer just about upholding its core essence: creating and promoting individual artists. It’s more about K-pop innovating and diversifying by exporting the very system that has defined this genre — with its unique blend of meticulous training and management, infectious music, synchronized choreography and strong fan connections .
Last year, South Korean multinational entertainment company HYBE hosted auditions for potential K-pop stars that attracted 120,000 applicants worldwide. The final 10 participants represented a broad spectrum of cultures including participants from the Philippines, Australia, Brazil and Switzerland.
However, such endeavours are not without their concerns. An industry insider observes K-pop companies are simply copying their successful formula from South Korea or East Asia and applying it to other countries. This approach might miss out on the possibility of pioneering unique narratives or styles that could reflect hybrid K-pop identities.
South Korea now faces challenges with talent shortages , due to an aging population and a saturated domestic music landscape. When investors look to the future, they see hefty investments particularly as the music industry manages a scarcity of venues for new and established artists to secure stage time. The allure of international horizons looks even more compelling given these factors.
K-pop’s rise on the global stage is reflected in the South Korean government’s “ K-culture training visa ” initiative which allows non-Koreans who enrol at local K-pop or performing arts academies to reside in South Korea for up to two years. This hints at great ambitions for internationalizing K-pop — and potentially drawing more global talents to its shores.
Canada’s rising note in K-pop
The global K-pop auditions in Canada not only spotlighted Canada’s emerging talent pool, but also indicated a future where Canadian youths might soon shine on the K-pop stage.
K-pop’s definition is dynamic and increasingly inclusive, reflecting the changing tastes and demographics of its global audience. It is evolving beyond its Korean roots, integrating Canadian talent into its worldwide narrative.
Tae Yeon Eom is affiliated with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada as a Research Scholar in the Northeast Asia team.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Comments / 0