After ten long years, it’s time for us to look back at everything that’s happened in the music industry. Change has been slow, but evident throughout the entire process, from political, social and aspects surrounding the issues. Kyung Hyang Newspaper decided to analyze the last ten years of Korean culture in detail.
First and foremost, the vocabulary we’ve never used in the past have become a part of everyday language. Words used vary from, "Digital singles", "bell sounds", "BGM", "sound source", and many others have become the terminology we’ve come to know today.
Not too long ago, when selling physical CD albums were at the top of its game, it was natural to see about 10 to 12 songs on an album. But due to the existence of online music sites where people are able to pay and download their favorite songs right to their computer, the number of songs on an album or single no longer had a huge effect. It became more of an issue of whether a song could persuade and catch the attention of the general public instead of an album itself.
Along with the change of online music sites, came the change of technology. Music players no longer required CD’s and people quickly upgraded to MP3 players and many other audio devices to listen. It allowed the general public to listen to their favorite tunes anywhere and everywhere. This turned into something more when sites would allow you to download background music for ringtones, web pages, bell sounds, online games and advertisements. The change of marketing technique was shown and described by composer Kim Hyun Suk.
“The point is to take advantage of online music sites through one minute previews of songs. If you can’t draw in the consumer’s attention within that minute, you’ve lost the potential buyer and listener. If you were able to recognize and value the song through physical albums, then the current era must make the value of music look worthless or cheap.”
The creation of the digital music market also had an effect on the content produced. In 2004, SG Wannabe debuted and became one of the most notorious ballad groups of the year. Their vibratos and emotional appeal brought in many fans. However, becoming the iconic image to follow for the following ballad groups afterward, many got tired of the excessive emotional sadness.
Idol groups never exactly have a successful ending either. Despite H.O.T and g.o.d. during the beginning of the decade, TVXQ was the first to lead the way successfully for the idol world. Entertainment companies then eyed the international market. K-pop since then has become a hot trend in South East Asia, China, and Japan.
Music experts evaluated idol groups and their agencies to declare that some have secured their spot as globally popular. The demand for popular music has changed the entertainment media as well. It’s rare to see TV show programs with singers who aren’t idols. “As time goes on, music genres became more biased and the diversity for popular music is shrinking at a remarkable rate," said Im Jin Mo.
Who was most loved amongst them all? Many music critics, specialists, producers, and workers at entertainment companies were asked to choose which three idol groups they felt were best. Out of the eight who responded, seven chose Girls' Generation and TVXQ.
The president of Fluxus Music, Kim Byung Chan, expressed that Girls' Generation is “the girl group with the greatest commercial maturity.” Another, a composer named Kim, firmly believes that, “All nine members have established their own individual character and have made their mark in the history of Korean girl groups.”
With TVXQ, many said their “musical talents and charming looks were enough to go against Japanese idol groups and easily seize the Oricon charts. They’re an idol group that led the way for the K-pop trend in Japanese entertainment. They set the bar for idol groups and are a prime example of Korean idols promoting overseas.”
Another question they asked were which past leaders of trends are still remembered to this day? Four of eight said Lee Seung Chul. Park Jin, the managing director of Universal Records gave his opinion and expressed, “Despite debuting in the 1980’s, Lee Seung Chul is still known for his vocal talents and understanding the changing generation throughout the years.”
Three of eight respondents felt that Big Bang’s G-Dragon was one of three singers and idol groups that would grab the most attention and interest within the next decade.
Check out the rankings below.
Best Idol Groups
1. SNSD (7 Votes)
2. TVXQ (7 Votes)
3. Big Bang (5 Votes)
Previous leaders who've changed most with the time
1. Lee Seung Chul (4 Votes)
2. Lee Juk (3 Votes)
3. Kim Dong Ryul (2 Votes)
4. Crying Nut (2 Votes)
Singers to draw the most attention in the next decade:
1. G-Dragon (3 Votes)
2. Jang Kiha (2 Votes)
3. IU (2 Votes)
4. SNSD (2 Votes)
Do you think this list and analysis from Kyung Hyang Newspaper was dead on or far off?
Source: Naver
Posted by mimi @ Koreaboo
