“The Harvard Crimson” about K-Pop Acts Worth Watching

Alona

April 20, 2013

With K-Pop becoming popular all over the world, “The Harvard Crimson” decided to present its readers the “K-Pop Acts Worth Watching”.

The article begins with mentioning PSY – the most popular Korean singer in the world. Thanks to his viral hits – “Gangnam Style” and now “Gentleman” as well – many people heard about K-Pop for the first time.

Soyoung Kim, the author of this article, began by explaining the three biggest music agencies in South Korea, how do they work and how their activity in the United States looks like. The author later published a list of “a few groups worth watching for a potential breakthrough in the U.S. mainstream market.”

The article mentioned 2NE1, for their commanding stage presence, loud personality, their collaboration with Jeremy Scott and Will.I.Am as well as winning  the MTV Iggy award for “Best New Band In The World.” The group’s label mates, Big Bang, has also been mentioned as the group that “have solidified their place as artists in the world of K-pop.” The author continued: “They incorporate strains of hip-hop, R&B, pop, and balladry in their music—almost entirely composed and produced by leader G-Dragon—and earlier this year concluded their first world tour, “Big Bang Alive Galaxy Tour”.”

Another group that has been mentioned as the act that is worth watching is f(x). The author mentioned their performance at SXSW this March and their collaboration with Anna Kendrick. However, f(x) is not the only SM Entertainment’s group that has been mentioned. Girls’ Generation has been praised for experiencing a tremendous growth in sound, most evident in its recent hit, “I Got a Boy”.

The author has also mentioned B.A.P as a group that “has garnered attention for their solid live performances, even leading MTV Korea to comment on their versatility. While many groups tend to lean on one main vocalist, vocalists Dae Hyun and Youngjae both boast impressive vocal range, and Yong Guk and Zelo also add to the group’s unique sound with their contrasting, spit-fire rap styles.”

Yoon Mi Rae is the only mentioned soloist. Soyoung Kim wrote: “Native Texan Yoon Mi Rae has established herself as South Korea’s most formidable and talented female hip-hop and R&B singer and rapper. Represented by Jungle Entertainment, Yoon Mi Rae not only performs solo, but has also worked with Korean hip-hop crew the Movement, the hip-hop project group MFBTY, and her husband Tiger JK, another well-respected Korean rapper.”

Do you agree with the list? Or maybe you would add someone else?

Source: The Harvard Crimson

Article by: Karolina

Edited by: Mariam

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