Name only 5 things you don't like about Kpop that most people do

[abra]

1 hour ago, satoori said:

share it!

there is probably others who might agree, and even if they don't i would still like to know lol

yea "streaming parties" have become excessive. 

The focus on looks/visuals: this is an issue in so many ways. It's so shallow, and not where the focus should be IMO. Idols are put under tremendous pressure to look perfect, contributing to stress, depression and poor self esteem among the idols. They are forced to go on crazy diets, get surgery, fansites photoshop their pictures etc. Fans usually stan whoever they find the hottest. Having "visual" as a position is ridiculous. It's contributing to unrealistic and harmful beauty standards for the fans. And idols who aren't considered good-looking enough get so much shit. There are even fights about what idol is more attractive. It's so stupid. I hate it. Just let there be "normal-looking" idols. Stop with all these mirrors and effects. It's ridiculous.

The focus on "perfection": this is an expansion of the previous point, but most of the same points apply. It sets terrible unrealistic expectation, damages idols and it's honestly often not even that interesting to watch. It doesn't have to be that serious. Let's have our moments like 4minute's Milkshake cover. That's unironically one of my favourite videos because it's not just hilarious but also relatable and they're enjoying themselves a lot.

The focus on achievement, charts and records: It's honestly irrelevant. It's just sucking the fun out of being a fan. And then there are fans who try to get others to stream all the time, by guilt if necessary. Just enjoy the artist/music/kpop. And then, like in all the previous points, there's the unhealthy competition.

The whole idea of fandom/kpop stans: I preferred when I was more of a casual multi fan, checking it as much music as possible. It's just better. Not having to identify with an act. Discovering different acts. Not engaging in the fandom drama. Besides, there are a ton of non-idol acts that release great music. All of Korean music industry is unhealthy, but the idol industry (and its fandom aspect) especially so.

The hate/fanwars: I'm not sure if "most people like" this part, but a LOT of people sure seem to like hating on other/certain groups or fighting with other fandoms. It's very destructive and has already contributed to depression and suicide attempts of several artists. Please have some fucking sense of humanity. I'll add the thing where people search up controversial or "problematic" stuff idols have done and seemingly live off attacking them for it. That's also vile. I'll admit I've been guilty of bringing up stuff like that early in my life as a kpop fan (I remember disliking a couple of SM idols in particular for some stuff they said... but in reality it was me who was immature).

 

 

Apart from that there are a ton of other things, but they don't fit the theme of the thread (all the dirty stuff that goes on behind the scenes in the Kpop industry, like the abuse and misogyny).

 

[Augusto]

the most answers here are about fandom things, but I don't like the things that's related to industry itself:

 

1) super groups (5 members would be just perfect imo, 7 is the limit)

2) 'rap' as a part of any kpop song, meanwhile it has nothing in common with real rap and even doesn't fit 90% songs; also the position of 'rapper' in the group is questionable since 90% of kpop 'rappers' don't write their lyrics and can't sing either

3) cult of synchro dancing, it looks cool, but it's has zero artistry (I prefer more complicated performance and choreo structure, and some groups did it well)

4) the 'idols' being promoted as potential boyfriends/girlfriends, it's a lie made to gain the fandom full of delusional and possessive people

5) the outdated music trends + sound borrowed from second-hand US musical market

 

...in conclusion, I don't like kpop, so idk what I'm doing here

[neo velvet]

fan songs will always (ALWAYS) be cringe worthy idgaf how much i like a group that shit is just corny and emotionally manipulative

[rananicolee]

I forgot another thing. I don’t really care for the photocards. It’s a nice surprise to see who I get but honestly all they do is collect dust in my room. 

[satoori]

28 minutes ago, abra said:

The focus on looks/visuals: this is an issue in so many ways. It's so shallow, and not where the focus should be IMO. Idols are put under tremendous pressure to look perfect, contributing to stress, depression and poor self esteem among the idols. They are forced to go on crazy diets, get surgery, fansites photoshop their pictures etc. Fans usually stan whoever they find the hottest. Having "visual" as a position is ridiculous. It's contributing to unrealistic and harmful beauty standards for the fans. And idols who aren't considered good-looking enough get so much shit. There are even fights about what idol is more attractive. It's so stupid. I hate it. Just let there be "normal-looking" idols. Stop with all these mirrors and effects. It's ridiculous.

The focus on "perfection": this is an expansion of the previous point, but most of the same points apply. It sets terrible unrealistic expectation, damages idols and it's honestly often not even that interesting to watch. It doesn't have to be that serious. Let's have our moments like 4minute's Milkshake cover. That's unironically one of my favourite videos because it's not just hilarious but also relatable and they're enjoying themselves a lot.

The focus on achievement, charts and records: It's honestly irrelevant. It's just sucking the fun out of being a fan. And then there are fans who try to get others to stream all the time, by guilt if necessary. Just enjoy the artist/music/kpop. And then, like in all the previous points, there's the unhealthy competition.

The whole idea of fandom/kpop stans: I preferred when I was more of a casual multi fan, checking it as much music as possible. It's just better. Not having to identify with an act. Discovering different acts. Not engaging in the fandom drama. Besides, there are a ton of non-idol acts that release great music. All of Korean music industry is unhealthy, but the idol industry (and its fandom aspect) especially so.

The hate/fanwars: I'm not sure if "most people like" this part, but a LOT of people sure seem to like hating on other/certain groups or fighting with other fandoms. It's very destructive and has already contributed to depression and suicide attempts of several artists. Please have some fucking sense of humanity. I'll add the thing where people search up controversial or "problematic" stuff idols have done and seemingly live off attacking them for it. That's also vile. I'll admit I've been guilty of bringing up stuff like that early in my life as a kpop fan (I remember disliking a couple of SM idols in particular for some stuff they said... but in reality it was me who was immature).

 

 

Apart from that there are a ton of other things, but they don't fit the theme of the thread (all the dirty stuff that goes on behind the scenes in the Kpop industry, like the abuse and misogyny).

 

Yea, "visual" as a position is unnecessary. 

The name "idol" alone creates this idea of perfection too tbh...idol life is stressful.

The community is defiantly a lot more knowledge about charting/streaming data and statistics nowadays. Even accounts dedicated to it. I don't have a problem with people keeping up with stuff like that tho, there are many math geeks out there who love numbers. And sometimes it's cool to see graphs and charts. However yea I don't like when there is to much of a focus and fanwars over this information. It's tiring

I like being casual fans of some groups but I also like being part of a fandom too, so I can't relate tbh lol. The fandom culture can be very fun, if done right.  Avoiding drama and not following problematic people helps make the fandom experience better, for me. 

Unless the person is a troll, I don't think anyone truly like fanwars. I too wish there were less.

Edited April 4, 2020 by satoori

[one-hoe wonho]

selca days. they are just cringe af

streaming parties. why do people gaf about now many views mv has. 

really unnatural colored contact lenses, they freak me out.

stans playing the victims and making everything about themselves.

when bg hip thrust excessively in their choreo, ain't sexy.

[satoori]

Tho I'm not commenting on every post, just wanted to say there a lot of good points being shared by everyone! 

[Bel.]

My unpopular opinions seems popular looking at this thread

fandom things:

-The almost cult-like mentality, that you have to be streaming to all end, at least spend a fortune in supporting to be even considered a real fan, that you cannot say any criticising towards anything or you are an hater. I don't understand why some people try to downgrade everyone else who doesn't care or have enough time to do all these things. Everyone can support the group however they see fit. That doesn't make them less of a fan, and how I can understand why so many people refuse to be associated with fandom.

-The annoying superiority complex. K-pop is the best, therefore I shall shove it down to everyone throat. Everyone has different opinions and tastes, let people choose what they want to listen and respect it. Even just between the genre, the amount of bashing is just ridiculous. I know people are here for the drama and they absolutely love to say their fave is superior, and that many enjoy the banters that comes with it, but I will just never like it.

Industry things:

- Forcing certain images on idols who are clearly not comfortable with it. How they have to behave a way just cause they are told to, that it will be beneficial financially. Everyone should just be themselves in the first place, and not try to be someone else for fame. Also anything related to forced fan-service, some people love to do that and that's cool, but it shouldn't be forced upon the idol.

- Almost all company focusing on milking the group rather then actually look for longevity and creativity. This is something that just make my blood boils. I see a group having so much potential, see them voicing the fact that they want more freedom creatively, write their own lyrics and tracks, and are actually good on that, but are forced to do generic songs that end-up losing the momentum that they just build upon. It's just some terrible decision making, trying to make the more money short-term instead of invest some time and listen to the idols to see what could be a good balance. I know this is something Kpop is infamous for doing, so I bet it will never change, but there has been some exception along the way and I hope in the future it just goes that way.

 

Overall, I love K-pop for a long time, and I don't think the industry and fandom really changed that much, cause the core is really the same, but maybe with the years I've became more irritated on certain things that I would otherwise not think twice about it.  It has a lot of + , but maybe all the - outweigh the +. 

 

[abra]

26 minutes ago, Augusto said:

the most answers here are about fandom things, but I don't like the things that's related to industry itself:

 

1) super groups (5 members would be just perfect imo, 7 is the limit)

2) 'rap' as a part of any kpop song, meanwhile it has nothing in common with real rap and even doesn't fit 90% songs; also the position of 'rapper' in the group is questionable since 90% of kpop 'rappers' don't write their lyrics and can't sing either

3) cult of synchro dancing, it looks cool, but it's has zero artistry (I prefer more complicated performance and choreo structure, and some groups did it well)

4) the 'idols' being promoted as potential boyfriends/girlfriends, it's a lie made to gain the fandom full of delusional and possessive people

5) the outdated music trends + sound borrowed from second-hand US musical market

 

...in conclusion, I don't like kpop, so idk what I'm doing here

I agree with point 4 a ton. I agree with all of them to some degree but they're not as high on my list.

 

12 minutes ago, satoori said:

Yea, "visual" as a position is unnecessary. 

The name "idol" alone creates this idea of perfection too tbh...idol life is stressful.

The community is defiantly a lot more knowledge about charting/streaming data and statistics nowadays. Even accounts dedicated to it. I don't have a problem with people keeping up with stuff like that tho, there are many math geeks out there who love numbers. And sometimes it's cool to see graphs and charts. However yea I don't like when there is to much of a focus and fanwars over this information. It's tiring

I like being casual fans of some groups but I also like being part of a fandom too, so I can't relate tbh lol. The fandom culture can be very fun, if done right.  Avoiding drama and not following problematic people helps make the fandom experience better, for me. 

Unless the person is a troll, I don't think anyone truly like fanwars. I too wish there were less.

I also enjoy the charts/number things tbh, and I'm not sure why. It's just something interesting about statistics, plots, number and graphs. My issue is more with the worrying, gloating, obsession etc with results. It takes a lot of the joy and "innocence" about being a fan imo. It's just not as enjoyable when you're updating melon to check what rank the song debuted at, wondering if your group might not have any more comebacks.

There are certainly positive aspects of fandom. It's a context and creates a sense of belonging. It can also be a lot of fun. But all in all I'd say it's negative, due to the way the fandom culture works. I have a similar feeling about sports fandom. I've tired of that as well. 

[hynapia]

-Calling everything that's not charting in the top 5 or selling +500k-1M of albums a "flop" or "commercial failures". Between being a super top group and a total flop there's a whole road of middle points.

-Obsession with streaming/views/voting. I'm the first one that likes charts and numbers but some people take it too far.

-The superiority complex of gg stans towards bg stans, and acting as if hating bgs and their stans for breathing was a personality trait or ~edgy~

-Cringey trends like the selca day or "dressing as a kpop album"

-Noisepop songs with no chorus and the generic ass drop and/or the "solo break dance". Some are passable but I'm starting to be sick of it.

[Taecoholic]

* Calling every Kpop GG or BG, Kings or Queens.

* Queerbaiting fanservice

* Selcaday

* Autotune

* Thinking every song needs a choreography. That's why some idols don't know what to do when performing a song without a choreography.

* Unnecessarily high notes. High note = Good singer is an incredibly ridiculous belief.

[coval]

Shipping and fanfics

I find it disturbing to ship real life people

[WondeReDaisy]

Hard core choreography trend

It seems more and more groups are doing what I like to call "break your back" dances. It is nice every once in a while but have such moves beginning to end. I just end up worrying about members getting injured and don't enjoy watching at all. Long term that kind of choreography will harm idols bodies. 

 

I hate the fact that the industry has no room  for bands, solos and groups with  outside the defined boxes gets no attention.  I hate hearing "If they changed to this style public would like them" Complaining about groups not having variety of concepts then dont support groups who do show variety. 

Popularity= Good music and Talent  and Lack of Popularity= No talent and crap music

The idea that if a group isnt that popular they are obviously untalented and their music sucks. Like... So tell me why I have a long list of artists and songs that later people suddenly realized were amazing. At first got not attention, barely charted or didnt chart at all.  Or tell me why bunch of artists people always saying their music so good its a shame they aren't more popular. Especially thinking of my previous dislike where a group is type of group public should be loving cause style fits their tastes but still ignored. 

[lovenatu]

I don't like it when people try to analyse idols and make assumptions about their relationships with other people, their personality or their feelings etc. I think it can be really violating towards the idol. I can be guilty of doing it sometimes tbh.

I also don't like it when people make jokes about idols or like teasing..? It's like how Lucas jokingly called Kun "Fat Kun" once and then nctzens went on with it for the longest time. The thing is, Lucas is Kun's friend and it's up to them to set the boundaries in their friendship. For us, we're just fans, we don't know Kun personally and there's a big difference between strangers calling you fat than a close friend calling you fat. I think a lot of us need to step back and remember that idols are not our friends.

[satoori]

5 hours ago, abra said:

I also enjoy the charts/number things tbh, and I'm not sure why. It's just something interesting about statistics, plots, number and graphs. My issue is more with the worrying, gloating, obsession etc with results. It takes a lot of the joy and "innocence" about being a fan imo. It's just not as enjoyable when you're updating melon to check what rank the song debuted at, wondering if your group might not have any more comebacks.

There are certainly positive aspects of fandom. It's a context and creates a sense of belonging. It can also be a lot of fun. But all in all I'd say it's negative, due to the way the fandom culture works. I have a similar feeling about sports fandom. I've tired of that as well. 

You're right, about it takes away from the innocent joy. Before I knew about numbers/charts...I knew absolutely nothing about it, music show wins, and etc. In most cases, I was always behind on most group careers and just trying to catch up. I use to just watch whatever old footage was available with subs lol. Back then everything was so new and fun! So much content to explore

Sports fans are quite interesting haha

5 hours ago, Taecoholic said:

* Thinking every song needs a choreography. That's why some idols don't know what to do when performing a song without a choreography.

tbh agree..

even with my bias groups, there are some songs that don't need choreo lol

 

Edited April 5, 2020 by satoori