As you already know, when SNSD announced that they would be entering the United States market, I wasn’t all that encouraged by the decision, primarily because every Asian artist that has tried to make the transition to this point has flopped terribly.
Well, the girls just recently released a 30-second music video teaser for “The Boys” and I didn’t see anything there to put me off my earlier position.
As far as their evolution? I love it. If they want to be taken seriously and not just be aegyo queens, this is a necessary transition.
The problem? All of this has already been done in America and it’s no longer popular.
I don’t mean to rag on SNSD, but what I saw in the teaser is a perfect example of why I don’t think they should make a legitimate attempt to test the waters across the Pacific, lest they be stuck here in idol purgatory like the Wonder Girls.
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1. The jump cut member by member shots.
Do they remind you of anything? Because it reminded me of the Heart2Heart troll fest.
Stuff like this is parodied overseas for a reason, because it’s been done to death here and it’s seen as cliche. I understand the purpose, it’s trying to highlight their charms and set a persona tone, but in the context of Western pop, it’s just so awkward to execute by now.
Like seriously though, what is this? That awkward head action makes her look like she has a degenerative disease. Stop.
2. The dramatic slow motion cuts.
Remember how JYJ‘s “Ayy Girl” music video was basically mocked because of the ridiculously cheesy slow motion effects?
Yeah.
3. Their English isn’t fluent.
Their English is actually surprisingly good…for K-pop. I was quite impressed by their advanced language skills, but the standard in America is impossible. Unless they let Jessica and Tiffany do all the lines (which is a bad idea anyway), and it doesn’t sound like they did, it’s gonna be poked and prodded to death.
While a solid effort, there are obvious accents in their delivery, and unfortunately Asian accents are seen as comedic in America, not sexy or sultry.
Funny accents combined with the usual cliched lyrics of the majority of pop music is not a recipe for success.
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Overall, I actually like this concept for them in the realm of Asian pop, as it’s good for what it is. I don’t necessarily mean that in a derogatory way, but let’s be honest, this is not something I ever see American kids bouncing along to.
That’s the thing though, I don’t think it’s necessary to conquer America. I think the venture is bad business and generally amounts to nothing more than companies wanting to show their international appeal in some sort of universal dick measuring contest that actually makes no financial sense.
I just hope SM Entertainment wises up to that reality sooner than later.
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WTF who wouldn’t like to watch yuri in slow-mo?? >:OOOOOO
Maybe in a bikini and not all serious. :o
While they are hot, this will fail miserably in America. It’s nowhere near the type of music that’s popular now, and without being able to fully understand them, it’s not going to work.
i think you forgot the most important part.
#4 their music sucks.
What i dont get is why they continue to try and ‘make it’ in america..Its obvious its never gonna work…I know america is THE place to be but why dont any of these groups try europe? The market is bigger and its far more open to foreign language groups. Not to mention that kpop is already bigger in europe to begin with.
You will never be a success in the US unless you can speak english fluently and without foreign accent…(Unless its spanish accented english)
Yeah, that was my thought. Just conquer Asia and then try Europe.
I read an article recently that kpop was taking England and France by storm. Pretty sure I’ve seen Korean news channels covering it as well.
France, especially. American forays are just pointless.
They’re only pointless if they keep sending goups (boy bands especially) over here…they need to reassess what it is they want to accomplish and go from their. If they want to remain kitsh, then they should keep doing what they’re doing by all means. But if they want to break into mainstream pop culture, they need to focus on individuals and engender some interest FIRST instead of releasing random albums.