K-Pop v. Idol J-Pop

If you had not noticed these comparison often come up, possibly more so on YouTube. I just have to say, STOP COMPARING THEM! It is like comparing Morning Musume to the Spice Girls. (these are not meant to be distinct points; it is just what pops out of my head.)

Yes, they do have similarities. H!P and AKB48 even share elements with Britney Spears and the Spice Girls, but that does not make it a worth-while topic. Yes, they are in the same genre. However, they are just culturally and stylistically different.

Idols and K-Pop girl groups are not meant to be similar. Idols are suppose to be relatable. They need flaws because that makes them endearing. They don't have to be the best singers or dancers. They don't need to be drop dead gorgeous or smart. Each girl varies in size, skills, interests, looks, and personality. That is why they can release whole solo photobooks and DVDs, and be successful. Girls idolize them because they could be their best friend, or they want to be more like the idol. And it can be realistic! Guys like them because they could be their girlfriend, wife, or it reminds them of when they were in college, high school,and middle school. They can relive their youth, and it wouldn't be too out-there to have an idol in their class. (I am just generalizing. I do know that gay/ lesbians would have a different perspective... lesbians probably have a combination of both girls and guys...getting off topic.)

K-pop is meant to be more professional. They are more like the girl groups in the States than idols. They are just different. Just like how grizzly bears, polar bears, and pandas are. They may look similar but they can't reproduce, and pandas are closer related to raccoons than bears. You don't compare an idol group of middle schoolers to 20-somethings sexpots. You can like one over the other, it is just a matter of your preferences. You might like both!

Which one is better is a matter of opinion. That is all I'm trying to say. I am not saying K-Pop groups are worse than idols. You can compare non-idol J-Pop to K-Pop. Ayumi Hamasaki (although I think Ayu is more of a Madonna comparison), Koda Kumi, or Maki Goto can be compared to Girls Generation, Wonder Girls, or BoA. You also have to keep in mind their styles. Just because Britney and Christina are in the same genre and about the same age, does not mean they are the same.

I said a long time ago that I would post an entry about this. If you were wondering what set me off...I was reading a funny article (which offended me a bit because the blogger said Sayumi and JunJun couldn't sing) which you can read here.