Three reasons why NPR thinks ‘Gangnam Style’ and KPOP is taking over the world

National Public Radio recently did a segment on why they think KPOP is taking over the world; induced by the “Gangnam Style” craze and the numerous requests for the song to be played on their station. When you ask a KPOP fan, you may get answers concerning talent, looks or simply music style. However, what about when you ask NPR?

1.) NPR believes that KPOP’s success stems from the brilliant marketing tactics they’ve developed over the years. Since South Korea is such a small country, they need to treat music like their electronics and cars. Their music labels choose young people, transform them into stars, and “export” them all over the world, on tours.

2.) NPR observed that Koreans watch music debuts, not listen to them, like we do in America.

3.) YouTube helps the idols gain popularity, and allows the companies to see where the views are coming from, thus where to send the groups to on tour.

Finally. Someone who began noticing KPOP through Gangnam Style, and took the effort to investigate KPOP as a whole, and not equating Psy to all of KPOP. I think their observations are simply intelligent and thoughtful, and I agree with them 100%.

When I first got into KPOP, these were exactly the things that I’ve noticed. I initially thought that KPOP, like other Asian music, were target towards Asians. But how wrong I was! I soon discovered that KPOP fans are worldwide. Music videos serve such an important factor. They are high quality, free, and easily shared through the internet. Fans worldwide can easily access them, people who stumble across them can become new fans, and it’s an easy popularity investigation for the companies. Smart.

I noticed that Korean songs always have English titles! The bands always have English names, and the songs almost always has English in the lyrics. Another way to market the groups worldwide, perhaps?

Finally, who can deny that marketing and tactics do not play a huge role in their success? We all know who the “Big Three” are: SM, YG, and JYP Entertainment. Why are groups from them the most popular, and why do the most people want to audition for these companies? Because auditionees know that they not only bring out their best talent, create the best music, but are also the best at marketing their artists.

We all love KPOP, the music, the idols, the performances. However, it’s undeniable that KPOP is a business, and a very intricate and intelligent one at that. What do you think of NPR’s reasons for KPOP’s success?