Saturday, March 9, 2024

, ,

 Sacrificing the Fandom for Apology

Karina apologized through a handwritten letter on her SNS on the 5th regarding the dating news with actor Lee Jaewook. The letter conveyed apologies to the surprised fans.

However, the apology method stirred controversy. By apologizing directly on a platform like social media where millions can see, it seemed to give a strange treatment to 'My' and only fueled the fandom's anger. It's worth noting that Karina's SNS has over 12.79 million followers, and the comments on her apology letter surpassed 140,000.

It seems like fans wanted Karina to break the news of the dating rumors through their communication channels first. Especially considering that Aespa has a strong female fanbase, there's a sense of disappointment that SM Entertainment didn't understand how important it is to handle things the right way for them.

One music promotion insider put it this way: "The female fandom operates differently. They don't want their favorite artists falling behind in competition with other idol groups because of external factors." It's kind of like the idea of rooting for the home team in sports.


Incomprehensible Choice by SM

Karina's action of apologizing through SNS without prior communication with the fandom seems like an obvious 'mistake.' However, this is not Karina's mistake but a clear mistake by SM Entertainment's management. It's hard to believe that this is the best solution a company that is home to groups like Red Velvet and NCT could come up with.

In reality, many stars have traditionally used their communication channels with fans rather than personal SNS when revealing their dating or marriage news. This is because in the current structure of the K-pop industry, keeping the fans happy is key.

A former official from one of the four major entertainment companies in Korea commented, "For the agency, which must protect the value of its affiliated artists and also safeguard the fandom, as well as the investors' assets, they should have engaged in 'defense against media coverage' once the issues regarding personal lives or dating rumors surfaced." He expressed concerns about how SM handled things, making the situation worse than it had to be.

He added, "The agency's need for swift 'media defense' is not just about protecting the artist but also about safeguarding the fandom, which has a significant influence on the company's revenue. It's not just an emotional issue but a rational one that requires careful handling."

instiz

-Things seem to have gotten even noisier after she posted her apology letter...

-With the stock price dropping and shareholders going crazy, how could she not apology?

-Journalists these days seem to write in the same level as K-Netz's comments...

-What does that have to do with SM Ent. failing?ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Well, Sm must have its reasons. Karina must have her own thoughts too, and who would want their artists or company to be criticized? Isn't Dispatch at fault first for taking the photos without knowing the whole story? Personally, I think it's okay for an artist to admit to dating. It seems a bit fake to pretend otherwise to the fans while doing everything behind the scenes. 

-The way SM Ent. handles this matter is absolutely regretful, but it's still better than other large agencies at media defense

-That's true, but I wish they'd stop talking about this dating news now...

-What's a media defense? Blocking articles from coming up?

-Even if they tried to block journalists from writing articles about her, fans know everything. Honestly, it's even worse if they try to manipulate the public's opinion. 

-Isn't Karina in one of SM Ent.'s top girl groups? I don't understand why they handled this matter like that.

-They posted it on Instagram, and now even people who weren't interested are making a fuss because only the fans are being criticized. The way SM Ent. is handling this is really disappointing.

-Ultimately, it's true that real fans who were already upset are now being mocked and hit from all sides because of that one apology. The way SM Ent. handles this matter was wrong.

-Then what should Karina have done instead...?

-SM wasn't kidding about their mysterious concept since the 2000s. While other agencies aim for a friendly image, SM has always had this 'celebrity among celebrities' vibe, but lately, they've been too open, too communicative, and because of that, SM's unique vibe is disappearing.

Controversy Over Karina's Apology Letter, Industry Claims 'Evidence of SM Management Collapse'

 

1. Since he's complementing me for being pretty, I'd feel good

2. Since he's only dating me for my looks, I'd feel bad

Please write your MBTI too

instiz

-2. I'm an ISTP.

-1. I'm an ESFJ.

-1. I'm an ENTP.

-1. I'm an ISFP. I know I'm not that pretty, so I'd just take it as a joke slightly mixed with compliment. 

-I'm not that pretty, but there have been a lot of people who told me that I'm their ideal type, regardless of their gender. So I'd just think that he's saying that I'm his type, but I don't know how to react. I mean... I'm not sincerely thankful, but I'd say 'Thank you'. 

-That's funny. I'd just take it that he's completely in love with me. I'm an ISFJ.

-1. I know I'm not that pretty, so I'd just take it that he's completely in love with me.

-Obviously 1ㅋㅋㅋㅋI'd just reply "My looks are indeed my greatest weapon, hohoho" and feel good about it.

-2, isn't it natural?? I mean, we're not just friends. We're in love with each other, it's unacceptable to say things like that. 

-1. Well, I'm dating him because of his looks too...ㅎ

-2. I'm an INFJ. But it might vary depending on his tone when he says it. 

-1. I'm an INTJ. 

-1. I'm an ENTP, I think I'd feel really good if someone told me that. 

-1. I'm an INTJ. I mean... He says I look pretty, it probably means that he's really in love with me. 

How would you feel if your boyfriend says, "I'm dating you because you're pretty"?

,

 



Date: (1st Show) Saturday, 4 May 2024 at 6PM KST / (2nd Show) Sunday, 5 May 2024 at 4PM KST
Venue: Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium
Ticket Prices: VIP Seats (Blue) 154,000 KRW (~$117 USD), Regular Seats (Yellow) 121,000 KRW (~$92 USD) (Including VAT)
Age Restriction: 7 years old and above (No entry for preschool children)
Ticketing: Melon Ticket


instiz

-It's quite expensive...

-If it's a fan-con, isn't it almost like a fan meeting?? It's quite expensive, but I'm sure fans who want to go will still buy the tickets.

-I just attended a fan concert for 130,000 KRW recently, and now they've raised the price again. I thought it was already expensive back then, though. SM Ent. said they wouldn't raise their ticket prices like other companies, but they keep raising it litte by little.

-Fan meetings used to be 40,000 KRW to 50,000 KRW before COVID. Even considering the rise in prices, 150,000 KRW is a bit much.

-People who want to buy it will buy it. Even if they sold it at 300,000 KRW, I'm sure it would still sell out.

-Still, I want to go...

-What's the brown color for?

-Sound check pass even for the second floor?? That's insane

-I really want to go, but I live in the countryside and I'm brokeㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Are they trying to make up for the wasted cheersticks by raising the price so much? ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-It's really expensive for a fan concert

-It's not even a concert, but just a fan concert...

-Maybe it's because it's a fan concert and not a fan meeting?? These days, a lot of idol groups turn fan meetings into fan concerts and raise the ticket prices. But RIIZE and SM Ent. are not the only ones who do that. I mean, I know SM Ent. is short of money these days but still... I don't get it.

-Is it normal for fan cons to be this expensive? Concerts are more expensive than that, about 30,000 to 40,000 KRW more.

-Sigh... even so, I really want to go.

-Why are ticket prices so expensive these days...

-Even the last concert I went to didn't cost that much. I mean, RIIZE just debuted and don't have a lot of songs yet...

-But do rookie fan cons usually cost this much??

-That's almost like concert ticket prices...

RIIZE's fan concert is gaining attention due to its high ticket price.

Friday, March 8, 2024

,

 

Following his departure from NCT, Lucas is set to debut as a solo singer.

According to multiple music industry insiders on the 8th, Lucas will debut as a solo singer in April. He is currently in the middle of preparing for his first album.

Lucas's return to activities comes after a hiatus of three years. In 2021, Lucas suspended his activities due to controversy over his personal life, and last year, he officially withdrew from NCT.

However, Lucas has decided to remain with his agency, SM Entertainment, and continue his personal activities. Recently, Lucas has shown signs of comeback by opening official social media accounts. He addressed the controversy directly through YouTube and apologized once again. He also expressed his regret to the NCT members.

theqoo

-He can't sing, can he?

-Must be nice for him

-Why in Korea, though?

-Wait, does he have something against SM?

-The fact that they always mention NCT in his articles...

-SM is truly amazing, not in a good way.

-Wasting staff resources...

-SM is amazing, seriouslyㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Wow, amazing, amazing, truly amazing ^^

-Just get rid of the useless ones, damn it.

-Does that mean the underrated idols in SM have to cause accidents to get attention?....ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-I wonder if it will work outㅋㅋㅋ Does he have fans?

-Is he going to be active in Korea??

-Are there people who support him?

-Is there a demand?

-In Korea????????? Wow..

-In the end, he's debuting as a singer, but I hope he won't come to SM concerts in the future...

Former NCT Member Lucas to Debut as a Solo Singer in April

, ,
Karina Posts an Apology Letter for Her Dating News ... Foreigners Made Remarks About "Korean Fans Having a Mental Illness"

-Yeah, they are indeed messed up. The fandom's gone way overboard in a weird way.

-I'm not particularly sympathetic. She works a job that earns lot of money from those crazy fans. If those people were sane, the entertainment industry would be doomed. 

Fanatic fandom
and the entertainment industry exploiting those fanatic fans.

theqoo

-F*cking facts. That's exactly why idols apologizeㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-I mean... The fact they buy dozens, even hundreds, of the same album just to go to a fansign already explains it allㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-That's true. The fan culture is already weird enough. And these idols make a ton of money off of those crazy fans. 

-She apologized because she still needs her fans, right? If she didn't care about then, there would've been no need for her to apologize, right? It's not the first time idols have apologized for being in a relationship.

-What those comments said are indeed true. But does that mean you can do as you please to idols...? No, you shouldn't treat them that way, they're human too. 

-Both Karina's apology and the company's confirmation are just to maintain the whole messed up system, essentially. They're not always victims as fans portray them to be.

-I hope K-pop fans wouldn't be too obsessed with celebrities. All they're after is money, after all. Fans' excessive obsession will only lead them to being ridiculed and having no money. 

-True. The apology letter isn't written for the public, it's meant to appease the fans. 

-That's right. If they were in their right minds, why would they spend millions, or even tens of millions, on idols? Let's be real, the apology isn't actually a sincere apology. It's just a way to calm down the fans to prevent them from leaving the fandom.

-That's true. It's a bit contradictory to make money off those people and then say "Leave me alone!" at times like this.

-Someone said the relationship between idols and fans is mutual exploitation. They're not wrong. 

-It would be really good if everyone respected each other's boundaries. 

-Honestly, even as a Korean, I feel like her apologizing to fans for being in a relationship is really strange and bizzare. It reminds me of that Japanese idol who shaved her head after a dating scandal.

-Wow, I almost felt like leaving the fangirl life and becoming a monk after reading the second comment.

Comments on the article about Karina's apology letter.

 

Jungkook's Seven

Blackpink's Pink Venom

New Jeans' Super Shy

As the idol generation changes and the foreign market expands, the proportion of English lyrics in songs has increased. Many believe this is because English is the most widely used language globally, making it easier for foreigners to listen to. 

Here, there's a debate emerging: Some argue that if the lyrics and music base are derived from American or British pop music, even if it's produced and sung by Korean artists in Korea, it's no longer K-pop but just pop music. 

On the other hand, some argue that K-pop is more about style than genre. If it exhibits the style of K-pop (could be in form of music videos to music concepts, makeup, choreography, etc.), regardless of lyrics, it can still be called K-pop. 

These are opinions that emerged during a discussion betewen me and my friends. I'm personally unsure about the English lyrics but I lean towards the latter opinion. I believe that regardless of lyrics, foreigners tend to perceive K-pop as Korean idols singing. 

However, according to the former opinion, within the global market, music genres often follow similar trends. Nowadays, idols tend to pursue styles influenced by foreign artists, so the only identity left for K-pop is the lyrics. If even that disappears, K-pop would just be Korean people singing pop. Some even question if classics like "Yesterday" by The Beatles was sung by Koreans, would it be considered K-pop? 

Honestly, I don't know about idols that much, but after considering both opinions and doing some research, I'm curious about what others think.

theqoo

-To non-fans, it just sounds like pop music.

-If a Korean idol sings it and I like the song, even if it's in African language, it's K-pop. I'll attach 'K' to anything good.

-K-pop these days is too focused on foreign standards; not my cup of tea.

-If it's made in Korea, it's K-pop. What's the problem?

-Technically, it's K-pop, but it feels more like pop music than K-pop to me.

-It's K-pop because Korea made it, but it feels like it's imitating foreigners too much...

-If it's made by K-pop industry workers, even if it's a group without Koreans, it's still considered K-pop.

-"Dynamite," "Butter," "Permission to Dance" - they're all English songs. Does that mean BTS is a pop group? "My Universe" is a Coldplay song with Korean lyrics - does that make it K-pop? If it's sung by Korean artists, then it's K-pop, plain and simple.

-I think of it as Korean singers singing pop songs. If a Korean author writes a book in English, is it still considered a Korean book?

-If a Korean (or a group that debuted in Korea) sings a song in English (provided there's a Korean version), then it's K-pop. Otherwise, it's just pop.

-K-pop isn't originally categorized based on genre characteristics. K-pop encompasses all genres, but what are the distinctive genre characteristics of K-pop? If you had to specify, rather than being characterized by genre, K-pop tends to incorporate visual elements into music (such as flashy choreography, colorful music videos, etc.). So in that sense, Jungkook is very much K-pop. Firstly, Jungkook is a Korean singer, and he belongs to the pop genre, making him a K-pop artist.

-I just think it's K-pop because it's released by a Korean company with Korean artists.

-For it to be considered K-pop, it needs to meet these three criteria: debut in Korea, Korea as the base, and participation of Koreans. 

-The fact that this debate even exists is amusing. With K-pop dominating globally, rejecting something as not K-pop and insisting it's pop seems pointless. Instead, if a song is a big hit worldwide, it's better to call it simply pop, not limiting it to K-pop. Not being qualified as K-pop doesn't mean it's not K-pop; it can be recognized as both K-pop and just pop.

-Releasing albums localized for different countries is different from releasing songs in English. English is a global language; singing in English means targeting a global audience, not just the U.S. Releasing albums in Japanese, Chinese, or French is different from that. For me, K-pop = songs sung by Korean singers. Except for foreign groups with Korean members, if a group or solo artist with the majority being Korean sings, then it's K-pop. So, songs made in the K-pop style by foreign groups with Korean producers and choreographers can not be considered as K-pop. The criterion for K-pop should be the people, not the language.

-But I found something interesting. Even though they release English songs, Google classifies BTS as K-pop and all the members as K-pop artists, but Jungkook is classified as a pop artist. I'm not sure what the criteria are, but anyway, Google automatically classifies Jungkook as a pop artist.

-It's disappointing that more and more English lyrics are being used. They used to say many foreigners were learning Korean because of K-pop, but now K-pop songs tend to have more English lyrics.

-Seriously, if a Japanese singer suddenly releases a song in Korean, would it become K-pop?ㅋㅋㅋㅋ That's really shortsighted and unreasonable logic.

-It's K-pop, but lately, some songs hardly have any Korean in them, which is disappointing. Even lyrics that could easily be expressed in Korean are all in English... I don't know why that is, but there's just not enough Korean (And it's not because I can't speak English; I'm good at it.)


Can a Song Qualify as K-pop Even If It Doesn't Have Any Korean Lyrics?

 


Kim Ji-seok also appeared on JTBC's 'Actor's Associations', revealing his anxiousness about not receiving any work offers and his disappointment at not being chosen.

As he welcomed the new year, Kim Ji-seok confessed, "I've never experienced this before, but I felt anxious about not having any projects this year." He said, "Other actors did 6 to 7 projects last year," while he only worked on one.

Continuing, during a phone call with his manager, Kim Ji-seok emphasized his openness, saying, "I don't care if it's a lead role, supporting role, or minor role. I just want to do good projects. I want to be a versatile actor."

Upon hearing his manager's words that he has already done all of his projects in the first half of the year r and that he was among the candidates for commercials, Kim Ji-seok expressed despair, saying, "I've already done all?" and "What's the point of being on the list? It's not about being number one; it's about not being chosen." He candidly shared his feelings of disappointment.

Kim Ji-seok is a relatively well-known actor, yet he still has concerns like "I've never experienced this before, but what if I don't have any projects this year".

Many actors seem to be saying similar things this year, especially regarding their eagerness to work but aren't receiving any offers.


Oh Yoon-ah has also revealed her current situation of having no projects. She said, "These days, there really are no projects. Dramas have been reduced by half, and even the ones already filmed can't find a broadcasting slot. In the past, I could just pick and choose (projects)." She expressed gratitude for meeting the public through entertainment programs, YouTube, and other activities instead of the decreasing dramas.

++++ Not focusing on celebrity concerns

Talking about industry situation, scheduling issues

theqoo

-I feel the opposite, though. With the increasing number of OTT dramas, I feel like even rookie actors and actresses easily get to play the lead roles. These days, I see a lot of lead roles whose faces I don't recognize.

-Rather than that, it seems like actors who weren't chosen simply underwent a generational shift. Even though the number of drama productions has decreased, there are still more dramas compared to when OTT platforms were not as popular as now, and there should be roles for supporting actors there. 

-The most useless worry: worrying about celebrities.

-In the past, it felt like each broadcasting station aired dramas every day from 9-10 pm, but nowadays, there are cases where dramas air in that time slot without competition.

-The production costs for dramas are high and at the same time TV viewer ratings are decreasing. Consequently, advertisers who want to advertise are decreasing as well. Naturally, broadcasting companies are earning money by jointly broadcasting on OTT platforms.

-But honestly, when it comes to money, they'll probably figure it out themselves, so I don't really think about itㅋㅋㅋㅋ If they really just want to act, why not try something like theater? Or try a different medium?

-Honestly, most actors have earned enough to make a living, the real problem is with the staff, they probably have no work.

-Only the actors who are filming are filming... Just looking at someone like Ju Ji-hoon or Han So-hee, they're building up their works... The rich get richer and the poor get poorer, it's frustratingㅠㅠ I hope my favorite ones get their next project soon...

-Actors, directors, staff members who make sets, sound teams, and even catering companies are all struggling. It must be worrying for everyone.

-That's right, and nowadays, when you watch dramas, if one lead role seems to have spent a lot on casting fees, the rest of the lead roles and other roles seem to be played by newcomers. So, they don't seem to use many expensive actors in one production unless it's a major production.

-Reality is harsh, there's no time to watch dramas, people are busy after work...

-If the industry is struggling so much, why don't the actors voluntarily cut their appearance fees to reduce drama production costs? But I know they will never do that even if they die, that's showbiz.

-It's difficult to enter the film industry, and even harder to succeed. The decrease in the number of drama productions itself makes it even harder. Since TV schedules fill up quickly and there's less space, it's inevitable, and OTT platforms have also played a role.

Situations of Actors in the Drama Field

, ,


I've asked something like this before. 'Jieun-ah, doesn't it bother you that I use a wheelchair?' But Jieun answers, 'Oppa! When girls wear high heels (on dates), it's often uncomfortable no matter where they go~ Because you use a wheelchair, following you makes the path easier. That statement was so warm and touching.

theqoo

-That's true love, so touchingㅜㅜ I looked it up and turns out the Jieun meant here was Song Jieun from Secret!! I hope the two of them are happy

-So touching..

-They're such a beautiful couple, they also talk in such a beautiful wayㅠㅠ

-Song Ji-eun, she's so beautiful and she also looks like an angel. Even the way she speaks is beautiful. They're such a lovely couple.

-Wow, isn't she an angel?? It's touching ㅠㅠ

-Is she an angel?? Having a mindset like that is just... Wow

-Wow, I didn't expect such a warm reply from her...

-Wow, they look so good together.

-I'm crying ㅠㅠ

-Wow, it's an answer I've never thought of. So touching ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

-Song Jieun is an angelㅠㅠㅠ

-Wow, how can such an answer come out.... Both the words and the person are so beautiful....ㅠ

-Song Jieun... she's my favorite... I really liked her singing, I hope she lives happilyㅜㅜ

-I'm moved ㅠㅠ Tears are streaming down my face nowㅠㅠ Wow...

-They make their words so beautiful. Beyond saying 'It's okay, it's not uncomfortable, it's not hard...' in that situation, saying 'Following you makes the path easier'...

-I want to learn how to speak so beautifully like her... Anyway, I hope there are more paths for wheelchairs to go onㅜㅜ It's so hard to find accessible restaurants for my grandfather who uses a wheelchairㅠㅠ

-Wow, I'd fall for Song Jieun too if I were him

-I've been watching their YouTube diligently lately. I hope they both stay happy together for a long timeㅠ

-I'm gonna cry ㅠㅠ

-Ji-eun is famous for being kind even during her days Secret, and Park We is always 

-Is that Song Jieun from Secret?

"Jieun-ah, doesn't it bother you that I use a wheelchair?"

, ,

 

New Journey to the West

Kang's Kitchen

I'm personally not a big fan of New Journey to the West, but I find Kang's Kitchen to be really fun. I'm waiting for Season 4🙏

theqoo

-New Journey to the West... Let's go on an overseas trip

-Kang's Kitchen is a healing variety show, with moments of laughter and tears, while New Journey to the West is just laugh-out-loud funny.

-New Journey to the West is simply enjoyable (in a good way), Kang's Kitchen is intense in its own rwayㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ But it's also fun and heartwarming in the same way. Every time I watch Kang's Kitchen, I feel happy and warm inside.

-New Journey to the West ㅜ Hurry up and air your next seasonㅠ

-Both are really good shows, but if I had to choose, it would be New Journey to the Westㅠㅠㅠ

-I can't decide because both New Journey to the West and Kang's Kitchen are entertaining in their own waysㅠㅋㅋ New Journey to the West is travel + variety, and Kang's Kitchen is business + variety,,

-I still rewatch New Journey to the West every once in a while...

-New Journey to the West season 4 was so much fun, Kang's Kitchen will always be seen as a New Journey to the West spin-offㅋㅋㅋ

-When will New Journey to the West come backㅠ

-Wasn't there a mention of New Journey to the West? Now that I think about it, have Mino and P.O enlisted to the military yet...?
ㄴP.O also has returned and even did a V Live with Na Youngsuk, right? I remember them mentioning when will New Journey to the West start again during that time.. but they kept it for later, I think..

-Kang's Kitchen! Please have another season for both, though🙏

-New Journey to the West season 1 was the bestㅋㅋㅋ

-Come back, New Journey to the West, I'm waiting!!

-I'm still waiting for New Journey to the West. There are many healing variety shows, but there aren't many variety shows that grab my attention without thinking like New Journey to the West, so I keep waiting for the new season.

-I like Kang's Kitchen more because New Journey to the West is just too repetitive, it gets boring

-When will Kang's Kitchen come backㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

-Kang's Kitchen!!!!!!! New Journey to the West is boring now.

-New Journey to the West 4 > 3 > others

-Hoping for the next season of New Journey to the West to come out soonㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ They said they're preparing for it.

-How much longer do I have to wait for New Journey to the West

Divided Opinions on Na Youngsuk's Shows Despite Having the Same Members