Just as this summer is hot, so are the stages of girl-groups in 2013. Controversial as it has been long before, their sensational performances on the stages are still discomforting to many Koreans who are somewhat conservative. What’s more, these girls’ revealing stage costumes, which look like swimsuits or even underwear, are getting shorter and smaller in a way that is unprecedented in Korean music history. Is this really the right way for them to go?


War of the Sexy Girls in 2013

 
   Since last April, a number of girl groups including 4minutes, Secret, Sistar, Afterschool, and Girls Day have come back to the stage with sexy performances and costumes; however, these seem unnecessary. For example, “Afterschool” came back with “First Love,” and their main performance is a pole-dance. Actually, I couldn’t find any correlation between their song and performance; the lyrics are telling us about pain which they felt when they were in love, but girls are hanging on the poles with hot pants. ‘Girls Day’ also showed up with a song named “Female President,” but they sway their hips with really short pants which look like underwear. It is not only their stage shows but also their music videos they have made that are much too sensational. Every girl on the stage seems to be willing to undress in front of the public.
 

Why Do They Choose a Sexy-Concept?

 
   Every year, numerous new idol groups show up on television and everybody knows that it is really difficult to get attention from many people with hackneyed concepts. In shorts, the reason why so many girls can’t help exposing their body in public is that it is the most sure and easy way to get the spotlight. Some say that it is just a kind of marketing strategy. I do not mean to say those sexy things are unconditionally bad, but when the sexy concept (performance and costume) outweigh their songs (artistry), there is a problem. It even looks as if their latest songs are conducted only for sexy-performances and salacious clothes rather than for the song itself. The means of expression becomes the end and this is bad for both the singers and audience.
   While feeling uneasy with it, we cannot harshly criticize only those girls. We surely know that it is really matter for them to catch even one chance of drawing attention. Who can deny the enormous effectiveness of sexy concepts in a short time?
 

Is This Strategy Really Effective for Being a Good Singer?

 
   In the short term, it can help them get the eye of people. Unfortunately, from a long-term perspective,the answer is maybe “No.” While they choose sexy concepts for popularity, the first prize of Music Broadcasting and album sales prove that the answer of success should be in not so much their concept as their songs. Those who are devoted only to dance and fancy stage costume can never maintain its top place, if ever, only in one or two weeks. Also, according to the Hanteo Chart, Survey Company, showing national album sales, the singer of the best-selling album “Hello” was Joe Yong-pil followed by Shinee whose album is “Dream Girl? the Misconception of You.” The album was “XOXO”by EXO, the new boy group, took the fourth place. There was only one girl group on the yearly Top 5 chart (2013.1.1~2013.6.18). Considering those male singers seldom expose their bodies, sexy strategy of girls seems not so much promising over the long run.

There Is a Need for Change in Music Market.
   It is sad that it is not the song of singer but only the sexuality and dance remain. The best way to survive in domestic music market overheated with girl-groups? Let the people hear gorgeous ‘songs.’ Joe Yong-pil, the legendary singer, who recently has released 19th album also said: “When the performance accounts for over 50% in stage, it maybe degrades the integrity of the stage and charm of singers.” He advised K-pop groups’ members struggle for not only perfect performance but the better harmony and melody in their songs.
   They should deeply ruminate over how to introduce their new songs, their talents, and passion effectively. Content with their advanced singing ability, enjoying stages that music and performances are mixed well, and expressing their individuality, they would be able to bring us a rich treasure of music and be a gem of singer. Also, a bond of social consensus among producers, media, and the public should have precedence over this notion.

 
 

By Kim Su-ji CP Reporter
ex112358@cnu.ac.kr

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