One-sided Rivalry: Kpop vs Jpop
Noticing how Kpop always become trending topic nowadays? Lesserafim at Coachella, HYBE’s drama…. and list goes on. My social media timeline is full with these topic. Not only on social media, many friends of mine were talking about this topic too. It makes realize that the Kpop culture is so big. But in other hand, it raise a question too, why Jpop not gain the same amount of popularity as Kpop?
In the vibrant world of East Asian pop culture, two dominating forces stand out (not really, Kpop seems like dominating the industry alone): Kpop from South Korea and Jpop from Japan. While both genres share similarities in their idol culture, music industry structures, and fan devotion, they also boast distinctive characteristics that set them apart. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the intriguing differences between Kpop idols and Jpop idols.
First thing first, i would talk about the concept of each. Remember, this just about the most of Kpop or Jpop group, not about all group in general. Kpop, with its roots firmly planted in South Korea, has experienced explosive growth on the global stage over the past few decades. Emerging in the late 1990s and early 2000s, K-pop has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry, exporting its catchy tunes, mesmerizing choreography, and captivating visuals worldwide.
One of the defining features of Kpop is its eclectic blend of musical styles, ranging from pop and hip-hop to R&B and EDM. Kpop songs are meticulously crafted to deliver infectious hooks, dynamic beats, and memorable melodies, ensuring an immersive auditory experience for listeners worldwide. Maybe this is the reason why their song is more popular than Jpop.
Kpop idols are renowned for their rigorous training in singing, dancing, and stage performance. Years of intensive preparation culminate in meticulously choreographed routines, showcasing flawless synchronization, precision, and charisma. K-pop stages are synonymous with spectacle, featuring elaborate set designs, dazzling costumes, and jaw-dropping visuals that leave audiences spellbound.
On the other hand, Jpop boasts a longer history, tracing its origins back to the 1960s. As a cornerstone of Japanese popular culture, J-pop has undergone various transformations, adapting to shifting musical trends while maintaining its distinct charm and authenticity. From iconic acts like SMAP to contemporary sensations like AKB48, Jpop continues to captivate audiences both domestically and abroad.
Jpop encompasses a diverse array of genres, catering to a wide spectrum of musical tastes. From upbeat pop anthems and rock ballads to electronic dance tracks and traditional enka, J-pop offers a rich tapestry of sonic delights, often characterized by emotive storytelling and heartfelt lyrics.
In contrast with Kpop idols, while Jpop idols also undergo training, the emphasis may lean more towards fanserving and stage presences. In my opinion, Jpop performances is not so great (in term of skill), because Jpop idol concept is more like school, They allow these idols to debut before they reach a professional level in performance such as singing, dancing, or acting. This is what I call ‘school’, being an idol is where they learn the entertainment skills that they will later obtain. This allowing idols to connect with audiences on a deeper emotional level. While choreography certainly plays a role in Jpop performances, it tends to be less elaborate compared to Kpop.
Now, let’s talk about the marketing. I think marketing in this case is playing major role in popularity of both. Kpop agencies employ highly strategic and meticulously planned marketing campaigns to promote their artists domestically and internationally. These strategies often include teaser releases, pre-debut promotions, and extensive social media engagement to build anticipation for comebacks and new releases. Agencies also leverage fan engagement platforms, such as V Live and fan cafes, to interact with fans directly and cultivate a sense of community.
With a strong emphasis on global expansion, Kpop agencies actively target international markets through strategic partnerships, collaborations, and overseas promotions. English versions of songs, international tours, and participation in global music festivals are common strategies to reach a broader audience and increase global visibility.
Kpop agencies leverage digital music distribution platforms and streaming services to maximize the reach and impact of their idol’s music. Streaming milestones, such as YouTube views and Spotify streams, are often celebrated and incorporated into marketing strategies to enhance visibility and chart performance.
In other hand, Marketing strategies in the Jpop industry may vary depending on the agency and artist, but they often encompass traditional media promotion, such as television appearances, magazine features, and radio interviews. While social media platforms are utilized, Jpop agencies may not rely as heavily on platforms like Twitter and Instagram for fan engagement compared to their Kpop counterparts.
Jpop agencies also value fan engagement, but the approach may differ. While fan clubs and fan events exist within the Jpop industry, the level of interaction between artists and fans may not be as extensive or frequent as in Kpop (especially high-tier idol). However, Jpop idols still make efforts to connect with fans through meet-and-greet events, handshake events, and occasional fan meetings.
And this is the part where Jpop idols may less popular than Kpop idols. Jpop idols have achieved international success and recognition, the industry’s approach to global expansion may be more selective or focused on specific markets. Jpop agencies may prioritize localization efforts, such as releasing Japanese versions of songs or collaborating with international artists, to appeal to overseas audiences while retaining their cultural identity.
Jpop idols aim the local market more than the international market. this reason is related to the strict policies in japan regarding piracy and copyright. in addition, the income from the local market is considered large enough so that the agency plays in the local market only. However, since Covid-19, it seems that this policy has begun to loosen in some agencies. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, major idols have begun to open up to the international market. The efforts made include, opening region lock on some of their content and music videos on Youtube channels. coupled with the virality of Japanese songs since the covid-19 pandemic made agencies start to be tempted and aim the international market.
Even so, I think the change is still not massive and significant. the change is also too late considering that Kpop has really dominated the international market. plus, the trend of “oshi tsukare” (i.e. Bored of idoling). The phenomenon of “oshi tsukare” is a feeling of exhaustion from cheering for one’s favorites, is sometimes talked about; according to a survey of VOCE Ambassadors, 67.9% of those who have experienced “oshi tsukare” have said that they have experienced it.
In conclusion, while Kpop and Jpop share common threads in their idol culture and music industry dynamics, they also exhibit distinctive characteristics that reflect their respective cultural backgrounds and influences. Kpop aiming international market choice is probably what makes them bigger than Jpop. While, Jpop seems to be quite satisfied with their gatekeeping strategy.