Why is K-pop criticized for “stealing Black culture” more than Western pop acts with obvious Black music influences?

We all know that K-pop is often accused of appropriating Black American music or culture — things like hip hop, R&B, jazz, or street dance elements, even though these genres make up only a small minority compared to the predominantly pop-oriented sound in K-pop.

But here’s the thing: popular Western boy and girl groups from the 90s and 2000s heavily incorporated these same elements, and they didn’t seem to get nearly the same level of criticism. For example:

• Boy bands: Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Westlife • Girl groups: Spice Girls, All Saints • Others like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey all borrowed from hip hop/R&B sounds in mainstream pop. 

Why is there such a huge double standard for K-pop? Is it because of race, nationality, or perceptions of authenticity, or is it just amplified online because of fandom culture and scrutiny?

I’m genuinely curious to hear your perspectives

submitted by /u/Puzzleheaded-Link-12
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