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Hello, My name is Temmy, and ussually my friends call me Temz. I was born in Surabaya, at 14th March 1985 I live with my parents, a little brother, and sister. My hobby is listening music,i like music, all kind of music except dangdut, play music, and im an audiophile You can categorize me as a very happy person, Yeah, i have a lot of friends. making friends is one of my hobby and i'm good at it. And i want to share and discuss all about music information..
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Monday, April 30, 2012
Korea and Japan are the only developed countries in Asia, and Japan has always had some of the weirdest fetishes when it comes to pop culture. Korean companies have the resources, capital, and infrastructure to produce and export K-pop more successfully than other Asian countries.

The Artists
In contrast to American artists, Asian music targeted towards young people is heavily focused on "idols", who are not so much singers as all around entertainers. Instead of simply enjoying their music, fans of K-pop indulge in an overdose of their favorite idols. Compared to regular American artists, idols:

  • Be physically attractive (face and body).
  • Put out catchy music, regardless of actual vocal abilities. Catchy song = cha-ching$!$!
  • Dance to catchy choreography completely in sync with all members in the idol group. YouTube is riddled with dance covers from international fans.
  • Act in dramas, regardless of actual acting ability.
  • Model in CFs (commercials).
  • Appear on variety programs (talk shows, weird funny shows, game shows, etc.)
  • Guest on radio programs
  • DJ or MC radio programs and TV programs
  • Perform 4+ times a week on music TV programs
  • Perform weekly at different events at amusement parks, university festivals/celebrations, other private events
  • (for the popular idols) Hold concerts all over Asia (or the world even)
  • Hold fan meetings, which include performances and playing games with fans
  • Hold fan signings at sponsor events
  • Actively promote in other countries around Asia (or the world)
  • etc.

In contrast American artists:

  • Put out an album/music video
  • Have a tour
  • That's it

For consumers, there are tons of more reasons to start liking a K-pop idol than an American artist. 
The Companies

K-pop is dominated by the "big 3" companies: SM, JYP, and YG. In contrast with American agencies, which identify musical talent/potential and work with the artists to produce music, Korean entertainment companies recruit and manufacture these idols. Children/teens chosen to be celebrities train for years learning to sing/rap, practicing dancing/acting, foreign languages, dieting, getting plastic surgery, etc. all in preparation for idoldom—but very few of them make it through the final cut. This manufacturing process is what makes idols into the gods/goddesses that fans worship and drool over.

But unfortunately, no system is perfect. First of all, this idol manufacturing system is extremely expensive and time consuming for obvious reasons. Furthermore, the massive amount of responsibilities I listed above is immensely taxing to the idols. Idols are humans, too. It's not uncommon for idols to get only 2-4 hours of sleep a day. No wonder idol groups tend to break up or have other troubles.

Culture

Of course, Asian cultures have more in common with each other than with American artists, so it follows that they might enjoy Asian artists over American ones. 

What are American songs about? Sex, drugs, getting drunk, partying, grinding on girls, more sex, maybe even some BDSM thrown in, getting naughty with a shorty, etc.

Korean idols are much more culture-friendly in comparison. They sing about innocently falling in love, having a crush, etc. Sometimes they'll have a mention of soju or sexy girls, but nothing to the extent of American music. The government itself censors music and music videos, as well.

TDLR

  • Korean idols are all around entertainers that fans love and worship
  • Companies work hard to train and manufacture these idols
  • K-pop is more Asian culture-friendly than American music

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