K-pop: much more than manufactured goods
Park Ji-won, a journalist-turned-critic, releases the book “Understanding K-pop in Literary Context.” In it, he said fans look up to their idols not solely for their good looks, aesthetic styles, and powerful dance moves, but also on how they've laddered up to become success figures. / Courtesy of Park Ji-won
Critic offers in-depth analysis about idols, their music
By Kwak Yeon-soo
K-pop artists were once described by some critics as puppets manufactured by the “Big 3” entertainment giants ― SM, YG and JYP. All bands were similar in terms of their synchronized dances and songs. In the eyes of such critics, fans “consumed” K-pop just like daily goods.
Park Ji-won, author of the new book “Understanding K-pop in Literary Context,” rebuts such derogatory characterization of K-pop singers.
The journalist-turned-music critic says K-pop idols have played mixed roles. Regarding their identity, he says, true they are commercially manufactured idols. However, he goes on to say at the same time Korean pop music has also been used as a tool to heal wounded young souls in some parts of the world.
Park, a music critic, currently runs a publishing company and hosts a podcast titled “Reader.”
According to the author, the interpretation of idols may vary depending on people's musical taste and interest, but it's hard to deny that many K-pop acts are drawing inspiration from literature for their songs and albums.
In his book, the author observes that idols no longer are puppets, but rather they are strategic thinkers who make their own choices for the betterment of their future career.
There is a conflict of interest between idols and their agencies, and it sometimes led to a clash between the two.
Through years of struggle, K-pop artists have eventually learned they cannot control their bands or intellectual property. Their awareness of their limitations on the business side has encouraged them to turn their eyes to the other side of music ― production.
Many of them have participated in the production of their music by writing lyrics or composition.
Park notes that idols, nowadays, aspire to be recognized as artists rather than entertainment merchandise.
“When I worked at a publishing company a few years ago, I noticed the theme of BTS's WINGS album revolves around Hermann Hesse's novel Demian,” Park told The Korea Times. “That's when I became intrigued by their music and felt that idols were no longer an output of cheap entertainment.”
The author notes that BTS' songs contain lyrics that are socially conscious and deal with in-depth subjects like family discord, depression and self-love. According to the author, the music video for BTS' “Blood, Sweat and Tears” was the catalyst for him to write the book.
“I was deeply moved by their video concept that alludes to classic novels Demian, Abraxas, paintings, sculptures and Nietzsche quotes,” said Park.
The author writes that not even a decade ago, parents thought teenage delinquents would look up to idols and listen to their songs. But now they encourage their children to follow idol bands, as they deal with a wide array of emotions and issues in their music that are relevant to school-age youngsters like anxiety, loss, friendship, love and more.
The author acknowledges that the tradition of worshipping idols and consuming their goods is still prevalent, but the relationship between idols and fans has definitely changed over time.
According to him, fans look up to their idols not solely for their good looks, aesthetic styles, and powerful dance moves, but also on how they've laddered up to become success figures.
An excerpt from the book tells a story about a girl who finds hope from a K-pop singer, presumably TVXQ, after hail destroyed her home and village. The author recalls it was shocking to see a girl smiling at a faded photograph of an idol in such a situation, in which people would normally feel resentment and fury.
The cover of “Understanding K-pop in Literary Context”
“Understanding K-pop in Literary Context” is the result of the author's years of research exploring the music and lyrics of idol music. The book is divided into four chapters ― about self-belief, love, the world we live in, and humanity. A total of 46 K-pop songs are introduced in the book that come with different keywords, including youth, identity, truth, destiny, happiness, solitude and courage.
In his book, the author effectively presents the songs and philosophical interpretations that emotionally inspire people. While doing this, Park provides quotes and themes from classic novels.
He concludes that there is a limitation to how idols conceive people in their music, given their relatively young age. However, he argues that focusing on theme of youth and representing its sensitivity through music is more than enough to add positivity to the younger generation.