By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
The local entertainment industry and fans are looking forward to seeing Koreans stars who branched out abroad enjoy the fruits of their labor this year ― with more celebrities gearing up for their own Hollywood adventures.
The Korea Times had an email interview with Grammy Award winning rapper Nelly's producer Cudda Love of Fo'Reel Entertainment last week to look into the star power in the United States and perhaps offer some tips for those engaged in preparation. Cudda Love is currently searching for a local star he and his team can nourish, bring to the United States and hopefully captivate global fans.
When asked about the current entertainment business in the United States, Love said that it was in a slight slump, just like the local scene.
``Album sales are down due to the economic problems, hence, major singing artists need to focus more on digital/internet sales and branding the artist's name to keep on succeeding here in the United States,'' he said.
Asia is known as undiscovered territory, with numerous hidden talent and possibilities. But there are still only a handful of Asian stars recognized by the world, like Chinese action stars Jackie Chan and Jet Li, and director John Woo.
Still, Korea is also jumping onto the scene, but Korean stars still need to have that ``it'' factor to make it big. The problem here is the ``bubble": appearing on a movie or television show does not directly translate into success.
``(I have been) shown a video of Ivy, Son Dam-bi, and Lee Hyo-ri, which has drawn my interest to see the potential of these types of artists making a great impact in the U.S. music world. I was very drawn by their charismatic stage presence, their musically engineered vocal range, and their sex appeal. It's been recognized that Korean artists have been popularized all over Asia due to their adaptation to different styles of music in relation to the western culture style. It just seems like this movement of coming to the United States has been like a bandwagon, but it is important to know if you have the drive and desire to make good music, it doesn't matter if you're black, white or Asian to find success here. Of course with the right nurturing, there is a high possibility a Korean artist will be successful here in the United States,'' Love said.
Music, and especially acting, is nothing if it can't be appreciated by the eyes and ears of fans, and in order to do this in the United States, perfect English is a must. But what are the other abilities needed to break through the stern walls of Hollywood?
``Focusing on music, it is very important for the beat to sound great, but it's also important for the singer to sound clear. The music's beat initially draws the listener. Then the listener listens to the lyrics to see what message the singer is trying to convey through their song. Consequently, I will encourage celebrities (to completely) master the English language, (and) sound clear to the point that the audience can understand what they are saying completely,'' Love said.
Love jumped into the music business in 1991 at the age of 19. He worked under the famed rapper and producer The Notorious B.I.G. and later discovered Nelly. He is now working with up and coming starlet Teairra Mari.