Diversity and representation are global issues right now, and many entertainment companies have started to incorporate them into their work. So why is it lacking in K-entertainment? We dissect the cause and how Korea is adapting to this new issue.
There are calls for greater diversity in K-pop in terms of race, ethnicity, body type, and gender identity representation. Debates examine the lack of inclusivity within the industry and rightfully so. Overseas in Western music, this has already started to be done, so why is Korea lacking?
While K-pop is not seen as progressive in Korea, where it is part of mainstream commercial culture, in places like Europe and the US it remains subcultural. I find this interesting as I would have imagined that it was universally blanketed, however, to be successful you need to be tailored to each market and interest right?!
You need to have a certain interest in other cultures and the willingness to put in the time to find information about this culture, looking for translations and ways to access this whole subculture that requires a great deal of media-savviness to reach and remain at the top of your game.
Take LGBTQ fans for example, they might feel within a fandom space for Asian pop artists has to do with a perceived lack of aggressive heteronormativity, and therefore some sort of safety which, might be “based on racist stereotyped views.” LGBTQ is not as widely spoken about in Asian culture as opposed to the West, which is why it is lacking in many streams of media especially in conservative Korea.
Despite the diverse and global makeup of the fandom, its members are quick to come together when it comes to achieving a collective goal, and that comes from practice.
K-pop is evolving
That being said, K-pop is evolving and its core, its idols, are becoming more and more diverse as we can see with the first UK K-pop boy band, Dear Alice, Katseye, and JYP's, VCHA.
Not only in the realm of music is Korea becoming more accepting but on the screen as well. Some K-pop idols have starred in LGBT dramas! You can read more about them here! So I'm not saying that diversity is completely disregarded, maybe just a little slower than your average Western country.
So what are your thoughts about South Korea's hesitation to embrace diversity in its entertainment culture? Comment below!
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