It’s a well-known fact that Korean pop–more commonly called Kpop–is no longer restricted to the Korean public! Fans all over the world are keeping track of their favorite idols through online videos, blogs, and forums. Even people who don’t understand the language are falling in love with the music and the image that Kpop artists convey. But the one thing that Kpop artists have not been able to do is break into the western market. Until now.
Time magazine wrote an article on the impact of online communities on the Korean music industry. It features a look into Taeyang’s preparation for his international debut as well as a paragraph on 2NE1’s plans to follow Taeyang’s footsteps. According to the article, Taeyang’s first solo album, Solar, climbed to the second spot on U.S. iTunes’ R&B chart. He is the first Asian person to do so!
There is no doubt that the Kpop online community, which is pretty huge in America, plays a significant role in the spread of Korean music. A big part of it is word of mouth, because if there’s one thing Kpop fans can’t do, it’s keeping their fandom to themselves. I know I wouldn’t have found Kpop if my friends didn’t start fangirl-ing in front of me.
What impact does this have on the Asian-American community? If Korean artists can find overseas success in North America, then so can Asian-American artist. We might see even more AA actors on TV or in movies, and we might also start listening to AA musicians on the radio. Times are a-changin’, y’all!
(via Time)
Tags: Artists/Music by Mel
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