K-Pop: A Good Representation of Americanization in South Korea
My mom often says that South Korea is a cultural colony of America… unfortunately. No matter how much hatred exists in that little peninsula, young kids are taking at least one hour of English class each day for over 15 years while they are in school, “fashionistas” are following the latests Hollywood trends online, American songs are played in every corner of the streets, and you will find as many Starbucks and McDonald’s there compared to the States. Some people say it’s globalization. Part of it is probably true. But what do you say about this?
Starting from the group’s name, 2NE1, you have to read the name in English, other wise it will not make sense — in Korean it would be ee-ee-ehn-il. Two of the girl’s names are also very Americanized: CL and Sandara. 50% of the song is already in English and the rest of the lyrics are pronounced with a heavy American accent. If you just listen to the first 20 sec of the music, you might have guessed that it’s just another American hip-hop music. The intro scene is also very similar to other American music videos. Is Korea becoming a copy-cat and losing their own true color, or would this actually lead us to a greater culture?
WOWWWW. This is unbelievable…
wow. great insight into the kpop culture.. i remember 2ne1 was just gaining popularity when i studied abroad in Korea this summer.