Women all over have to struggle with their standing or level of importance in a world where men generally take precedence. I’m a fan of both women’s rights and Korean pop, so I can’t help but think about the how the two relate. I have a long standing debate with myself: Does Kpop celebrate or exploit women?
Right now, it’s more than common to see a girl group marketed in a way that will appeal first and foremost to males. A group like So Nyuh Shi Dae/Girls Generation is a prime example of this. If there was a recipe for what most men want (at a base level) from women, SNSD would be just the group to bottle it up and sell it. And who’s to say they don’t already? Every concept they’ve had up to this point is extremely sexual, yet masked by a thin veil of innocence. Don’t kid yourself and believe that everyone behind their styles was purely innocent in picking out lollipop props or tiny military costumes. It’s a well established fact that sex sells.
The part of me that wants to be respected for who I am as a person and not as member of my sex despises the objectification of women that goes on in Kpop. However, after the initial feelings of repulsion that follow a viewing of “Genie” fade, I can’t help but feel pleased about how fantastic these girls are and how they represent women well. It’s so great to be female! We have charms that guys just dream about. Why shouldn’t you use “it” if you have “it”?
It seems contradictory, right?
I honestly can’t decide what I truly believe. Am I being more brainwashed by gung-ho American society or by shiny, well-produced Korean music videos? I guess when it comes down to it, I’m all for women’s rights. And to be honest, I don’t know if flaunting your assets on stage violates any sort of right. In fact, I think it’s exercising a right to do so. Where it gets tricky is when you start asking whether or not a female can be respected in this field if she doesn’t “shake her booty.” Sadly, I think women struggle if they don’t market their femininity perfectly. Even Amber of f(x) fits into this standard; the idea that she’s “anti”-girl makes you think all the more about her qualities as a member of the female sex.
It’s such a slippery topic and everyone is sure to have their own side. I’m not here to say one is right or wrong. I just want to find out what your stance is on women in Kpop. Is the importance of sexuality on stage a good or bad thing? Are there any groups that you think successfully works outside of this box? Let me know!
cr:fangirltainment.wordpress.
wow... this article is very well-written. Although I am a female, I enjoy SNSD performances too. I dont't know is it because the sex sells or what but I think is because of their great harmony and coordination too. Though Amber looks like a male but she has her own charms too. That is why I think you don't have to 'shake' like a lady to be popular, just Ella in S.H.E. The artists should just be themselves.
The point of SNSD is to make money, continue to make money doing a job without needing too much intelligence, and enjoy the entertainers lifestyle.
Entertainment is a business that has its entire foundation composed of popularity. SNSD isn't producing anything useful for the essentials of life like oil or food. They chose to work at being popular. Popularity is simply doing things people want to see.
Men like to see pretty women dancing. It is a fact of human nature since the beginning of our species. Look at ancient temples and artifacts and we see dancing girls, prostitutes and other female entertainers.
Entertainment is based on sexuality and excitement. If you want to see women not being sexy or cute, they are in the engineering or financial industries.