by A book that analyzes K-pop by an American popular literature scholar has been published.
‘K-Pop Is Black Music’ (Nul-Min) is a book by Dr. Crystal Anderson of the Department of African American Studies at George Mason University in the United States and Dr.
The author is a black woman, a young scholar and veteran blogger who studies black American music and Asian pop music from an international perspective. She has gained her authority and popularity, especially in her K-pop field, for her high-level analysis and critique, database building, and magazine publication.
In this book, the author cites interviews and records of producers and entertainment agencies, including K-pop stars, and asserts that their roots and references lie in American black music since the 1960s.
The author began when the first generation of K-pop, such as Hyun Jin-young, Seo Tai-ji, Kim Gun-mo, and Solid, cited American black music, HOT, god, Wonder Girls, Girls’ Generation, Brown Eyed Soul, Tiger JK, Yoon Mirae, Big Mama, 2 PM, Psy, Lin, Dok2, He argues that subsequent generations, such as Tablo, are in the sphere of influence of American black music.
The background that black American music was able to gain worldwide popularity and influence was its unique personality and charm. The unique resistance and critical spirit of non-mainstream blacks in the United States, as well as the democratic cooperative system and continuous innovation and adventure between blacks and non-blacks, played a major role.
The author claims that K-pop uses a sophisticated music strategy by citing all these characteristics. It is said that these points could become the driving force for K-pop to gain global popularity outside of Korea.
The author also says that K-pop should pay attention to diversity that transcends genres beyond singing and dancing idols, and acknowledges its appeal that transcends generations. He points out that if we emphasize only the commercial nature of K-pop, we can take lightly the musical innovativeness and creativity of K-pop.
While not ignoring criticism of excessively long exclusive periods, excessive practice, and hard publicity, it is analyzed that K-pop is creating a new international standard due to the high level of musical conservatism and idols’ visuals and performances around the world. Furthermore, several researchers and critics cited and defined a single music genre.
