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> where it K-pop gained popularity as a credible alternative to Western entertainment, which may be too sexualized for the socially conservative sensibilities i

by ceol 14y ago

> where it K-pop gained popularity as a credible alternative to Western entertainment, which may be too sexualized for the socially conservative sensibilities in those countries. I doubt that's the reason: K-pop is pretty sexualized. It's also very big on objectifying women and enforcing unrealistic expectations of beauty.

w1ntermute 14y ago
I would disagree. Although some entertainers have been pushing the limits in the last year or two, on the whole, things are quite restrained. > It's also very big on objectifying women and enforcing unrealistic expectations of beauty. This is not exactly the same thing as blatant visual sexualization, as seen in American entertainment. However, it is definitely an issue with K-pop and South Korean society in general.
danso 14y ago
A New Yorker piece argued that K pop was much less sexualized than its Japanese and American counterparts, to the point that the music stars themselves have to live a pretty straight edge life while in the spotlight http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/10/08/121008fa_fact_seabrook http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/10/08/121008fa_fact_...
- w1ntermute 14y ago
  Right, many of the entertainment agencies have "dating bans" that often last until the artists are in their late 20s. This is the exact opposite of what's going on with someone like Taylor Swift - a new guy every couple of months. In America, the fans take an interest in that, or at least don't discourage it. And they eat up the songs that are based on her relationships. In Korea, an artist would be crucified for acting like that.
  - ceol 14y ago
    Eh, the dating bans are because fans expect their idols to be "pure" and "virgin"; the thought of them being with a man ruins that image and can even spark outrage from the community (mostly consisting of very obsessed 20s-to-middle-aged men.) It's not so much about being socially conservative as it is ruining a bunch of guys' fantasies because women should be "pure." And a lot of K-pop songs have to do with relationships— just not actual ones.

by ceol 14y ago

w1ntermute 14y ago

I would disagree. Although some entertainers have been pushing the limits in the last year or two, on the whole, things are quite restrained. > It's also very big on objectifying women and enforcing unrealistic expectations of beauty. This is not exactly the same thing as blatant visual sexualization, as seen in American entertainment. However, it is definitely an issue with K-pop and South Korean society in general.

danso 14y ago

A New Yorker piece argued that K pop was much less sexualized than its Japanese and American counterparts, to the point that the music stars themselves have to live a pretty straight edge life while in the spotlight http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/10/08/121008fa_fact_seabrook http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/10/08/121008fa_fact_...

w1ntermute 14y ago
Right, many of the entertainment agencies have "dating bans" that often last until the artists are in their late 20s. This is the exact opposite of what's going on with someone like Taylor Swift - a new guy every couple of months. In America, the fans take an interest in that, or at least don't discourage it. And they eat up the songs that are based on her relationships. In Korea, an artist would be crucified for acting like that.
- ceol 14y ago
  Eh, the dating bans are because fans expect their idols to be "pure" and "virgin"; the thought of them being with a man ruins that image and can even spark outrage from the community (mostly consisting of very obsessed 20s-to-middle-aged men.) It's not so much about being socially conservative as it is ruining a bunch of guys' fantasies because women should be "pure." And a lot of K-pop songs have to do with relationships— just not actual ones.