Sometimes, it feels like K-pop stans hate K-pop more than they actually like it. They call themselves fans, but then spend hours dragging everything about the industry—how idols are trained, how groups are managed, how music is promoted, how fans behave, and so on. While some of these issues exist in every entertainment industry, it’s only K-pop that seems to take the brunt of the criticism. At times, K-pop subs feel like r/wehatekpop.
Generalization – A lot of stans treat K-pop like it’s one big monolith, as if it’s just a single person with one voice, which it’s not. It’s music, it’s entertainment—it consists of hundreds of groups, soloists, producers, stylists, managers, and fans from all over the world. For example, if one idol gets caught doing something wrong, suddenly every male idol is treated like a potential criminal. I don’t see this happening in Western pop music. There are so many pop celebrities with actual criminal records, yet there’s no sweeping generalization about the entire industry. The same goes for racism and cultural appropriation—Western pop has had countless instances, whether it’s Justin Bieber and Morgan Wallen using racial slurs or the casual use of Indian/South Asian “aesthetics” in music videos, yet there’s rarely an industry-wide critique the way K-pop receives.
“Idols aren’t real artists” – I don’t think I’ve heard a more ridiculous take. First of all, what even defines a “real artist”? Not every Western pop star writes or produces their own songs, just like many K-pop idols. So what’s the difference? Is it that they don’t speak up? Because many Western artists don’t either—does that mean they’re not real artists?
“Idols can’t sing” – Another sweeping generalization. Pop music has had plenty of artists who are average vocalists, and many of them were or are at the top of the industry. But somehow, it’s only K-pop idols who get endlessly criticized for this.
Parasocialism – According to some people, K-pop only exists because of parasocial relationships. Sure, parasocialism might be more prominent in K-pop than in other industries, but that doesn’t mean K-pop would cease to exist without it. I’ve even seen this argument from girl group stans who claim that boy groups only survive because of parasocial fanbases. Let’s be real—even if K-pop didn’t actively promote parasocial connections, they would still exist. And parasocialism does exist in Western pop too—it might not be the “he’s my boyfriend and no one else can have him” type, but it’s still there in a different form.
Of course, there are genuine issues within the industry, and it’s valid to talk about them. But there’s a difference between being thoughtfully critical and just constantly dunking on K-pop for existing.
submitted by /u/Comfortable-Issue778
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