"Go back home. You're not wanted here."

I am grateful that I grew up in America without being so oppressed due to the fact that I'm Asian-American. Other Asian-Americans have been less fortunate. So it shocked me to hear the words "Go back home. You're not wanted here" directed at me today. I do put up the disclaimer that the words could've been directed to someone else since I didn't turn around at the words. I don't know how the guy responsible for these words even look like. However there were only two of us and I can't help but be upset.

It's funny that this happened today. In one of my classes, an African-American friend shared her story and how she was wrongfully treated for being black. It has been a very eye-opening day.

I know this blog post is more like a journal entry than about Korea. However I do wish to relate this to the subject of Korean-Americans. Perhaps you yourself have Korean or Korean-American friends here in the United States. Perhaps these friends of yours are always happy go-lucky and you're an admirer of Korean culture and have a twinge of jealousy because they're Korean. I sure have had white friends who've expressed this jealousy to me (in a nice way). Yet as it is for all other ethnic minorities in a predominantly white nation, it's not easy being Korean-American.

When I talk to my American friends, I am usually not conscious about my skin color or the fact that I look different than them. The way I see it, the person in front of me is the same human being as I am. There is only one race: the human race. In other words, I almost forget that I am "different" in this land of the free. And this has allowed me to avoid getting hurt for pretty much all of my life, and I am thankful that this is the way I am.

Today, however, I had to flinch at those words "Go back home". Home. What a complicated word. If he meant "home" as in where I was born, then it's a matter of going back to another state and not another country. He probably meant where my heritage is or where my parents are from. But in his eyes, since I look Korean I must also be directly from Korea. I am heartbroken and a little enraged at his ignorance.

Following this logic, if his ancestors happen to be European immigrants then that must mean his home is a country like Ireland or Germany, right? In that case, the United States of America is not his home either. Wait a minute, the real "home owners" are the Native Americans. I guess I'm not the only one who should "go back home".

Then the words "You're not wanted here" followed. No one wants to hear those words, regardless of their skin color, their family background, their socioeconomic status, etc. I can't decide which of the two is worse: "Go back home" or "You're not wanted here."

My Opinion on Korean Singers Acting

In South Korea, there is a prejudice about idol group singers acting: it's that they're awful at it. Producers of Korean drama series often hire idol group singer to gain attention for their new show and to garner more viewers. Often times, these plans backfired because the idol group singer's acting would be unbearable to watch and viewers have even stopped watching the series altogether.

There are quite a few idol singers that do not fit this negative stereotype and these singers include Kang Min Hyuk (CN Blue), Jung Eun Ji (A-Pink), and Lee Joon (MBLAQ). But these were the names that popped up a couple of years ago. Nowadays boy group members Lim Si Wan (ZE:A) and D.O. (EXO) are acclaimed for their acting while for girl group members Suzy (missA) and Hyeri (Girls' Day) are. There are still so many more singers who are part of either a boy group or girl group who have impressed us all with their acting.

Suzy (miss A) in KBS mini series "Dream High" episode 1 (Click here for source)

The truth is that almost all K-pop groups have at least one member try their hand at acting. If the member(s) are good at acting, then the group's fame can rise also. Even if the role they play is a lovable character, if the acting is poor, they will only receive criticism. 

I found in my research that drama producers often use these idol-actors because drama sets are less safe than movie sets, so veteran actors and actresses prefer to be in movies over dramas. And still the producers prefer to feature idol-actors, who are already known by the public audience, over newly debuted actors. This is not necessarily fact but more of a claim.

I personally have mixed feelings about Korean singers acting. If he or she is just a singer, so not categorized as an "idol singer", then I tend to have more of an open heart to them. I also hold the prejudice that it's the idol singers who can't act. Of course, if the singer is good at acting despite the fact they're actually a singer, then I support their acting career.

Si Wan (ZE:A) in MBC mini series "The Moon Embracing the Sun" (Click here for source)

The rest of Korea and myself, however, cannot help but pose doubts over any idol singer acting for the first time. In fact, we tend to doubt the drama itself will be any good if there's an idol singer in it. There have been plenty of cases where the idol singer's acting was of low quality. These idol singers who are poor at acting may just take away a possible role for an actual actor or actress to play. This is one of the reasons why idol singers are highly distrusted and even detested as a whole. Sometimes, the plot may be genius but the idol actor's don't uphold it with their acting.

That is why I am greatly impressed when idol singers can act well. They break the prejudice that they can't act. And it is always a delight to learn that the gorgeous idol singer who can sing and dance well also can act. I think it's this rare group of idol actors who really stand out as celebrities because they have many talents. 

I think idol singers should only be allowed to act, while they are still part of their idol group, if they can actually act. Not every member in a typical K-pop group have the vocal skills to stand alone if the group is to disband, so typically, these members who were loved for their looks rather than their singing start their acting career after their singing career ends. I don't think there's anything wrong with that; there are actors and actresses today who are active only as actors/actresses who used to be part of a K-pop group in the nineties, and they usually have acquired professional-level acting skills. So I'm not discouraging previous members of K-pop groups from starting anew with acting. 

But if the group hasn't disbanded and the members are active in a group, then I think only the members who can act should be given opportunities to do so. However, idol singers still do bring their group attention by appearing in dramas even if they can't act. So I doubt that all of a sudden only those who have the acting skills in K-pop groups will be in dramas. But if a K-pop group member who is awkward at acting is going to be in dramas, they should play minor roles in the dramas and not the lead role where they will have the most camera time. This has all been my humble opinion on Korean singers acting. 

What I Mean By "Proud Korean"

I identify myself as a Korean-American, yet I have proclaimed myself to be a "proud Korean" on several occasions. These occasions include the time I marveled at the displays of the Folk Village on Korean broadcast television, the time when figure skater Yuna Kim won the gold medal at the Winter Olympics, the time I listened to Miss Korea Honey Lee sing a Korean epic song, and more. They are the times when I viewed South Korean traditions and when South Korea gained worldwide renown.
And these are purely Korean, which is why I specifically say "proud Korean".

South Korean flag; Picture source: flagpedia.net

When I proclaim I am a proud Korean, I proclaim the pride I feel to have the same Korean blood as the rhythmic gymnast Son Yeon Jae, the members of Girls' Generation, actor Park Bo Gum, the founder of Samsung, and many others who are loved by people all over the world. South Korea is not the United States of America where it is almost guaranteed that Hollywood stars will be loved all over the world. South Korea is small in geographical size and still has ways to go to gain worldwide recognition. That is why when the spotlight falls on South Korea I find myself giddy and delighted for the nation itself and to point out I too am a Korean.

When I proclaim I am a proud Korean, I proclaim my deep admiration of the various traditions that have developed Korea. These include traditional instruments such as the kayagŭm or the Kaya harp, the traditional attire called hanbok. I find Korean traditions to be beautiful. Of course modern day South Korea is far from these traditional roots in that South Korea has become western in some ways while still maintaining a distinct South Korean style. I find it regretful that these Korean traditions are under-appreciated nowadays and is rarely visited by the new generation of South Koreans. Yet when the pure beauty of traditional Korea is revealed, I am quick to call myself a "proud Korean".

Miss Korea (2006) Honey Lee performing a Korean epic song along with the kayagŭm in hanbok.
Picture source: Saram Entertainment found in Sports Hankooki

I think it is also because I have always admired Korea from afar that I desire to affiliate myself with these Korean traditions and achievements, to shorten the distance between me and Them (the Koreans). I was also raised in Korean culture, taught the Korean language, and fed Korean food. However the American culture that has always been around me often infiltrated into my development as a person, making me different than Them and giving me totally different experiences than Theirs. But I am not completely different. I'm Korean-American, not just American nor just Korean. There is still Korean in me. So when I say I am a "proud Korean", I join in with rejoicing with Korea over its achievements and sharing in the pride of being Korean. It's how I brag about all that Korea is and has been.   

South Korea's President Park Geun-hye to Focus on North Korea?

The elections for Parliament were held on April 13th (Korean Standard Time) and for the first time in 16 years, there are more members in Parliament from the opposing party of the President. In this case, the progressive Minjoo party has taken over the majority of the seats in Parliament while Saenuri, the conservative party that President Park is also a part of, lost its majority. President Park has two years left in office and analysts say she may turn her attention to foreign policy, namely North Korea, to leave some kind of legacy. And the analysts are not looking at this move favorably.

I am not at all familiar with South Korean politics and I learned the above information from an article on New York Times. There are so many different subjects that the article discusses and I am not knowledgeable enough to speak on most of them. There is one that I want to give my two cents on though: blindly seeking out and punishing sympathizers of North Korea.

I recently read about the Korean War in depth for the first time in my life. Under the authority of the first president of the Republic of Korea, Syngman Rhee, thousands of civilians and prisoners died for allegedly being spies for the North. The extremely unfortunate thing here is that too many of the innocent died among those who were truly guilty.

This "purging" of the Communist spies continued on in Korean history. Former President Park Chung-hee, father of current President Park Geun-hye, is said to have authorized "witch hunts" for Communist sympathizers during his term. I only found this out from reading the New York Times article. The article doesn't go into deep detail about this yet I can imagine that much innocent blood must have been shed.

President Park Geun-hye, along with the Saenuri party, are harsher towards Pyeongyang while the Minjoo party leans toward more of a reconciliation with the North. If it is at all possible - I think both are right in their beliefs about how to deal with the North. To elaborate on my inexpert opinion, some in the North should be punished while the South should work for reconciliation and reunion with the North as a whole. I don't believe that all North Koreans should be punished. In fact, many civilians found guilty by the North Korean regime are themselves victims of the country. I think the civilians who aren't in trouble by the North Korean government are also victims. The article specifically states that the Saenuri party wants to punish "Pyeongyang" as opposed to "North Korea", which I infer as meaning punishing the oppressive dictator in command and those responsible for the horrific inhuman crimes rather than everyone in the North. To add to that, I think those who have committed inhuman crimes out of ignorance should be spared from punishment - although I'm sure there will have to be exceptions.

I too don't look to kindly on South Korea leaning towards going on yet another craze about purging out any Red influence. I don't want that to happen in even the slightest bit. I shed tears as I read about the truly innocent people who were executed under the accusation of supporting the Communist North during the Korean War. Of course, South Korea should continue to be wary and keen about fishing out any spies in its domain. However I think the times have changed and we shouldn't repeat history by shedding innocent blood. Don't ask me to choose between the conservative way or the progressive way of dealing with the North. But I firmly stand on the belief that South Korea should carry out careful interrogations and other procedures to seek out any spies rather than go on an out-of-control witch hunt for North Korean spies. I applaud South Korean intelligence for doing so successfully already. And I think the witch hunt may be unlikely in modern times. We should still be mindful.

Is TWICE Girls' Generation II?

Is TWICE Girls' Generation II?

The short answer to that is: there can never be a "Girls' Generation II."

Let me elaborate on a more serious note. Netizens have criticized JYP Entertainment's newest hot girl group TWICE for being too similar to Girls' Generation, and they have gone as far as accusing JYPE of copying the concepts of Girls' Generation. You can check out the details in allkpop's article here.

Concerning their outfits, they've only "copied" Girls' Generation once with the cheerleader outfits. Let's be honest here: even the most avid fan of Girls' Generation has to admit that no one girl group has ownership of cheerleader outfits. I say that netizens are overreacting here.

However I think they overreact even more: when I first heard of the rookie girl group TWICE and saw their debut group photo, Girls' Generation didn't even come to mind. Yet netizens are criticizing their pose for that picture because it's similar to Girls' Generation's picture for their album "GENIE". The only similarity in the pose is that they're all standing. Last time I checked, standing in pictures is very common. To tell you the truth, I've seen "better replicas" of Girls' Generation in other Asian countries, and TWICE does not come close to the severity of those other non-Korean girl groups.

Now regarding the concept for each member - I think this isn't copying either. TWICE has nine members, the same as Girls' Generation in the past. You can't expect all the nine members to have the same personalities. And having a "cute" concept or a "multi-talented concept" isn't anything unique that people should call them out for copying.

These netizens do not know the motives of JYP Entertainment just as much as I don't know its motives. Perhaps they are trying to follow the concepts and tactics for Girls' Generation because Girls' Generation is deservedly the Queen Group of K-pop. I don't think this is necessarily bad. As long as they don't start matching outfit styles and song concepts together and straight-out duplicating outfits, I don't see any replicating going on here.

K-Pop Labels: So many rookies... So many groups... How?

If you haven't heard yet, SM Entertainment has launched a new boy group project called NCT. It's not a typical boy group project as members are subject to change or divide into sub-units. It currently consists of 40 members.

I pause at that number 40. 40. That means there were 40 trainees under SM, waiting for the day of their debuts. Does that shock anyone else?

I've done further research about this group NCT and I had to deliberately remind myself a couple of times that this not a group that has officially debuted yet. Project groups confuse me. Anyway, although there are 40 members in the group, only six have been revealed to the public and the oldest of these was born in 1994 while the youngest was born in 1999. 

I note the age here because whenever a new group emerges from a company that already holds their label on another group(s), the new group is naturally younger than their senior group(s). I once half-predicted that the K-pop boom will end, that there will soon be a day where the K-pop industry will exhaust itself with new boy group and girl group after another until rookie groups are no more. But what actually happened is that new groups continued to emerge and have risen to fame, pushing off older groups to veteran status. And new groups are still debuting today. And these rookie groups have gotten young.

If my past self thought ever thought there were just too many groups, my past self was wrong to worry back in 2013. 

So there seems to be no end to the formation of K-pop groups every single year. And this shows that there are more trainees under various labels waiting their turn to perform on stage, on camera. I want to know how that is possible. The competition in the K-pop world is fiercer than ever yet entertainment companies keep pumping out more? Are they stubborn? Are they simply trying to rid themselves of hopeful trainees? I doubt that since it appears these labels accept more and more with how young K-pop stars are nowadays. (I suppose K-pop stars have always been young, but I'm pointing out the fact that young members in rookie groups indicate labels are still recruiting trainees).

In 2013 and now, there have been many unseen groups broken up. Yet the new K-pop group keeps forming. And I want to know...how? I mean, why? And how do these rookie groups survive the fierce Korean entertainment industry?

A lot of this has been partial rambling and partial critical thinking. I've been reading the Naver Webtoon called 아이돌 연구소 (Idol Laboratory) that outlines the mechanics behind K-pop groups surviving in the ocean of K-pop groups (perhaps I'll talk about this webtoon exclusively in another blog post). So I guess I do know how in terms of mechanics but I'm asking why labels keep pumping out more and more groups. It's more of a rhetorical question.

New Boy Group Project NCT to Revolutionize K-Pop?

The K-pop world is such a busy world and I'm going to quickly disclaim any notion that I'm an expert on today's K-pop. Unless it's a group I really like, I don't follow up with new albums. Sometimes I don't even follow up with a group I'm a fan of because I'm old and simply don't have time.

However, I am aware of what goes on in the Korean entertainment industry through allkpop. And in their article that talks about SM Entertainment's new boy group project NCT, they explain how the group is made so that members can divide up into subgroups and so that members can always be added or changed. There's currently 40 members in NCT! And rumor has it that this new system will be effective and that NCT will revolutionize the K-pop industry. So at the end of the article they ask readers if they too think that NCT will have such an impact in K-pop. 

So what do I think? I think no.

I make myself clear again that I'm no expert on the K-pop world nowadays. This also means I don't know any of the members in this new boy group project, let alone any of their songs. 

This concept of a "boy group project" feels foreign to me, though I know what it is. Red Velvet, SM's latest and much adored girl group, also publicized themselves through SM Rookies before they officially debuted under the name of Red Velvet. So really SM Rookies and this boy group project is debuting... but not officially. It's confusing. But the point of this is to ensure the public knows and becomes familiar with these faces before they officially debut. It may be confusing but it's yet again a genius move on SM's part. 

Going back to my answer - I don't think NCT will "revolutionize" K-pop because first off, there are too many members. I don't know about anyone else but once I take interest in a new idol group, I go through the tedious process of learning each member's names and keeping track of the individuals. The key word here is tedious. Even if the system of the group NCT is supposedly different so that members can form various sub-units and even leave the group, there's still 40 of them. And that is an overwhelming number. And there have been groups who've debuted with a crazy number of members. I don't recall any of them being successful as the original group member count.

This article on allkpop speculates that SM came up with this new system for NCT so that another Luhan, Kris, and Hankyung won't happen again. If that is true then their new system seems to be a fit solution. But they could've made various groups with the current 40 members rather than clump them altogether under the same name. I don't know, maybe I don't even have a right understanding of how all this works. But I feel like this is just a uniquely SM card and I just don't predict this to take over all the systems of idol groups in K-pop.