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New Straits Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: The K-pop status shuffle: producers, power and reinvention
K-POP, a genre of popular Korean music performed by dance groups such as BTS and BlackPink, is known for its highly competitive landscape, with groups often reinventing their identities with their new song releases to maintain their popularity and fan base. New research has found that in South Korea, where entertainment agencies or producers play a dominant role in shaping the image of K-Pop groups, the agency's status affects the group's ability to change their style and music genre. Meanwhile, gender norms hinder female K-Pop groups from similar shifts in identity as they are expected to follow set trajectories, leaving little room for experimentation. Heeyon Kim, assistant professor at the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration in the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, co-wrote 'Changing Tracks: How Status Affects Category Shifts in the Korean Popular Music Industry', published on July 11 in the 'Strategic Management Journal'. Her co-authors include Yoonjeoung Heo, an assistant professor at Xi'an Jiatong-Liverpool University, and Chi-Nien Chung, a professor at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Unlike in the Western music industry, where artistes often have creative control, K-Pop agencies oversee everything from an artiste's training to their performance and public image. The research team studied a sample of 122 K-Pop idol groups, including Super Junior, Girls' Generation, BlackPink, and 2PM, produced by 76 agencies from 2004 to 2016. They found that the status of entertainment agencies, as determined by industry awards, significantly influences how often and how radically their idol groups change their style and music genres, based on data from new song releases. For example, the group known as Big Bang, formerly managed by YG Entertainment, initially gained popularity with a rebellious identity. However, after a two-year hiatus, the group underwent a significant transformation in their concept, adopting a more experimental approach with their song 'Fantastic Baby' and later with 'Bang Bang Bang'. If a "youthful and rebellious" concept dominates the market, middle-status agencies are more likely to adjust their idol groups' style, music, and performance to match this trend. Their goal is to attract a wider audience without taking the creative risks that high-status agencies could afford, according to the research. In contrast, high-status entertainment agencies such as SM, JYP, and YG Entertainment tend to make more radical category shifts when they reposition their groups. This approach aligns with audience expectations for major agencies to act as trendsetters rather than followers. The effect of a producer's status is notably weaker for female idol groups due to institutional constraints and societal gender norms, Kim said. Female idols are often expected to adhere to predefined gender-normative stereotypical concepts, such as "cute and girlish" when they are young or "elegant and mature" as they grow older. Consequently, entertainment agencies have less flexibility in shifting the concepts of female groups compared with those of male groups. Male idol groups are more likely to undergo significant concept transformations, as their fan base tends to be more dedicated and accepting of shifts in artistic direction, the research found. In contrast, female idol groups rely more on appealing to the general public, making agencies hesitant to deviate from conventional concepts. For instance, a male group under a high-status agency might transition from a "bad boy" image to a "retro disco" theme, while a female group under the same agency is more likely to maintain a consistent aesthetic to avoid alienating mainstream audiences. "As the K-Pop industry continues to evolve," Kim said, "understanding these dynamics will be crucial for entertainment agencies seeking to navigate the competitive landscape while balancing audience expectations and creative expression".
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Blackpink hits 100m mark on Spotify in record time
Blackpink reached 100 million streams on Spotify with 'Jump' and did so in 17 days, its label YG Entertainment said Tuesday. It is the group's 33rd song to hit the 100 million mark, and tied its own previous record for a single from a female K-pop act, with 'Pink Venom.' The new single was dropped on July 11 and stayed atop Spotify's Daily Top Songs Global Chart for six days before claiming the No. 1 spot on its weekly chart. It debuted on Billboard's Hot 100 at No. 28 and swept both its Global 200 and Global excl. US. In the second week, dated Aug. 2, 'Jump' ranked No. 53 on the main songs chart. In UK, it entered Official Singles Top 100 at No. 18, the highest position the foursome has reached. Meanwhile, the group will begin touring Europe from Aug. 2, starting in Paris.
Korea Herald
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Babymonster's 'Hot Sauce' music video logs 100m views
Babymonster exceeded the 100 million view mark on YouTube with the music video for 'Hot Sauce,' label YG Entertainment said Thursday. The video is the group's 11th to achieve the feat and did so in about 23 days. 'Hot Sauce,' an old school hip-hop dance number, was dropped earlier in July as a prerelease from the group's second EP. The mini album will be released Oct. 1. The seven members are slated to resume their first international tour on Aug. 30 in Toronto, Canada, before visiting five cities in the US. Babymonster launched the 'Hello Monsters' tour in January and performed in Newark, New Jersey, and Los Angeles before touring 12 stops across Asia.
Pink Villa
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
BLACKPINK to extend DEADLINE tour with concerts in China's Beijing National Stadium? Fans predict tickets to 'sell like hot cakes'
BLACKPINK is currently in the midst of their DEADLINE World Tour, setting the global stages ablaze. Having effortlessly sold out large venues, they've reinforced their global popularity. Following successful shows in three cities, they're scheduled to perform in Toronto on July 22 and 23. Amid that, rumors are circulating about extending the tour to China, with industry insiders saying their agency is negotiating a venue for the concert. BLACKPINK is reportedly in talks to book China's Beijing National Stadium for DEADLINE concert According to the X account @ChinaMusicData, BLACKPINK 's agency YG Entertainment is considering extending the DEADLINE World Tour to China. Given the recent lifting of the Hallyu ban in the country, it's likely that the agency saw an opportunity to capitalize on the situation. Reportedly the industry insiders revealed that YGE is in talks to reserve the iconic Beijing National Stadium for BLACKPINK's concert. They are currently in the negotiation process and the booking hasn't been finalized yet. Notably, the proposed venue is massive, boasting a seating capacity of 91,000. Being able to fill a venue like that will be a groundbreaking achievement for any artist. The venue's prestige is further underscored by its role as the host of the 2008 Olympics, which would make a K-pop performance, particularly by BLACKPINK, an even more historic event. Check out fan reactions to BLACKPINK's Beijing National Stadium booking report Fans are optimistic that given BLACKPINK's immense star power, tickets will "sell like hot cakes" if the group successfully secures the venue for their concert. They also acknowledged the popularity of K-pop music in China and the enduring fandom of the girl group there. "THIS IS CRAZY AND CHINESE PEOPLE DON'T PLAY WHEN IT COMES TO BLACKPINK THEY COULD EASILY SELL IT OUT" an X-user wrote. Another stated, BLACKPINK "can sell even 100k if they want!!." Some even claimed that BLACKPINK has the "largest fanbase" and expressed excitement on the possibility of Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa holding concerts in the Chinese capital. The news thrilled the BLINKs of the country and they can't wait for the reports to turn into an official confirmation.
Hype Malaysia
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
2NE1's Sandara Park, Lee Chong Wei & More: Local & International Stars Who Attended G-Dragon's KL Concert
A lot unfolded during G-Dragon (권지용)'s 2-day concert in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend. While some fans had the time of their lives, many were left disappointed by the circumstances leading up to the concert and the events on the days of the shows themselves. Regardless, those who attended the concert spotted a few familiar faces in the audience, including both local and international celebrities. So, without further ado, let's take a look at who was in attendance at the icon's concert at Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur: 1. 2NE1's Sandara Park Who would have thought that a member of 2NE1 would be spotted among the Malaysian crowd during G-Dragon's Kuala Lumpur concert? A video has been circulating online showing Sandara Park enjoying the show while waving her lightstick. For those who may not know, both BIGBANG and 2NE1 debuted under YG Entertainment, so it's not entirely surprising to see the idol showing support for her ex-labelmate. 2. Datuk Lee Chong Wei One of the perks of retirement is getting to enjoy concerts by your favourite artists. Former national shuttler Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei (李宗伟) was spotted making his way to his seat at the concert, where he was also seen greeting fans who recognised him. He later reposted an Instagram Story featuring one of the BIGBANG members' performances during the show. 3. Ms Kuan, Alex HKF, Danny Koo Local influencers Ms Kuan and Alex HKF shared posts about their experience at the concert, with the latter offering some insights into what went down during the show on his Twitter page. Singer Danny Koo also attended the concert while testing out the new Samsung Galaxy Fold 7. 4. Hani Fadzil & Muna Bella If it's anything K-pop related, there's a high chance these two will be there. Known for their love of all things K-pop and K-culture, local radio announcers Hani Fadzil (MIX) and Muna Bella (Era) were both spotted at G-Dragon's weekend concert, with the former even dressing up as the idol himself. Not only did they attend the show, but they also had the opportunity to interview him and film exclusive content for their respective radio stations, something fans can certainly look forward to once it's released. 5. Bosco Wong Hong Kong actor Bosco Wong was reportedly spotted at G-Dragon's concert in KL as well. Fans recognised the star in what appeared to be the VIP section, despite him wearing a hat and face mask to keep a low profile. It was also rumoured that other Hong Kong artists, including Michael Tao, Joel Chan and Kelly Fu, were present at the Kuala Lumpur concert, although this has yet to be confirmed. 6. Jeannie Hsieh Taiwanese singer-songwriter Jeannie Hsieh posted a video on Instagram that she indeed attended the G-Dragon concert in KL over the weekend. The 50-year-old filmed herself outside the venue before the doors opened while wearing the 'Übermensch' cap. Did you spot any familiar faces at the concert? Let us know!
