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This is a very long and opinionated post, so I'll put in sections.
Let me know what you all think about my opinion! I would love criticism and/or analysis! Also please don't use this an opportunity to bash people, Korea, or international fans. I tried my best not to sound mean/judgmental, hopefully I did well.
I've noticed a lot of international fans talk about the intense focus Koreans have historically had on visuals, even at the sake of talent. Most idols have procedures done, and a lot of idols are afraid to be seen on screen without makeup (although I know people irl who are like this too). This can also be seen with idols becoming sad or distressed because they are being criticized for their looks, and even end up with mental health issues because of the extreme pressures. In response to this, many international fans have decried the concept of a visual, since it has has problematic consequences, and insist on stanning/become a fan based on "talent".
I think this is a good concept, but I often think international fans are not aware of even their own biases towards a more attractive person. For international fans as well, visuals are very important (major example is Jaehyun, who is responsible for bringing scores of fans into NCT, or Hani with her fancam). These visuals actually help the group become more successful.
I think this is a good concept, but I often think international fans are not aware of even their own biases towards a more attractive person. For international fans as well, visuals are very important (major example is Jaehyun, who is responsible for bringing scores of fans into NCT, or Hani with her fancam). These visuals actually help the group become more successful.
I think a lot of international fans say they don't care about visuals, but I'm not entirely convinced. I know it sounds a bit cruel, but this is sort of an odd niche interest to get into if you don't like looking at pretty people. And as long as Korean fans and international fans prefer pretty people in these sort of positions and support it, this is the way it will go on. Even towards the people who say they stan talent over visuals: do they think their biases are unattractive? then there's probably a visual element as well, just less emphasized. Unless you never watch videos of the kpop group you are into, I think it is quite hard not to end up liking someone you think looks cool, or hot, or whatever.
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I am not saying it is a good thing that kpop is an industry mostly based on looks, but that is the state of it. It's really what seperates the idol industry from being just a group of people who are singing. It is not a talent competition only. If one wanted that, there are plenty of Korean solo artists and/or bands who make pop music that are not idols. However, with kpop boy groups and girl groups the focus is on the illusion of perfection, to some degree. Sometimes idol groups will seem to be exceptions, but unfortunately the member who is the most attractive (by either Korean or Western standards, or both) usually becomes the most popular, or people will make disparaging statements about members who do not fall within a certain range of the Korean standard (Jimin from AOA, BTS Jimin, Umji, Hwasa, etc.). I have seen mean comments from both international and korean fans about people like those I've listed, and it seems a bit dissonant for international stans to claim that talent is all that matters and then criticize them about their weight, height, or facial features.
So in the end, I think it is not wrong to say that you find ultimately talent more important than visuals. However, I think it is important to be aware of even your own unconscious bias and not criticize other idols for their looks if you make such a statement.
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I am not saying it is a good thing that kpop is an industry mostly based on looks, but that is the state of it. It's really what seperates the idol industry from being just a group of people who are singing. It is not a talent competition only. If one wanted that, there are plenty of Korean solo artists and/or bands who make pop music that are not idols. However, with kpop boy groups and girl groups the focus is on the illusion of perfection, to some degree. Sometimes idol groups will seem to be exceptions, but unfortunately the member who is the most attractive (by either Korean or Western standards, or both) usually becomes the most popular, or people will make disparaging statements about members who do not fall within a certain range of the Korean standard (Jimin from AOA, BTS Jimin, Umji, Hwasa, etc.). I have seen mean comments from both international and korean fans about people like those I've listed, and it seems a bit dissonant for international stans to claim that talent is all that matters and then criticize them about their weight, height, or facial features.
So in the end, I think it is not wrong to say that you find ultimately talent more important than visuals. However, I think it is important to be aware of even your own unconscious bias and not criticize other idols for their looks if you make such a statement.
As I mentioned before, the concept of a kpop idol means that they are supposed to be cool/handsome/pretty and talented, but often trainees are not given the support they need to become very talented and there becomes sometimes "a gap" between their talent and their visuals, I guess. Obviously not every visual is untalented, but there are cases. And this is usually where the complain from international fans comes in, especially if they are they are listed for the visual role and no other reason.
If we were to look at this in the way kpop is manufactured, unfortunately visuals seem to be just as, if not more important. kpop idols always appear on stage with makeup, they are always dressed to the nines, and for the guys they wear insoles. Many of them get facial surgery and temporary fillers. All of this money and time is spent on a certain appearance. For some groups, like 9 Muses, they even seek out people specifically who are models.
In comparison, the focus on talent is a bit less emphasized. Many idols never learn how to sing with proper technique, or get dance lessons unless there is a hiatus or they try themselves to make improvements. On most music shows and an increasing amount of concerts, loud backing track or lipsync is used. The image of talent can be seen, but often times idols are more reliant than they seem. One thing that is becoming more impressive however is dance, which a majority of idols are quite good at (especially newer groups).
I think kpop seems to balance these out because often people are not aware of how big this emphasis is. To us, we see the most talented member who is not praised for her/his looks as being an underdog, however they are probably considered a lot more attractive than the average person. Even the least attractive person (by Korean standards) is considered attractive, for them however, it is "not enough".
If we were to look at this in the way kpop is manufactured, unfortunately visuals seem to be just as, if not more important. kpop idols always appear on stage with makeup, they are always dressed to the nines, and for the guys they wear insoles. Many of them get facial surgery and temporary fillers. All of this money and time is spent on a certain appearance. For some groups, like 9 Muses, they even seek out people specifically who are models.
In comparison, the focus on talent is a bit less emphasized. Many idols never learn how to sing with proper technique, or get dance lessons unless there is a hiatus or they try themselves to make improvements. On most music shows and an increasing amount of concerts, loud backing track or lipsync is used. The image of talent can be seen, but often times idols are more reliant than they seem. One thing that is becoming more impressive however is dance, which a majority of idols are quite good at (especially newer groups).
I think kpop seems to balance these out because often people are not aware of how big this emphasis is. To us, we see the most talented member who is not praised for her/his looks as being an underdog, however they are probably considered a lot more attractive than the average person. Even the least attractive person (by Korean standards) is considered attractive, for them however, it is "not enough".
Currently the groups I am most active in are LOONA, Dreamcatcher, and NCT. With all of these groups the members are considered attractive by Western standards and/or Korean. It would be a lie if I said I got into these groups because I discovered their talent first. For Loona, originally I thought the members were pretty and fit the concept well, I liked the music, and the lore was fascinating. For NCT it was Jaehyun's face (lol) and then later I learned about NCT's skills and could appreciate their talent. For Dreamcatcher it was Siyeon's face, and then her singing abilities and the group's overall talent. For the most part I would say I become a fan for visuals first, and then stayed because of talent or music preferences.
All in all I think international fans make very good points about how rude it is to be focused on someone else's appearance and not pay any attention to how hard they work or how naturally gifted they are. Unfortunately it is easy to call someone out rather than notice one's own behavior. Also it must be stated that the idol industry is based off an image. To separate an idol from an image is impossible. As long as the idol image calls for a certain standard, the visual role will be necessary. Only time and changing standards will tell what happens to the visual role. As of right now, Korea seems to be warming up to idols who are not perfectly to the Korean beauty standard, but these people are attractive by usually a Western one.
Let me know what you all think about my opinion! I would love criticism and/or analysis! Also please don't use this an opportunity to bash people, Korea, or international fans. I tried my best not to sound mean/judgmental, hopefully I did well.
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