Various South Korean news stations have claimed that K-Pop is experiencing a "dilemma" today.
To start with, many think the style is lacking its initial appeal and features. This problem emerges after the emergence of English songs produced in the industry.
Although some netizens agree with this view, many have supported the English usage in K-pop. After BTS' historic accomplishment as the first Korean artist to dominate the Billboard's Hot 100 Chart with an all-English "Dynamite" track, netizens have begun to wonder if the growth of English song lyrics is something to worry about.
Even though many would like to see K-pop rising to be a widespread genre, many believe the latest adjustments introduced by Korean entertainment firms are more tactical in gaining profit rather than showcasing the genre's strengths. (via Kpopstarz)
Aside from BTS, other K-pop artists, including BLACKPINK, MONSTA X, and SuperM all have undertaken their respective steps to enhance their international audience with mainly Western-style songs. Apart from the lyrics, several have noticed that firms are launching radio-friendly tracks.
It also seems that they are showing less importance to intense choreography now, where the K-pop initially got famous. Tracks such as the "Ice Cream" by BLACKPINK, which was produced in partnership with American singer Selena Gomez, and the ever successful English song "100" by SuperM may attract publicity.
Most Korean K-pop fans ponder if specific musicians deviate from what historically K-pop can still be called K-pop. Fans have expressed their opinions, especially to companies concentrating more on their international supporters than the domestic audience.
Moreover, many have written on how K-pop lost contact and how choreography is not as effective presently as it was before. It also should be remembered that throughout the old days, several K-pop idols and bands have produced English-heavy tracks tailored to the Korean market.
In reality, multiple Korean artists have attempted to make their debut in America in the past. Some prominent names include the "Nobody" from Wonder Girls, the "Eat You Up" from BoA, the "Lifted" from CL, and the "The Boys" from Girls' Generation.
It seemed at the moment that Korean fans and foreign viewers were not primarily concerned with English lyrics, nor with the steps being taken by the artist's firms to break into the Western market. Even so, many now see it as disturbing.
Some entertainment analysts claim that the rapid, unexpected growth of foreign fanbases, including BTS's ARMYs, has contributed to the need for music with a more comprehensive cultural range to accommodate them, considering how the Korean lyrics were got their attention in the beginning.
