[eminemjamesuk]

NOTE: I love Asian music, but this is my opinion on Korean artists' latest attempt at breaking into the American market.

I'd just like to know your opinion, whether you're completely against what I have to say or if you agree somewhat. Lemme know!

It’s the archetypal American dream — the thrill of going to America and finding success of great magnitude. Or is it? History says otherwise. This year, BoA, Utada Hikaru, and SE7EN made their American debuts (second debut in the case of Utada and delayed debut for SE7EN) and to limited success. I realize it’s a bit premature to make this statement given that they’re brand new on the Billboard charts and probably still charting. Be that as it may, the corporate moneywhores behind the desks of the likes of SM Entertainment in South Korea have gotten it all wrong. I’m not sure if they have anybody telling them this, but the American industry doesn’t need any more manufactured crap. Especially not manufactured crap with weird accents. I’m not saying this just because they have weird accents, but also because their newly Americanized music is a complete departure from their native styles. I wonder what the execs were thinking when they decided to make BoA sing her song “Eat You Up” in unintelligible Konglish-esque English. Or SE7EN singing about his fondness for girls that are hard to get with his duet with Lil’ Kim. Honestly, why are they breaking into the Hip-Hop/R&B scene? Do they really think the American public will embrace with open arms a bunch of chiggers? I’m intentionally leaving Utada out of the Hip-Hop/R&B label because her new single, “Come Back To Me”, is completely devoid of references to black culture or BET-specific videos. I’m not saying that it being devoid of “blackness” is what makes it better — no, not at all — it’s just that her lack of change from her native Japanese style is what makes it the biggest selling point. Honestly, if they’re big sellers in Asia, why do they need to drastically change their style just to fit American palettes? It’s a bit ridiculous if you ask me. I recall watching SE7EN a few years back on MTV K (yeah, remember that?) detailing his plans for an American debut, and that was in what..2007? JYP was name dropping all these different producers. As if producers really make or break a song, it’s all about image. Do I personally think BoA and SE7EN have the image to make it big in America? Maybe in San Francisco. Maybe in New York. You know why? SE7EN is not going to appeal to anyone but Korean-Americans and their immediate friends. And that’s the god-honest truth. Normal people who listen to the top 40 radio aren’t going to pay attention. MTV (now that TRL is completely gone) is not going to be of much help. I think the Asian talent should stay where they belong — in Asia, instead of bending over backwards trying to appeal to make money in a market that clearly isn’t receptive to what they have to offer.

Taken from my blog (Feel free to leave comments there too): http://eminemjamesuk.com/?p=281

[xiahmax]

well .. Se7en and Lil'Kim well .. that is sure a really strange merge LOL not to offend someone but what make people think being known in america is important,anyway?

[leenahx33]

Wow, upon reading your giant paragraph opinion, I would have to say that I completely agree.
I love Asian music and artists but I think that their value remains in Asia. Debuting in America probably wouldn't bring about too many more fans; it probably would just be reinforcement for fans that were already there. I don't really think American fans really need that kind of reinfocement though.. esp if we have sites like soompi that guide us towards Asian stuff already..

[bystander]

There's already a thread like this:
http://www.soompi.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=277283

[IDL]

I'm African American and I like all types of music including Asia. I think you are kind of wrong. At first I was agreeing that maybe they should get really big in Asia first before they debut in America. But, then someone mentioned it really didn't matter if they are big in Asia or not. And, I agree.

Because people that have the same ideas that you mentioned is what is keeping them from being success in America. Like I think Vanilla Ice would of been real popular, but America wasn't ready for a Caucasian to do rap like that. Same for any artist outside of US, like Asians, America isn't ready to see Asian celebrities as common as other races. It is unfair. And I say congratulations to Se7en, Boa, and Utada trying to debut in America. If they don't try to break it in America, who will?

And why can't they enter onto the Hip Hop/R&B scene? Right now that is what popular music is. Second, they actually might like that genre. Like Fany (Hwan Hee) from Fly To The Sky said in an interview or something that people think just because he does ballads that he likes them. He said he didn't, that he liked R&B and dance music. It could be the same case with them, they weren't completely all pop to begin with. All three of them has had some kind of songs, not all of them, that has or lean into R&B style, so why can't their songs be that way? Besides what Boa is doing is pop anyway.

Also Se7en is from an enterntainment where they mostly do Hip Hop and R&B, so why can't he? Utada has done music with Neyo before. Justin Timberlake use to do Pop in a Boy Band, and now does R&B. Pink use to do R&B before she went into Rock. Fefe Dobson, I think she is all African American, does Rock?. What you mention is like saying just because she is African American she can't do Rock. So, just because they Asian they can't enter Hip Hop and R&B? I mentioned other races because I am trying to show you just because they did one genre, don't mean they couldn't do something else. There has been where African Americans including other races who were more popular in other countries, than the one they came from. It's all about what people like.

It should be about their music, but I think again that America isn't ready to see Asian celebrities. But, to be ready someone is going to have to break that barrier down. And they are making a bit of progress, I have heard Utada's song on the radio twice. I mean she could be playing on there more, but I don't listen to the radio that much. I kind of agree what you said about Utada. Because I was iffy at first when I saw her Music Video, but afterwards I was like I do like that her Music Video still represents her. But, she does have kind of like an R&B vibe to her song. But, I think you making it a case like that urban things have to be in the song or Music Video to make it Hip Hop and R&B, and that is not the case.

Utada was born in America, so why should she just have to stay in Asia? Also why can't they share their talent with the rest of the world? Who said it was all about money? I don't think people who are singers before they ever started singing was let me think about money first, then see if I can sing. And again, if they don't break out in America, who will? Like there is many Asian celebrites that are from the America, and it is sad that they weren't debuted in America. But, I am glad they did somewhere.

Anyway, to Asians or any race that wants to debut in America, they should be able to. Good luck and I hope they succeed. Just like anybody trying to do something in life, all they need is for people to give them a chance to show their talent.

*Note, I have grammar and spelling errors, lol.

[tikamicizia]

yeah I agree with u.. they don't need an americanized asian singer. u gotta be different to make it to that industry. different, unique something they don't have. like lady gaga, amy winehouse, etc. I mean, there isn't any US singer like them before. U can't be "asian's usher", "asian's britney". etc. they don't need it. maybe that's why film industry have more success stories. they don't bring another titanic or james bond. they showed western people our own unique eastern theme (crouching tiger, the eye, the ring) that kind of new thing. I mean, who ever thought a ghost will come from a well then to ur TV? lol.. I think If they can choose, they'll prefer buying korean variety programs concept to debuting an asian singer. haha imagine "we got married" robert pattinson with one of gossip girl's cast. haha, that will be a hit!

[moosicISlove44]

I agree with you.
Whenever I hear that an asian artist is debuting in America, I'm always skeptical.
In some aspects, the cultures are so different, and asians may be more accepting of certain characteritics of the singers that Americans may not like so much, and vice versa.
Honestly, there are some singers/roups that I defintely would not want to debut in America, not because I don't like them, but because I don't think America would be very receptive to them

but that's just my opinion

edit:: IDL
I see where you're coming from-- If they want to debut in America, then they can go ahead and do it. I just get worried about the feedback they might get

[sharry]

Why do they bend over? Simple $$$
Most crappy American and European singers with a semi-successful album can make 3 times what korean idols make in a year. Not to mention the fact that Korean music agencies take more than 60% percent of what they make leaving the idols basically with a moderate amount of money each year . I wont criticize the fact that they are TRYING to make it into the U.S. because they can do whatever they want but there are a few points i am confused about.

What is their marketing plan exactly? They take out BOA'S album with basically zero promotion outside of the Asian or Asian American communities. Her full length video hasn't even been released. 90% of the pplo that bought her album bought it knowing who she was already. Se7ens has been an Epic Fail from the beginning, the push back's , the date changes, then he comes out with a single participating with a rapper that right now has ZERO influence in the American music business. Just like Boa's feat Sean Garret... Who the hell is Sean Garret? Is the fact that he is in it going to make a difference? Its not like Boa Feat. Riahnna, justin, Britney... Hell Koda Kumi managed to do a single with the chick from Black Eyed Peas without getting out of the Japanese music market.

I got Boa's album cuz i personally thought it was entertaining. But then again i already knew who she was.

On a personal note. I have a feeling the Wonder Girls have a huge chance at making it in Europe. Groups like the SugarBabes and Girls Aloud are really successful over there and TH WG style would be perfect. Also JYP is MOVING this girls at lightning speed. While other artists spent more than a year just practicing their English alone he has been sending them everywhere while having them study. Also they were in Richard Branson's List of artists to watch, if u dont know who he is go research him. He has had some of the most successful artists in the world EVER under his belt and his company is one of the most important in the world. And i am not a WG fan. Just simply speaking statistically.

[Nakuru]

There's already a thread like this:
http://www.soompi.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=277283