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Recently, there have been a lot of hate towards the KPOP fandom in the Philippines and KPOP itself. There are a couple of Facebook fan pages that are dedicated solely in hating KPOP. While searching for the term “KPOP Jologs” on Google, I found out that there’s a discussion thread in MYX’s Facebook fan page entitled “KPOP IS JUST FOR JOLOGS JOLOGS!!!!” (Ironically, the group was created by Westlife fans 
) Honestly, I wasn’t THAT surprised by this turn of events… I have somehow anticipated that this would happen sooner or later given the raging popularity of KPOP in the Philippines. Just last year, I posted an article expressing my disagreement to the soon-to-be KPOP craze with the anticipation that KPOP will soon be “jologs”. Nonetheless, I do feel the need to defend the Fandom by debunking the common attacks against KPOP and its fans.
Why the hate?
I felt the need to post this blog because “arguing” on the MYX discussion board is pointless. The entire discussion is a huge flamebait wherein each reply contain at least 1 Ad Hominem and 2 curses. I have posted a very long, three-paragraph rational argument and my reply was followed with a post that reads “Putangina mo”. So yeah, I wish your eyes good luck if you wish to read that discussion board.
So okay, let’s start discussing the most common “attacks” to the KPOP fandom and KPOP. I will continually update this post when “new” attacks surface.
1. KPOP is JOLOGS
Before we can sanely argue if “something” is “jologs”, we must first define what jologs is. In my previous post wherein I discussed SNSD’s popularity, I defined jologs as:
I don’t really know how to define Jologs but I will try to give an example on how something can achieve the Jologs status. Just as a certain footwear became the “in” thing in the Philippines. This particular footwear is really expensive considering its just a pair of rubber stuff worn on one of the smelliest parts of the human body. But since the Philippines has that penchant for creativity, anything is plagiarized just as fast as the speed of light, the said footwear now cost only 50 pesos and is readily available at your local tiangge. Now everyone from your driver, to your labandera’s son owns the skillfully crafted identical footwear you are wearing. The footwear is now “mainstream” in the sense that the “representative population” of the Philippines (AKA “the masses”) can now own and wear the footwear. Congratulations, your footwear is now jologs.
In summary, something is jologs when the “representative population” of the Philippines (AKA “the masses”) have direct access to it. In terms of music (or entertainment), a certain music genre is jologs when “the masses” have direct access to it by means of local radio and TV. The jologs factor of the music is being amplified when said music is being played in places where “the masses” thrive like the “Divisoria” or some low-end malls. In one word, a music genre (or anything for that matter) is jologs when it is already “mainstream”.
Given the criteria above, I must sadly acknowledge that KPOP is now jologs. Here are the telltale signs:
- Remember Wondergirls’ Nobody? Even Jollibee and KFC’s Chucky wasn’t immune to it.
- SHINee’s visit for the Korea-Philippines Friendship day
- 4Minute’s guess appearance at Wowowee (I love Hyuna!)
- F.T Island’s concert at PICC
- 2PM’s Nichkhun Danbi shoot at Payatas (Ala Manny Villar)
- UKISS’ guess appearance at Party Pilipinas
- Upcoming Super Junior concert at Araneta
If that wasn’t enough, local KPOP-wannabee groups such as POP GIRLS and XLR8 are polluting the local KPOP scene. (Side comment: I think XLR8 is a huge improvement from POP GIRLS. The entire act is so KPOP-ish. They even release 30 second trailers on Youtube lol. 
)
Here’s the take-away: Most western groups are jologs (yes, that includes Westlife). Both (them and KPOP) have already achieved critical mass to be considered jologs. However, the “English” group’s material is much more accessible to the pinoy “masses”, thus achieving more jologs points. Case in point, I say that there is a certain level of sophistication that is required to be a TRUE KPOP fan… the barrier-to-entry to KPOP fandom is way higher compared to western music. Remember that our country is more “western” (in terms of music) than Asian and most Filipinos can easily understand English by default… so there is a tendency for them (the masses) to listen to “English” songs more than KPOP. So the question is, why the sudden influx of KPOP fandom “membership”? I say it’s just a trend. Like the Macarena trend, we true KPOP fans hope that it will soon fade out of the limelight.
As a side note, please do not confuse the poser KPOP fan — one who merely follow the trend, with the true KPOP fans. They are not of the same caliber.
2. KPOP Fans do not understand the lyrics
This has to be the most pathetic assault on KPOP. For the sake of argument, I must say that I can’t really follow the English lyrics of Paramore (Or songs with growling in it). Now, people might say “Well, you just suck at understanding English lyrics”… Those people are usually the ones who do a mockery of the song by singing it with a different lyric with the defense of mishearing the song. (Side comment: I have a colleague who went to the Paramore concert and was singing “That’s what you get” and I had to correct his lyrics). Although this argument does not justify the inability of Filipinos to understand Korean, it illustrates that people can enjoy music without really understanding the lyrics.
Setting that point aside, let me just say that we “true” KPOP fans are willing to go the extra mile to understand the idols (Note: Idol is another word for boy band or girl group). Each popular KPOP group has their own international fan cafe (read: Fansite) where fans can download “subbed” (with subtitles) music videos (MV). To have a more deeper understanding (or connection, if you will) of the group, fans would usually download variety shows, commercials, BTS (behind-the-scene) clips, award show clips, documentaries and news clips where their idols are in. Not only that, true fans will usually take the effort to learn the basics of the Korean culture because it is impossible to fully grasp the context of the songs without such understanding of the Korean society (Like what does “Oppa” mean? Why is there a need to suffix names with “Ssi”, etc). Also, most true fans that I know can read Hangul (I said read, not understand. )… If you really put an effort into learning it, you can read any KPOP lyrics in just 6 hours! (Watch this series of tutorials to learn Hangul now!)
Remember what I was saying about KPOP having a high “barrier-to-entry”, well this is it. For us, this is what makes the fandom more meaningful. Having a deep understanding of a foreign culture that we admire and at the same time, having a deeper connection with our favorite groups. Since the Philippines is intrinsically western (we are more American than Asian), I doubt that there’s a need to “go the extra mile” to understand the English bands and their culture.
3. Korean group members are not talented
This really really makes me mad. I have a colleague (yep, you guessed it right, she’s a she) who will always insists that Girl’s Generation (SNSD) is not talented in terms of singing and dancing. I mean., W.T.F., she even compared SNSD to Sexbomb! Blasphemy!!! Okay okay, enough of the obsessive fan boy act.
According to her, SNSD members are not talented singers because they are producing “synthesized” music (or music that is heavy on the usage of Synthesizers). Okay, she might have forgotten that SNSD is a POP GROUP performing a Bubblegum pop song; I may not be an expert on music but Bubblegum pop rely heavily on Synthesizers. I mean, I don’t even understand how the use of synthesizers undermines the singer’s vocal capabilities. Another issue that she pointed out is that SNSD is always lip syncing during performances… My response to that is that – SNSD performances are not concentrated on just “singing”, they also do a lot of powerful dances with cute poses together with the performance. Singing is just a part of the performance. If the performance is just singing, then they will always sing live. Local artists are more pathetic, the number are just singing and yet they are lip syncing.
Another colleague of mine has a girlfriend with innate hate towards SNSD. She criticizes SNSD’s dance routine; according to her, the dance moves are just cutesy and not even hard (she even showed us how “easy” it is for her to dance Gee; I will just leave the imagination to you on how it turned out). Adding insult to injury, she said that the “Pussycat Dolls” is a lot better than SNSD when it comes to dancing just because their dance routine involves breaking your bones in 17 different places (Italicize text is mine).
This is what I want these people to understand. SNSD (and other KPOP idol groups for that matter) is a POP GROUP. Their total entertainment value does not rely solely on just dancing or singing; it’s an entire package. They are, what I call, entertainers. Allow me to explain.
In Korea, there are big entertainment companies (like conglomerates) that control the Korean media. These entertainment companies hold “audition” all over the country to recruit (more like hoard) really young talents (like 9 years old). After they recruit talents, they will put them on a crazy “Training Academy” in where they will be trained in areas of singing, dancing, modeling, acting, rapping, foreign languages, asian poses, looking at the camera (projection), fashion, etc (all of the needed skills to be successful in the entertainment industry). The average training period is 6 years… during this time, they do not have any exposure to the public (If you’ve watched Batang-X, it is somewhat like this ). Now, when the company decides “Okay, we need a new group”, they will select from this pool of well-trained entertainers to create the group and they will let them sign unfair contracts that span 10 years (and then perform plastic surgery! Kidding! ).
My point is, how dare you compare these well-trained entertainers to a group of On-the-Job trainee entertainers. No, sorry, that’s not my point. My point is, these people are “commercially” created in “talent factories” to entertain. They are performers that are “created” to suit the public taste. They do not write their own song, they don’t even choreograph their own dance. The company will decide on what “concept” (song, dance, fashion, etc) suits the current entertainment climate and they will hire armies of stylists, composers, choreographers to “train” the group. But that doesn’t mean they are not talented. Even before they “start” training, they are already talented. Remember the gruesome audition process? They are being picked against thousands of candidates. And right after that, they are even trained in all aspects of the entertainment business. How can you say they are not talented?
One argument that I always receive is this: “Local artists don’t even need years of training and yet they are performing okay”. Seriously? I was a genius at birth but I still had to attend school and college to get a job. So don’t throw me that argument, it’s just stupid. And as a side effect of this “untrained” entertainers, just look at their performance on noon-time shows… its mediocrity at its best. They don’t know where the camera is, they don’t have any “emotions”, and they have that smile on their face that says “I don’t know what I’m doing but since I look good, I’ll just copy the backup dancers”. Your entertainers are not just “untalented” (incapable), they are also unskilled. Maybe it is best to put them in some “training academy”.
4. KPOP fans are not nationalistic
Growing up, I was not really fond of music. Okay, I take that back, let me rephrase. Growing up, I was not really fond of contemporary music. I grew up listening to my Dad’s antique song collection that includes John Denver, Matt Monro and Frank Sinatra. For me, contemporary music (both foreign and local) is just too “noisy”. Somehow, I felt that the “perfection” found on my Dad’s antique song collection is not found on said contemporary music. That all changed when I first heard the local band called Eraserheads from our neighbor’s loud boom box. The music of Eraserheads is what we call OPM (or Original Pilipino Music) and up to this day, their albums are still on my MP3 player (together with Rivermaya’s and Parokya ni Edgar’s albums). Sadly, as one of my dear readers have pointed out, the “O” in “OPM” is now long gone; It’s no longer “original”. It’s the same crappy, mediocre, cheap rip-off of whatever music is perceived “cool” by the masses (usually foreign songs).
My point? We, KPOP fans, will not “support” the local music industry just because “we need to support our own”. Sorry, it just doesn’t work that way. I would gladly buy a repackaged E-heads album but I will NEVER EVER EVERY buy POP GIRLS’ album or Sexbomb’s album or Sarah Geronimo’s album (Sorry SG fans, you don’t have the right to label “Right Here Waiting” as OPM). If local artists wants our support, they should first rid themselves with the mediocrity that is so common in the local music scene today.
One of the reasons why I am addicted to KPOP is because I can see “perfection” on everything they do. From the superior technicality of their music videos to the perfect execution of their dance routines, you can never see a hint of mediocrity on their performances. I was never able to detect the prevalent “Puwede na yan” (It will do) mentality on their products. It’s just perfection all around. Let me emphasize:
- In terms of technicality: They have HD videos (720p at least) while we are still stuck with Standard Definition. The camera angles (close-ups) are just perfect, I can’t say the same to the camera angles on our noon-time show (I often end up puking out of dizziness).
- In terms of dance routines: Synchronized. Just watch our local talents on noon time show to get your daily dose of mediocrity. (and hey, wardrobe malfunction anyone?)
- In terms of “concept”: In Korea, they have this concept of “debut”, “hiatus” and “comeback”. When a certain KPOP idol group “debut” for the first time, they will promote their album using a certain “concept” (Sexy concept, cute concept, dark concept, etc). The concept covers fashion (Wardrobe), hairstyles and behavior (Yes! Each concept have a certain “feel” that the members of the group needs to emit) among others. After promoting their albums on different shows for a couple of months, the group will then go into “hiatus” which will officially end their “group activities” and promotions. Using the “hiatus” time, the company and the group will then prepare the new “concept” and album for their “comeback”. Usually, the new “concept” is totally different from the previous concept and you will feel that its an entirely different group! My point? KPOP groups always deliver fresh material. Unlike our local talents who are just stuck on whatever image they started with (Uh sorry, I shall correct myself. When local artist reach the lowest point of their careers, they usually post nude/sexy on Men’s Magazine. Maybe that’s their new “concept” huh? )
I think I have the answer why the local music industry is suffering from mediocrity and its bad effects: Lack of competition and complacency. Big stars are complacent because there is no competition and somehow, new artists never seems to threaten the big stars. When was the last time Regine Velasquez or Christian Bautista came up with a new concept? It’s the same stuff and I’m sick and tired of it. Complacency kills competition and lack of competition kills innovation. Did you know that in just 2009, there are a total of 10 KPOP girl groups that debuted in Korea? That is how tough the competition is in Korea! And big stars such as Lee Hyori is never complacent because they are never guaranteed the top spot anytime they make a comeback — they need to fight for it. Anyone who took an Economy subject knows that market competition is a good thing — and that applies in music, too.
5. KPOP boy band members look gay (or lesbian)
I have a colleague who’s a practitioner of MMA (Mixed martial arts) and I wasn’t surprised that he thinks Super Junior (and other KPOP boy band for that matter) is gay. Ironically, he thinks that LFO and Justin “Beaver” is cool.
Anyway, there’s a recent scandal between the popular Philippine DJ Mo Twister and the KPOP boy band UKISS (Details here). Apparently, MO dissed UKISS by twitting “UKISS looks gay” or “UKISS looks like my lesbian aunt”. Filipino KPOP fans shouldn’t really be surprised about this, Mohan is known as a “careless” DJ with a penile disorder (Wikipedia’s words not mine)… the guy’s surrounded by scandal for saying stupid things. Also, just a little bit of FYI, Mo is born and raised in the US of A. His perception of what “manly” is is being influenced by his American lineage. For Mo Twister and my MMA friend, this is how they define manly:
"Manly" by Mo Twister
What I am saying is, when judging KPOP boy bands, please do not forget that this people are POP GROUPS from an East Asian country. For them, being “manly” is not defined by biceps and tight shirt nor is it defined by grown men cuddling with cute teddy bears. The issue here is that Koreans (boy or girl) have an insatiable addiction to cute things. This is a “social” thing in Korea… I will let the Korean do the explaining:
Why is this happening? A society’s consumption pattern is a complex sociological issue, requiring many eggheads and inscrutable doctoral dissertations in order to uncover the multitudinous layers that create a sophisticated mosaic comprised of tastes, class identifications and …
Heck, who is the Korean kidding? The answer is one word: Japan.
Although Korea is a major exporter of culture at this point (in the form of movies, TV dramas and pop music,) Korea had no significant pop culture to speak of as recently as 40 years ago as the country struggled to build their way out of the heap of rubble. As Korean pop culture grew into form, it was influenced by two major pop cultures close to Korea — American and Japanese. It is, then, no surprise that Korea is infected by Japan’s love for cute cartoon characters. Let’s face it — people like cute things. There is no population of children in the world that rejected Pokemon, and that’s not because of its compelling story line. It is perhaps the first cartoon whose only appeal was cuteness overload.
So, there you have it, blame the Japanese’s Kawaii culture!
Okay, let me move on to my next point. We Filipinos are heavily influenced by the Americans. When they bought us from Spain for US$20,000,000.00 in 1898 (Treaty of Paris), they didn’t just “use” the Philippines as a military base, they’ve also “educated” us. In the process of educating the Filipinos, the transference of their social, political, and economic culture was inevitable. As a result, Mckinley’s dream for the Philippines has been fulfilled. A nation who thinks and speaks like an American but will work for half the price (I Kid, I Kid ).
Anyway, my point is, most Filipino’s outside the Fandom will think that KPOP boy band members are gay (or lesbian) because they are mentally-conditioned to do so. Growing up, they (or we) were bombarded by movies of Robin Padilla wielding dual handguns in a shiny leather jacket… for them, that is the definition of being a man and we cannot change or influence that. Being a true KPOP fan, it is our obligation to just ignore their lack of understanding of cultures outside of their own. Let me quote the Korean again for his words of wisdom:
The only reason why American adults are inhibited from embracing their cuteness-loving nature is the years of Puritanical repression they suffered as children, only using yellow No. 2 pencil when they secretly desired colorful mechanical pencils with anime characters printed on them.
As a side note, it is my hope that we start to act more like Asians than Americans. Not that there’s something bad about the American culture… but maybe we can take what’s good from the Americans and merge it with our own Asian heritage (Like in Japan where they’ve successfully merged the old with the new). I may not be THAT proud as a Filipino but I am a proud Asian.
If you liked this article, I suggest that you also read this. And If you know of any other attacks to KPOP and the fandom, just leave it at the comments and I will try to update the article! KPOP Hwaiting!
PS: You do not need my permission to re-post, re-blog, tweet, or link this blog post. I do appreciate a linkback/trackback but it is not necessary. Please propagate this message to all KPOP haters. Let us spread KPOP love! <3
Thanks to "Jesika Wabbit" noona for proof-reading this post. <3
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: http://blog.ianuy.com/2010/04/04/in-defense-of-kpop-is-kpop-jologs/trackback/ 
I LIKE THIS!!!!
i am from america..and crazily into K-POP but when i talk to my fellow american friends, it's always "they look girly/gay. you can't even UNDERSTAND what they say" and i'm always telling them..but i don't understand HALF! the stuff in western music-honestly..and anyways WHO CARES if they were gay??
i think you have just helped me through a break-through of some sort regarding why i love Kculture..they are cute!! it's just everything.. i do not enjoy how the american social culture is, so is it not my right to enjoy whatever alternate culture there is in the world?? LOL
I SUPPORT/LOVE SUPER JUNIOR!!!!…..in fact- i bought my first fan related anything(IN ANY TIME OF MY LIFE!)which is their CD to *SUPPORT* them.. *is still surprised that they've had this much of an impact on me*
i *don't* want to support the "talent" here because i have no initiative to do so.
OMG. I was so shocked by the 5th reason. Kpop Idols are not lesbian nor gay. Maybe they say these stupid things because they are insecure. Whatever.
I really really like this post. Love it. I wish that we,Kpop fans,will continue fighting for our Kpop idols. :"> <3 Love this. You nailed it. Good Job.
I love this post! I strongly agree with everything you said. *thumbs up*
Actually I was also thinking of the same thing, so I searched Google randomly "jologs ba ang kpop?"
Because I've been a kpop fan way before it was popular in the Phil. Even before Sandara debuted as 2NE1 (whom I blame on why Kpop become more widely known here~ I love 2NE1 anyways) so I'm wondering how Filipinos view Kpop in general, and if they think that US, TRUE kpop fans are also viewed as jologs as well.
lol dude! you should be a lawyer! not even once did i disagree on anything you said. everything you said is so right on.
This article is great.
I blog this one haha XD
excuse me naman~
even before pa maging sikat dito ang kpop, uso na talaga ang kpop dito~
proof?
nagkakaroon na ng gaths and official clubs.
nung nagpunta ang PIS dito super daming pumunta~
dba dba?
so papano nila sasabihin na nakikiuso tau sa uso?
eh baka nga ung mga fans ng P** G*** at XL** ung ganun ehh.. (i didnt mention their names kc baka makita nila touh)
Thanks for posting this one,gosh so tired of Kpop bashes,If people just know how to mind their own business these bashes wouldn't come and appear!
To all Kpop lovers:Continue your supports.
To all Haters:Mind your own business and please don't make kpop as your problem if you don't really care about them!
yeah. i TOTALLY agree with you. i hate the fact that kpop is being aired in the local airways or in any other aspect for that matter. it gets trashy once the "fraud" fans get to it. it really pains me to death (exaggeration alert^^) that some or should i say a lot "fraud" are everywhere. I, as a true kpop fan believes that we should be somehow be responsible for not getting our beloved kpop artists be labeled as "jologs".
way to go mr. uy!
anyway, would you mind me writing a related post? oh btw, i already tweeted your post in my twitter.
No, I don't mid. I'm interested in reading it! Post me a trackback when you're done.
ALL HAIL IAN UY! ALL HAIL IAN UY!
All i can say is, WOW! You're really really really really really good at defending. I will look up to you from now on.
Kudos to you for writing this!
People needs some sense of Enlightenment.
Seriously XLR8's song sounds like Sorry Sorry of SUJU….. And there comes Eurasia(I'm sorry I'm not really sure of their group's name just correct me if I'm wrong) and Pop Girls who came out of nowhere promoting their songs…. That's ridiculous…. I wouldn't be really surprised if SM Entertainment will accuse XLR8 for plagiarism…. Seriously…. And I really hate watching Filipino bands… For me their songs are just noise… Forgive me if I've hurt some of your feelings but it's just that I can't find a reason for me to like it…. Korean artists are not really comparable to artists here in the Philippines… Especially in making movies, dramas and songs….. There's no originality in every single bit of it…. That's the reason why we love Boys Over Flowers (though it's not really originally from Korea but admit it it's just way better than the original Hana Yori Dango), Full House and other Korean dramas…. You really can't deny the fact that we love Korean's talent….
And besides I wouldn't just be satisfied listening to K Pop…. There is always the feeling that you want to watch their MV and especially their live performances…. unlike Filipino and American songs… you would just be satisfied hearing the songs even without seeing the artists who sing it…. THAt's really a big difference… Get that…!!!!
nice blog! sinasabi ko na lng lagi sa mga anti's!!! Sari Sariling Trip lang yan!!!!
Let those K-Pop haters hate all they can!!
Haters are confused admirers who can't understand why everybody loves you – a quote from Paulo Coelho!
thanks for the spelling.. hehe..
amazing job on this article..
everything you’ve said is true and i can really relate to this as a true fan of kpop.
i’ve learned a few hangul and even korean expressions and facial expressions.. kyaahh!! aaissh!! aigoo!! hehe..
and the stage performance.. the glittering lights and amazing stage backgrounds.. you can say that it's really top class..
im a big fan of snsd that’s why i ended up coming to this article.. what’s ur username on soshified.. add me there..
jigi mon, snsd!!
It’s actually “Jigeumeun” SNSD
like your blog..
atlast.someone who thinks just like me!
and… funny thing is… people say that "dou you even understand the lyrics?">> my answer: "that's why there's translated lyrics translated by people who understands the language.." just wanna share..
good job..~!
snsd and sexbomb are NOT the same(some one commented on sexbomb being talented)… they just show their bodies and sing in a VERY high pitched voice that is not even appealing andthey call them talented? no offense but "eew" haaha
Pop girls and xlr8 = FAIL!
keep it up mr.uy!
Mr. Uy, if i may ask, what's your preference? if you're, let's say, straight, don't you think it's not normal for you to be a fantard for a stuff only tween girls are crazy about? what's your age BTW? i believe you're a college graduate already right?
Thank you for such critical inquiry!
First things first, yes I am straight. I am 20ish and I'm a professional software developer working for a fortune 500 company.
Believe it or not, KPOP is not just "music" or "entertainment", it's an entire sub-culture on its own. Locally, we have a couple of yearly KPOP conventions where KPOP "fantards" meet and socialize. As stated on my post, usually KPOP fans are addicted to cute things — and that addiction transcends gender and age.
Do I think it's normal? Using your highly conservative "westernized" mindset, No its not normal in OUR society for grown-up guys to wear cute t-shirt, cute bags, and act all cute. However, in countries like Japan or Korea, being "just" cute is boring. Have you been to Japan? You'll be mindfucked. My point, we KPOP fans, live the "KPOP lifestyle" and we don't care if people of this society bash us for it.
You've totally missed an entire subgroup of KPOP fans: the legion of fanboys!
Let me explain, at around 2007, there are only a handful of KPOP girlgroups. The "legion of fanboys" is just a new thing in the KPOP arena. During those times, the KPOP fandom is dominated by fangirls. In music shows (Music Bank, Inkigayo, etc), most of the audience back then are girls. However, that changed in the late 2008 and 2009. As I've mentioned on the post, there are at least 10 girl group that debuted in 2009! Simple math suggests that the number of girl groups is directly proportional to the number of crazy fanboys. If you've search the net, you'll be surprised that this phenomenon has been well documented.
You will also be surprised that majority of the fanboys are straight (and hormonally crazy!). But they sing along their idol and dance along the song. Using your "westernized" mindset, I understand why you will think that fanboys are gay. However, please do understand that its an entirely different subculture. (Are emos gay?)
Another thing that I would like to mention is that KPOP transcends age. In Korea (and in Japan), there are a lot of old dudes (30 and above) who are fans of girl groups! These people are already married or have sons/daughters but they still follow the girlgroup around like they're some teen. And yes, they dance along, too. They are called "Uncle fans" or "Samchon fans" and most people believe that they are the "financial" engine that powers these girl groups. (PS: There is a documentary produced by Arirrang network that documents the activities of Samchon fans, you'll be amused!
)
i really liked your explanation of their debut, hiatus and comeback. best thing.
i mean, it was really well done. you really went through the whole process of how the idol groups go about promoting their album & stuff. really. simple, but complete.
and the "pwede na yan" attitude of Filipino's i think is the reason why we're still a 3rd world country. compared to the korean people who (as you pointed out) dare to go an extra mile (perfection and everything) – that`s what made them a first world country. they were given reason to support their nation.
i also like how you explained what a "true" kpop fan does- the reading hangul, watching variety show/music show for their favorite idols. it`s so true! lol.
anyway, you really slapped this article with a heavy dose of truth.:D
"kamsahamnida!"
oh, it pains me to say, actually…but i found some "language/composition" errors in your article a simple: this vs. these usage and there was one word that should've been singular but you made it plural.
Yeah, I should work on my grammar.
Thanks! 
lol. i`m just really weird and nit-picky about those things.
youre welcome!
Do you know why kpop has so many haters here in the philippines? It's because of the annoying fantards:
1. Pathetic ugly girls and trying hard pasosyal feeling koreano gay guys (like you) are the target market for this kind of music. the problem is, there are lots of pathetic ugly girls and trying hard pasosyal na feeling koreano gay guys in the philippines.
2. Kpop is intended to be eye candy not ear candy. try imagining Sorry, Sorry sung by a bunch of big obnoxious slit eyed korean guys. will you still be a fan? or try picturing in your mind that So Nyeo Shi Dae are a bunch of girls with extremely large cheek bones and tiny eyes, will you still like see them in those short shorts?
To make story short, KPOP are intended only to be the WET DREAMS of pathetic ugly girls and trying hard pasosyal na feeling koreano gay guys like you.
3. Kpop fans think they're cool and above everyone else. it's annoying. They think they're sosyal but guess what, even squatters know what bingeul, bingeul is!
4. kpop fans think they're smart and claims they know another language named hanggul! but sorry to burst your bubble dearie, even koreans flock here to learn english to be more succesful so why study a useless language?
5. admit it kpop fans, those boybands look gay! just look at Shinee. you seriously think they're hot? come on, if you think they're hot you must have a problem. go see a shrink.
You know what the problem is with this argument? It can be easily be used to counter you. Let's say you're into American music, I would just replace certain words and throw it back to you. Like so:
Pathetic ugly girls (like your mom) and trying hard pasosyal feeling <nationality> gay guys (like you) are the target market for this kind of music. the problem is, there are lots of pathetic ugly girls (like your mom) and trying hard pasosyal na feeling <nationality> gay guys in the philippines.
Another problem: This argument is irrational. It's a waste of database space. What kind of reply can you expect from this kind of non-sense argument? Flamebait? Please.
Which part of "POP GROUP" can you not understand? They are not "marketed" as MUSICIANS. They are marketed as boy bands and girl groups. (Dude, read. I've already covered this on item #3).
However, if you want MUSICIANS, KPOP wouldn't disappoint you. Youtube: SEO TAI JI
1. You're making an argument against elitism but you yourself is an elitist (you've discriminated against Korean and Class C and D Pinoys in just a single sentence!)? Stop being a hypocrite.
2. Rockers think they're more cool than EMOs. How is that any different? Point is, people group with other people because they share the same interest. People who doesn't share the same interest are "irrelevant" to the group — BUT it doesn't mean to say that they think those people are below them.
3. Yes "squatters" know what bingeul bingeul is but I bet you a $100 bucks that majority of them doesn't know what it MEANS.
1. Knowing another language doesn't prove that you're smart. It just show that you have the extra "resources" and "passion" to explore other cultures.
2. Sorry to burst your bubble but Humans have been shown to have the capability to learn multiple languages.
(Sarcasm!)
3. Let's say that I accept your premise (RE: "Studying other language renders your mother language useless") –> WOW. Filipino is useless! And for that matter, all NON-UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE is useless!. Congratulations, you've just offended 95% of the world's population.
I've already answered this, please refer to item #5.
Thank you for playing sir.
I like this. HAHA. And I hate XLR8 so much! They're such copycats.
Wow~ Pwede mo na tong second career venture Ian haha!
Thanks! Edited R-18 stuff! T_T
wow, ian. i didnt know you wrote so well.
maybe it's because i barely hear you say anything back in college. lol.
kudos to you and this post. hwaiting! *jump*
Thanks! And no, I suck at writing. I mean srsly. This piece has been edited for like 20 times already.
This is just awesome..! I give you a big thanks from my part for defending K-pop as it is.. I hope that people may truly understand the fact that they shouldn't judge a genre based on their biased feelings…
Thank you very much, sir..!
Also, I really like the way you discussed the 2nd issue, since I as a true fan, give time in researching what their songs are about and what they went through to make that particular song..
And in giving justice to being Proudly Pinoy while being a kpop fan really made me happy ^_^
If i may ask sir, does this apply to J-pop/J-rock as well?
I am not an expert on J-pop/rock. The only J-pop songs that I've ever listened to are contained in SNSD's Sweet Melody albums (AAA – Get Chu is a favorite). Also, some of BoA's JPOP tracks (BoA – Brand New Beat).
However, since most anti's argument can be applied to JPOP as well (except the Jologs part because, lucky you, JPOP isn't jologs YET), I think this article applies to JPOP, too.
Hey there, Mr. Ian Uy! GREATEST BLOG I HAVE EVER READ! I'm so glad that I've come across this! I really don't get those antis. Sometimes I think, maybe they are just doing this to gain attention. Why do they have to bother us or our K Pop Idols? We and our fave stars aren't doing anything bad to them. Its okay for them not to like K Pop. Uhhhm, hello? No one's forcing them. But bashing them and saying stuff that are inappropriate like "If Justin Bieber is gay, K Pop is gay-er and guys that keeps on listening to K Pop like there lives depends on it are gay-est" (from Bakit ang daming nababaliw sa KOREAN na KANTA? Naiintindihan niyo ba? — A "fan page" in facebook that is solely dedicated in bashing K Pop.) I mean this is just plain stupid. Could they just mind their own business. I agree to those K Pop fans that commented on their page and wrote "Instead of bashing K Pop like stupid losers, how about you promote on what you are fighting for and that is OPM." And about those "Why do you bother to listen to those stuff, you don't even understand?" I would say that: I am a music lover. And music has no limits. It doesn't even have A LANGUAGE BARRIER. So why I bother? Because I have this passion for music, that even you assholes don't understand.
It would be much better if we just ignore those idiots but then again, they are not just insulting us and K Pop but also disrespecting us. I wish this whole crap would end, but if they want war will give it to them. BECAUSE WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ARE SO OFF THE LINE.
Anyways,
I love your work so much and I hope that those antis who could stumble upon this blog would reflect to themselves. I AM MUCH ANTICIPATING MORE FROM YOUR WORKS. LET US DEFEND K POP. Hwaiting~!
PS. Could I repost your work in that stupid "fanpage" in facebook? I'll credit it to you anyway.
If you want to say something to those antis in facebook, like give them a piece of your OH SO GOOD ENGLISH and giving them a hard time in understanding, then it would reach to the point that they would have nosebleed, like literally, I'll gladly give you the link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bakit-ang-daming-na...
Every time those people updated their status, I just spam this link.
Please spread the word.
Hello there. I'm an 11-year old fangirl of K-Pop and I agree with what you say. You are a pure genius. The ones who said that K-Pop groups (mainly SNSD) doesn't have talent, they should try listening to their mellow/sad songs (Forever, Dear Mom, Star Star Star) to hear the 9 Girls' high voices.
Okay..honestly, this is my second time commenting at your blog. (SNSD's fame in the PH..?)
at first, i'm not "fully" on your side,
but now, i'm FULLY on your side..hahaha XD
2. KPOP Fans do not understand the lyrics
—–damn..i'm so fed up with this questions..lagi na lang 'tong tinatanung sakin ng mga kakilala ko, "bakit ba gustong gusto mo yan e d mo naman naiintindihan??" and i was like.."you don't need reasons to love music..DUH.." i agree on what the others said that music is like a universal language..honestly, di ko rin alam kung bat ko nagustuhan ang kpop..bigla na lang siyang pumasok sa buhay ko..the next thing i knew..i love kpop..tas un na..
nagstart na ko maging fangirl ng Bigbang, then SNSD, etc. At dun din nagumpisa ung pagiging alien ko sa kanila..
so i was like, "ok fine..i don't care..let's just mind each others' businesses(tama ba?..hehe XD ) pero ewan ko ba, di ko mapigilang di ipagtanggol ang kpop sa kanila, lalo SNSD, god, ang daming galit sa kanilang girls..im a fan of SNSD, and i can't stand hearing those hateful comments..grrr..i guess i should show them your work..hope you don't mind..^^
Please do. That is the purpose of this post after all!
Stopping by your blog, and thanks a lot because I found a post that could actually explain everything to THAT fanpage in Facebook. Why do they keep bashing KPOP Filipino fans, don't we (everyone) have the right? Way before KPOP become a "craze" here in our country, other Filipinos like western music, and noooooo it's not OPM. KPOP is not OPM, nor American POP. And saying that they're reason is "we don't understand the lyrics/language". I'm a KPOP fan, and I don't understand Hangul (poor me). But, like someone had said, people could know what the emotion of the song is. That's why there's Google Translator or whatever means that Hangul could be translated. Anti KPOP could say that they don't like KPOP. It's simple as that, but the fact that they're targeting not only the fans (both wannabee's and TRUE) but the artists as well. So, thanks for posting this, I hope a lot of people will now understand what KPOP fans actually think.
VERY WELL SAID MR. AUTHOR!!! I REALLY REALLY REALLLYYYYYYY LIKE YOUR OPINION AND I TOTALLY AGREE
" Being a true KPOP fan, it is our obligation to just ignore their lack of understanding of cultures outside of their own "
SO TRUUUUUUUEEEE ~^^^
Oh no. How I pity the people who go crazy over K-POP so much more than their own. You were successful in giving really good points and I deeply respect that you defended your interest. Just accept the fact that not everyone can like unlikable things (in their eyes at least).
At some point, we can really blame the lazy Filipino artists who lack whatever it is to compose new songs so what they endlessly and mercilessly do is murder foreign songs and revise them. But we MUST NOT forget that there are still a lot of Filipino artists who have god-like minds and talents that show everyone else what OPM must be. Too bad that they are the ones who are not given the opportunity to be mainstream.
On the other hand, whose fault is it, really? We, the citizens, (and no one else)are the only ones who can give the Filipino Music Industry the breath of life again. Well apparently, it looks like we are murdering our music industry even more! I had nothing against K-POP a long time ago when they have not yet stolen the Filipinos from supporting their own music. But come on, give it a break or break your industry completely.
Well i just have to salute the very little Filipinos who support their own music.
I'm out.
PS you've got really good writing skills.
Or, if they rid themselves of the mediocrity, they can release their albums abroad.
So you're saying that we should waste our hard-earned money on local trash just to save the local music industry? I say, let it crash and burn. Maybe that way they (the label companies) will learn to produce non-mediocre product.
Like Sheldon (from The Big Bang Theory), I have a hard time detecting sarcasm. So I guess, thanks.
kudos to you mr. uy!
apparently, unlike your previous entry, my eyes weren't hurting as much (due to the fact that I spent the last hour sobbing) Anyhow, I would like to point out that I got what you meant throughout the whole entry (it was like I know what you're thinking!) XD
About your office mate, I've already met a lot of females who hate SNSD and I just keep quiet at that, but, she does not have the right to judge their vocal skills based on "Oh!" because we all know how much synthesizers were used in that song just to be able to suit it to SNSD's cute image.
I admit that I used to be an anti of SNSD but when I got to know them vocally, here I am in front of the world, loyal fangirl
As to what is manly for those people and to insult male k-pop artists' genders, they are just being biased as to what they have perceived as manly. Being colonized for over 300 years, Filipinos have taken the concept of manly from Europeans and Americans. They did not consider the fact that we are Asian and we have completely different body structures from westerners. (And I'm saying all this from my historical point of view as a 17 year old).
There was also this facebook fanpage entitled, "Bakit andaming nababaliw sa kantang koreano, bakit NAIINTINDIHAN NYO BA?" or something like that wherein I said, "You [the haters] wouldn't even create this page if korean was put in our curriculum instead of english."
My argument is this: people wouldn't bug/insult/mock us with understanding the lyrics of our favorite k-pop songs if our government makes every child learn the language. and what would be translators doing? what are the use of language centers? don't they know that if they (even us suffering fans here) want to blame anything for this "phenomenon" is globalization?
anyways, do expect more comments from me on your future posts
I love how your blog stimulates my lazy brain during summer with these kind of entries
-lei
Thank you. What previous entry are you talking about?
my first time reading a long article..~!!/XD
two thumbs up for you~!!
this is all true~!!..
…Wow!~ thanks for sharing your thoughts about this whole kpop issues.. i do love OPM before, back in E-HEADS and Rivermaya's time too.. but now.. most artist here in Philippines always do revivals…Filipinos are very talented, no doubt about it… but please.. even the most talented person still needs to do trainings and practices.. For me, i became a kpop fan because they are good in their crafts.. they can sing, they can dance, and they can act..(and they are cute, lol ^o^) i just love them.. if anyone don't agree with me.. then mind your own business hahaha…
for those other people, please read first before reacting (kindly understand too ^-^).. IAN you're a thumbs up! KPOP Hwaiting!~
Extremely well said! And yes one of the anti's reasons that really gets on my nerves was the "KPOP Fans do not understand the lyrics-thing". I mean, come on! What's the use of the internet?! We have translated videos, translated lyrics, translated dramas all over the internet. And we can even learn basic hangul if we just took the time. Don't they know that?!
Anyway, hope you don't mind if I share this. It's a great read! =D
I don't mind at all, please do.
I have to agree on some of your posts here. But not all.
Kung sasabihin ko pa kung saan ako agree and kung saan di ako agree, magiging mahaba ung comment ko.
Well anyway, may gusto lang ako sayo sabihin:
Kaya maraming haters ang kpop ay dahil din sa KPOP FANS themselves. I'm talking about the ones that are feelingero't mga feelingera. If you look at the facebook users who are a fan of myx, halos lahat sa kanila korean ang ginagamit na pangalan kahit pinoy na pinoy. Tapos yung iba nman, akala mo kung sino maka-insulto sa OPM.
KPOP DOESN'T DESERVE ALL THESE HATERS.
pro OA kasi ang mga pinoy na kpop fans. Ang tinutukoy ko, yung NGAYON lang naging kpop fan.
Maraming nagsasabi:
"Ay, oo, matagal na akong kpop fan, since 2008 pa" teehee hee and stuffs like that
Remember, madaling sabihin na matagal na kayong kpop fan…PERO MAHIRAP PATUNAYAN.
That maybe true. But there are haters that have never even met a KPOP fan before.
Actually, it doesn't matter if you were a fan 3 years ago or just recently; what matters is passion. Its true that there are fans who got introduced to KPOP by accidentally watching it on MYX, but some of those fans are really PASSIONATE fans (not the follow-the-trend type).
and LOL @ local KPOP fans with Korean names on Facebook. I have no negative opinions about it though.
I liked this post! very informative!
it's just sad to see how other people lambaste Kpop groups and their performances just like pocholo concepcion, the writer who created the article on inquirer regarding super show 2, who called super show 2 an expensive version of ASAP.
at first i am so excited that kpop is now growing and being accepted in the philippines but after constant and continuous observation, i became afraid of the fact that it would become jologs just like "nobody". though these hallyu in our country paved the way on letting me see suju in person. the sad thing is that every kpop group is being criticized and worst being lambasted by close-minded critiques especially korean boy-groups.
anyway, thanks for this blog.. i liked it..
Oh yeah, that writer seriously need some KPOP 101. Here's the article for the curious: http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment...
Yesung does not read? GAH. Yah, Jongwoon ah, please read ^^
nice nice article…
Epal gumawa nito ah? Bkit ba kau na ngengealam? Kung ayaw nio sa Kpop, Manahimik nalang kau! Bkit kailangan nio pa magpost ng mga ganto ang sasama nio ah?! Pakelam nio ba! I delete nio na nga tong website na to! NAKAKAIRITA KAU! Bkit hindi nio ba kayang itago nalang sa sarili nio ang kaayawan nio sa knila? BKIT BA KAILANGAN NIO PA GUMAWA NITO! MGA EPAL KAYO AH!
Hey kid, did you even read the article? We're on the same side. You must be one of those poser fans. Jeez.
anu ba yan?? di kc binasa eh.. hai buhay.. :3
You cracked me up, seriously.
AGREE. I have nothing more to say.
You totally wrote what I have in mind,
need I say more?
And oh, by the way, you should also mention the "Adam and Eve" or is that
"Adam or Eve" show in GMA-7, LMAO. That's one good attack on the haters who think
Sexbomb girls are cool. HAHAHAHA.
Sorry, I don't know what that is either. I've stopped watching local channels a long long time ago.
"I’ve stopped watching local channels a long long time ago".
These two events just happened weeks ago.
* 4Minute’s guess appearance at Wowowee (I love Hyuna!)
* UKISS’ guess appearance at Party Pilipinas
Be True and Be Consistent.
Concerned Citizen
#1: I didn't watched those on T.V. I watched it on Youtube that was linked to news articles on AKP.
#2: I do realize that my statement is not idiot proof. To accommodate the idiots, please allow me to rephrase:
"I've stopped watching local *entertainment* programs a long long time ago. Although I still watch local news (not showbiz news) from time to time."
#3: Stop nit picking points that are not important to this post. Attack the arguments, not me or just go back to 4CHAN.
Your article is awesome. May I ask what is your opinion on P-pop?
I will assume that by P-POP you mean the "direct ripoff" of KPOP songs with tagalized lyrics. I don't like it.
For one thing, why watch a cheap rip-off (eg: P-POP) if you can watch the "original copy"? Their material is not fresh… there is nothing new to see. They just changed the words into the Tagalog (which IMHO made it a a lot cheaper).
love it
daebak~!
me too… i'm going to repost it…
by the way… thumbs up for this thing… ~keke
i'll definiely give you credit…
I'm reposting this on my FB with full credits if it's okay with you… ^^
And thank you!
Please do! Thanks! ^^
I agree with most, or maybe all, of your points.
I say, what we believe in our and everything that affects our way of perceiving things are controlled by our culture. All of these things are socially-constructed ideas.
Not all Filipinos are open-minded to these things. I'm sorry to say but it's the reality.
AWESOME WRITE-UP! Your write-up is not bias. A prefect blend of being rational and not being too defensive.
Personally, I began in J-pop and now being influenced by K-pop as well. I love them both, even if my friends are not really into the "kawaii" culture.
I just hope that this will only be a "fad" and will go away soon, just like C-pop invaded the Philippines years ago. And better yet, I hope J-pop wouldn't come here either. XDDDD LOL!
Again, very well said!
(PS: You wouldn't mind if I'd write a related blog post like this, would you? Of course, I'll quote you. ^^)
Not at all! I'd appreciate a trackback!
Thanks!
Point #2. I agree with some of your readers. Your definition of "jologs" is all over the place. By your stance, "jologs" is anything supported by the masses. So, does that mean that when the next president is elected, he is "jologs"? I highly doubt it. Since the etymology of the word is highly debatable let's give more possible examples to the word "jologs": (1) a should-be extremely expensive Louis Vuitton bag being carried by a lady while riding a jeep (2) old lady trying to dress up the way her grandchild does (3) binibining pilipinas contestant/winner trying to very hard to speak in fluent english but FAILS. Anything that should be COOL but when done by someone and FAILS at it, is "jologs" in my book.
Let's take a look at Kpop then. Here are my examples: (1) 2NE1 fashion sense – trying to look cool with their outfits is tough work. but in the end of the day you still say, "what the fcuk are you wearing"? (2) fangirl service – for those boyz who almost say/show "hey look at my abs, I'm such a real man" then the next second they pretend-kiss and make-out with a fellow boyband member or with their oversized pink stuff toys (3) FT Island guesting on an ABS CBN show and pretending not to need a translator when they advertise their album in english. Dude, you lost a good opportunity to plug your album/show. We didn't understand what you've just said, even if you pretend you're good at speaking english (4) Kpop artists (and I could say the same thing with Filipino ACTORS-turned-wannabe-singers) marketing themselves primarily as "singers" when most of their performances are still done lip-synched. (5) Ukiss making those heart hand gestures and simultaneously saying "Mahal Kita" and getting only awkward responses instead of those high screams they are used to back home. Stamped: FAIL.
By my definition, a big YES. Did you know that 90% of the population belong to the Class C and D income specification? They are the "masses". The collective choice of those people is "jologs" (by my definition). Case in point: Villar's commercial.
But should you brand all things as jologs (Yakult or Jeans) using my definition? I don't think so. To be more clear, the validity of my definition is only limited to things such as Fashion, Music, Gadgets, etc
Your examples falls more on the side of "Baduy" than "Jologs". Please do not confuse the two.
There's so many errors in your way of thinking..
Point #1: "… it is my hope that we start to act more like Asians than Americans."
Well, when did it say that to be Asian you have to adapt the culture and musical preference of East Asians? If you open your eyes a little more beyond the kpop world (very typical of kpop obsessed fans), we are part of South East Asia and obviously share more similarities with other people in the same region. Asia is so vast and huge, can you actually think you could influence South Asians to be more like South East or East Asians?
I don't agree with your point RE: "we are part of South East Asia and obviously share more similarities with other people in the same region". Yes, there are some similarities, but I don't know of any other Southeast Asian country that have been influenced by the Americans so much. Can you name any other Southeast Asian country (excluding Singapore) that uses English for their signs/billboards rather than their own language?
Well I think it makes sense that the Philippines use English in signs and billboards because English is an official language in the Philippines, so therefore the country cannot really deter from using English. Just like here in Canada, the French language is included in signs because it is also an official language even though the majority speaks English. Also, isn't most of kpop influenced by American culture anyways, excluding the language?
Why was it made an official language? Because history dictated it. I made a reference to the language to somehow illustrate that we are heavily influenced by the Americans and the western culture.
Yes, KPOP is influenced by American POP. It was also influenced by the Japanese.
<blockquote cite="">it is just sad that Alexander’s dad (one of the member’s of UKISS) is heart broken over this and has twitt-ed about it.
I don't think a korean will be fond of using twitter (and be able to read Mo's tweet). I would BELIEVE it rather if the father put his message in his Cyworld account.
But if he really does have his own and REAL twitter account, I would love to see his profile and read his tweets myself.
Good point @ Koreans using Cyworld (or ME2DAY). But I believe Alex's dad is not Korean. His twitter -> http://twitter.com/AnthonyEusebio
Sorry to say this but I uh think that this whole post is a euphemism for the bad things we can say about K-Pop. And yes, I am somewhat against this madness, but that's primarily because my friends are dumping me and their other non-fanboygirl friends for their beloved idols. I think they're cute and all, but I must say that K-Pop is overrated. Pokemon didn't get this much attention (and not to mention the im-leaving-my-friends-for-kpop mentality) back in its days.
Jologs means the general masses right?
If KPOP is jologs, then tell them to buy these KPOP- artists' concert tickets where prices go as high as 8 to 10,000….
I'm in favor of making the VIP tickets as expensive as possible.
I really love what they did at the 4MINUTE mall tours — to enter the venue, you must buy the album.
oh my God ! , thanks a rational being ! please do share more ideas and please share this blog to your friends ~ help enlighten all the dumb people
aww haha i love this! my friend sent me this link like days ago but i only got to read it now. haha and i love how you researched for this and took the extra mile to explain the whole jologs thing.
oh btw could you like write an article like how some fans are trying all their best to keep kpop on the 'elite level'? XD
anyways: Anyway, my point is, most Filipino’s -> i think it should be 'most filipinos' yeah? kekke:-D
Long article, plenty of points to argue.
I'll just point out on Mo twister. Mo posted that UKISS members LOOK like lesbians. It was an opinion based on appearance. This should sound incriminating only to people who look down on lesbians (which makes them sexists). This statement is merely a comparison of visuals based on published UKISS photos and socal definition of what lesbians look.
So UKISS fans, relax. no big deal. it's almost the same as saying Jeniffer Gardner looks gay because she has chiseled features and very muscular body, making her look like a male person with make up, long hair, and dresses. How can you argue with that when in fact Jennifer Gardner has chiseled features and low BMI?
I really loved reading this. If this article was passed as a research paper it would be perfect. I'm also a Filipino who's into KPOP. I don't have other friends to accompany me whenever I go to any KPOP related mall shows or concerts (went
aloneto 4Minute and UKISS mall shows). I can't convince anyone to join the fandom. They get the look and concepts, but they will usually say that you won't understand anything. Sometimes it would result to a patriotic downfall on my part for patronizing other country's music. You see, I have this YouTube Account where my three recent uploads were all KPOP remixes. People would always bring the hate by saying that I should remix Filipino music instead. They don't get my point. My like for music is never related to patriotism, so should everyone else's. So what if we don't understand, good music is good music.That's a new common "attack" to KPOP fans — that we are not nationalistic. If I have time on Friday, I will try to update the post to add that. Thank you!
i agree with everything you said in the article.
and
SNSD>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Sex Bomb.
that is indeed a blasphemy being compared to sex bomb.
JS.lol.baka may mabutthurt na Sex Bomb fan.XD
Hello! I'm a new fan of SNSD. I saw a link of this on Soshified last Easter Sunday (I think that post was edited 'coz last time i checked 'di ko na makita yung post na yun). After reading your post, I'm now thinking if i'm a "real" fan of SNSD. I don't DL subs and i barely understand any of the songs they sing. I just watch subbed MVs of RDR and Oh! on YT. I buy their mini-albums, though. Because i think that's a better way to support them. At one point, i think i'm the one who is "jologs" because i'm listening to KPop (and JPop) and i just understand a bit of this kind of songs. About U-Kiss, at first i also thought like that, But i understand that. Because most of their fans are (Korean) girls and they have to look good for their (Korean) fans. After all, people buy their merchandise not because of how they look but because of their music (Just my opinion though). About XLR8 and Pop Girls, i think it's just the strategy of their record label to compete with Kpop because they didn't think that the trend of rock n' roll and bands will fade. Kumbaga, kahit ang mga record label "nakikiuso" na rin. I wish K-Pop is popular but not too popular that everyone are listening to it and it will be imitated by everyone.
i have to say that you almost pointed out everything^^ and here's what i want to conclude in ur blog..
ok. what "Kpop ignorants" really need is understanding. -_- seriously or if they don't want to. then leave it. focus on your own thing man. they ain't doing something bad to you… that would be the plausible advice so he/she would stop cursing and bragging.
I have to say that the "culture differences" is the big issue here. ^_^ and yes i do believe too that we filipinos are raised and educated.. the western style. and also a professor of mine told me that "We don't have our own way of education." or so, we don't have our own principles on education as filipinos.. we all followed the "american way" almost every piece of their culture. (except the sacred traditions) and what do we get? "Colonial Mentality". I know loving kpop may also be considered as colonial mentality still It's asian and we are asian^^
hi,i agree…well i am a snsd fan and even k-pop….you should'nt be comparing those super trained pussycat dolls…
did'nt they see the song of snsd "into the new world" they always use lip synch but also they always sing it live..when i see them smiling despite of powerful dancesteps with some high notes sometimes i am sad…they did everything they can then others would just say they are not good entertainers..
why would they judge snsd if they don't know how hard it is to dance powerful steps while singing they are so mean!!
i heard that xlr8 was trained (imitating korea) they even have teasers….please corrct me if i'm wrong
ty!
As the cast of Avenue Q says, "everyone's a little bit racist". Enough said.
Also, Jonghyun image macro: FTW! XD
are you a korean? or just trying to be one??
I'm actually half-Chinese and half-Filipino. And yes, I want to be a Korean because if you're a good Starcraft player in Korea, you can actually get laid.
No seriously, what's your point? How would that affect anything? Liking KPOP doesn't necessarily mean that I want to change my nationality. This is seriously Ad Hominem. There's no place for Ad Hominem here; just go back to your MYX discussion thread.
So homoerotic fan service has nothing to do with sexuality at all? It's just "cute"?
And U-Kiss and all the other kpop boy bands out there are manly?
I don't know what you mean by "homoerotic fan service" but appearance or fashion sense does not define sexuality at all. That's what I learned about KPOP. The definition of being a "man" is so twisted that the only way to know if someone is gay is for them to admit it. (But I am pretty sure that Jo Kwon is gay. THAT'S A JOKE!
In our definition? No. In Korea's definition? I don't know. Maybe they just don't judge manliness by appearance. I have watched a lot of Korean variety shows (Invincible youth, We Got Married, etc) and I learned that "answering to responsibilities" is a main factor that defines a Man in Korea.
———————————————————————————————————————–
PS: I've read your blog post @ http://jungmal.blogspot.com/ RE: "Manly features"
I'll accept that the "Manly features" you gave are accepted universally (Although this is HIGHLY debatable). But going deeper (and analyzing the photos you've provided), I say that they looked "gay" not because they are missing those "Manly features" but because of their overall "concept" on those pictures (Clothing, Makeup, Hairstyle, Poses (BIG FACTOR)). As an argument, if we try to change the concept to a more "manly" one (using our cultural definition of what manly is), I think they won't look "lesbian" or "gay" or "feminine" at all.
Case in point, analyze these two Super Junior videos:
Super Junior – Miracle: "Cute concept"
Super Junior – Sorry Sorry: "Manly concept"
Same people, different concept. Altogether different aura. You be the judge.
Nonetheless, interesting point(s).
"the only way to know if someone is gay is for them to admit it."
this is true but not all the time. Sometimes people could also look gay even if they aren't. lol There are some situation when you just know they're gay even when they look and act straight. It's like bad acting. I think I have gaydar installed in me.
"Homoerotic fan service" are situations where two supposedly straight members of a boy band act all gay towards each other: kissing, hugging, humping…
watch these (if you can lol) then you'll know:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l80fC7ENWmM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtBl76CRC8U http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7e0vquJbnc
Ah, those fan services. Okay, good point. (Those are during those "cute" times. I don't think they still do it now).
I'm too happy to reply with anything coherent right now, but thank you for this post. I think you've pretty much covered it. Kudos on drawing the line between the following-the-trend KPop fans and true KPop fans
Ian :no…
I dedicate it to those people out there who criticizes K-Pop
hey…
excuse me…
but do you really think ALL Korean group members are NOT TALENTED???
Duh…?!
What if…
Just what if Koreans says Filipino are not talented even though the truth is we're talented enough to sing globally…????!!!
does it sound good to your ear???
What? I'm on your side here buddy.
We should all respect each other.
at #1, I think K-Pop isn't Jologs – it's those people who are trying so hard to be "in".
listening isn't that much to go for a call. But being like "Oh, U-KISS looks emo, I'm now a U-KISS VAMPIRE!
I'm gonna cut my hair like that and dress that fabulously!". You'll now see them emo kids singing U-KISS songs
because they think it's emo – and that, my friend, is jologs. Another great example is German Moreno's Talents
suddenly forming a P-POP group (XLR8 and POP GIRLS). Now that's pure jologs there, Suddenly making a group like
that just to be mainstream. They even promote albums by saying "Please buy our albums, IT'S UNDER P-POP!".
What the hell man, they even insist on the new genre!
at #2, I don't really mind if they understand or not. I'm a huge fan of Japanese Rock and Visual-Kei,
and they already asked me a couple of times – WHY DO YOU LISTEN TO J-ROCK/POP? DO YOU EVEN UNDERSTAND IT?
I just said I find it catchy. You don't have to understand the song just to appreciate it. People just say stuffs like that
out of being dealt with the unknown.
#3, LOL If they think K-POP Groups are untalented, just look at Jonas Brothers LOLOLOLOL. They Lip Synch, They don't write their own songs and they pose to play instruments – AND FANS (LOCAL OR FOREIGN) STILL ADORES THEM! LOL. At least, they sing and dance, those k-pop groups. But let's face it: K-POP GROUPS are mainly idolized not only because of their songs but their looks – it's normal for some critics to say that they are not talented. They even make members of the group have PLASTIC SURGERY (boob job, nose jobs etc.)
As for what DJ MO said, Let's just respect his opinion. He's right about what he said in his blog, FANGIRLS WANTS HIM CRUCIFIED
FOR THE WORD LESBIAN BUT FREAKIN IMMATURE FANGIRLS GET AWAY FOR SAYING STUFF LIKE DIE, GO TO HELL AND OTHER OFFENDING DEATH THREATS.
Fangirl/boyism isn't bad but once you cross the line like those other fan freaks did, you're much worst than Mo.
Besides, that's your first reaction when you stumble across this:
http://images.plurk.com/3612193_31de667b2af82519c...
To be honest, I'm no K-Pop fan, nor hater. It's just that K-Pop fan girls are being stupidly immature,
Sending death threats and other bullshits to make Mo apologize for what he said.
” target=”_blank”>http://images.plurk.com/3612193_31de667b2af82519c1f207d7d2c48d47.jpg
1. Cute bear
2. I want a bear like that
No, seriously, even though I'm a big KPOP fan, that is just too "strong" for me. The same reaction I gave when I watched Super Junior's "Miracle" music video.
in the first place…Mo shouldn't be calling U-kiss gay or lesbians. they were either brought up as the youngest in their family or they have younger or older female siblings…due to this, they naturally tend to be more feminine as they are being pampered with love and being surrounded by girls doesn't help much. but this does not mean that they are gay right. and to judge them by what they wear? even if they like wearing the clothes that they wear during performances, but these clothes aren't picked by them but their stylist. && the way they dress is according to the image that they are portraying for their songs and albums. and this does not only refer to u-kiss. some k-pop male groups like SHINee are also wearing skinny jeans but does it mean that they're gay? you should see all the k-pop performances first before saying that. What do you mean when you say that fan girls/boys are worst then Mo? They just want him to apologize to U-kiss for what he said to them. the fans are not the only want who is asking for apologies, even the parents of the group member are asking him to apologize. how would he feel if one day his child is a celebrity and was also called a lesbian by a DJ or members of the public? wouldn't he felt upset? that's just the way how the member's parents are feeling? don't you get it? if he didn't start all this, would the fans ask him to apologize in the first? and "sorry" is just one word…
"i may not be a proud filipino.."
WTF.
Sorry for the misunderstanding. I meant, not "THAT" proud as in die hard nationalistic buff.
kay srsly, POP GIRLS and XLR8 is so killed.. bunch of tone-deaf toads. -.-
i read somewhere that education is what separates us from animals. i also read somewhere that if you turn off the lights you don't we are all the same i.e. we're human with no race. this is something the fangurls should read. i'm a kpop fangurl, for the few of us we are actually taking up Hangul lessons this summer. so even in this fandom, to stereotype is just a no-no. like i keep saying, this isn't Beethoven or Chopin for frak's sake, it's the flavor of the year, it's just a tad difficult to say it's the new shawarma, (lol).
so even in a jologs market there are those of us that are a bunch of geeky nerds that remain watching doctor who, who still use frak even if BSG is over. who aren't rich but do not belong in the stereotypical jologs socio-economic strata. people are different so is Mo. it is just sad that Alexander's dad (one of the member's of UKISS) is heart broken over this and has twitt-ed about it.
thank you for writing this blog, and dang, i haven't seen those pics since the man blog, lmao!
thank you! at least i found somebody who thinks the same way as i do! haha!
you know i think the deal with DJ Mo and U-Kiss fans is not with the "they look like lesbians" it's more of an issue of disrespect on both parties. It sucks, the boys have to suffer from all of this, they didn't even do anything….
and if they think U-Kiss (and any other male idol group for that matter) is gay and Justin "Beaver" is not, they have a problem! hahahaha XD
ugh, this hallyu thing here made us less unique…i hate it…
What can I say? Well said!!! It's about time that we link back to our Asian heritage and if it takes KPOP to bridge that gap, I'm so all for it, Jologs or not!
I really think that Filipinos have a real issue of bringing people down. I know people of my circle who hates Charice Pempengco for her 'plato-face', thinks Justin Bieber is gay, thinks K-pop is gay, and thinks OPM sucks. The only music they listen to is what the Philippine (poser)'HIGH' society thinks is cool. Just like porn-worth Lady Gaga, and Beyonce.
I don't like the attitude of Filipinos who brand the masses as JOLOGS. Only in the Philippines do we have that segregation. Little do you know that those same people you call jologs laugh at you of being 'pasoshal'. We have a new caste system: The Jologs ann The Pasoshal. In the middle would be the minority of the None-of-the-Aboves.
Pinagmamalaki kong edukadong Pilipino ako pero MAS kinahihiya ko ang mga Pilipinong matapobre sa mga taong hindi kayang makamit ang de-kalidad na edukasyon, kaysa sa mga JOLOGS na nagpapakatotoo lang sa kanilang kinalakihan.
"Jologs and Pashoshal is the new Filipino caste system". Very well said!
i love this! thanks for writing this article.
for sure, tamang tama siya for KPOP haters.
love the positivity!!!
Uhh, is that sarcasm?
This is a great read, thanks for taking the time to blog this. i'ma let my friends read this
I like this article, honestly. And good for you to point out that when you say "K-Pop fans", it's those people that are really hardcore and take extra effort for this fandom. I'm annoyed that most people call themselves "K-Pop fans" but in reality they are just riding the bandwagon.
I know a person who proclaims herself to be a true blue fangirl and yet she said to me, "Isn't he *points to Key of SHINee* the leader of the group?" I was ready to punch her right here and then (because I'm a big SHINee fan).
As for P-Pop, I already saw that coming. Because if you think about it, music is now being globalized. Kasi if we think about it, OPM is heavily influenced ng American pop music, and nowadays, both J-Pop and K-Pop are somehow "exchanging ideas" regarding on the "idol" concept.
I also have to agree on the K-Pop fans don't understand part. Seriously, music was supposed to bind people together. Tsaka naman, eh di kung hindi maintindihan, read the translations, or kung hardcore ka, aralin mo mismo yung language. As for the untalented part, syempre, I really disagree, kasi if these idols we're given just a chance to really showcase their talent, they will certainly give it. Look at Hyoyeon. She does SNSD's choreography, but if she's given a chance naman like nung dance break nung concert nila, super mind-blowing talaga. In short, minsan restricted lang sila kasi they have to conform on a standard para bumenta sila (w/c is kind of sad to some extent).
Lastly, doon sa gay part, cultural differences lang talaga yan. Ang problema lang, masyadong na-contidioned sa atin na may set of standards para tawaging manly like dapat hindi umiiyak, hindi nanonood ng ganito ganyan, etc… Siguro with K-Pop opening here, I hope more will become open-minded na other countries have also different views on what is manly. As for yung kay Mo, dapat talaga hindi pinansin na, pero I'm appalled talaga na kahit foreigner tinira niya and it showed talaga his ignorance towards Korean culture. I emphasized it many times na siguro dito sanay na tayo sa pagsabi ng "mukha kang bakla/lesbian", pero in Korean context, it's never okay to be called like that kasi super taboo pa ang topic na yan na to the point na may napalayas pang idol dahil din diyan (I hope you know that incident).
Haters to the left. Kung ayaw nila, eh di wag. XD
PS: Props to you, you posted a Jonghyun macro.
nice article
naalala ko dati yung mga ka-officemate ko, they look at me as if i'm an alien when i sing in korean pero now sila pa nauuna sa mga balita.. hay 
Same here. I have an officemate who at first thinks SNSD are just cute dolls and then ended up watching Factory Girls and Girls Go To School in a marathon.
pretty good read. ^^
i want moar! moar!!~
i'm a kpop fan myself and i honestly don't really care what haters say about our fave groups but in case i would want to take my time of the day and use my energy on giving them their much needed kpop 101 (and they do), i would more than glad to point them to your site. ^^
haha! agree with you! they really need the kpop 101!
What I am saying is, when judging KPOP boy bands, please do not forget that this people are POP GROUPS from an East Asian country.
Fixed for accuracy. K-POP boyband fanservice/acts, particularly those of U-KISS, are not acceptable based on cultural standards outside of Japan and Korea. If these groups are aiming for globalization, I hope these guys hire a better PR staff. I dare U-KISS to kiss on stage and touch each other while touring in Singapore or in UAE. Can you guess what would happen? If U-KISS can't even be bothered to "fix" their image for a Philippine audience, they'll going to crash headfirst on a brick wall if they're going to promote their music in America.
Face it, people. Non-KPOP fans anywhere in the world would find these boybands GAY. You're making it sound that only Filipinos would have this first impression.
Updated Post, thanks!
One thing that I admire about KPOP groups is that they are not "sell outs"; They believe on their image and they market their image according to their beliefs. They carry with them their own "cultural" heritage. That's why Korea is one of the top "cultural" exporters in the world today.
Good point. That's actually why KPOP groups are having a hard time breaking into the US Market. Remember Wondergirls?. Face it, most Americans (and Filipinos too) don't find cute appealing… the charm just doesn't translate.
Sorry for jumping into a thread someone else started, but I just wanted to say that the Wonder Girls did a pretty decent job breaking into our (the US's) market, at least from my point of view. It was hard for them for a few reasons — the main ones are America stopped doing the girlband/boyband thing years ago and we've never really gone back to it; and we're a big country with a large, diverse pop music scene. I'm not sure you could say we have any "mainstream" artists that everyone has heard of — for every person who has heard of the Jonas Brothers, there will be at least one other person who hasn't. Breaking into a market like that is extremely difficult for any singer/band/group/what-have-you, but especially so for an obviously foreign artist. It takes a lot of time, a lot of work, and a lot of money. The Wonder Girls (and their management) had all three, and it payed off.
If you're looking for a bad example of kpop breaking into the US market, I'd suggest BoA — her company didn't put the time, effort, and money into her American debut, and the album they threw together was slipshod at best. Her English is pretty good, but it doesn't sound fluent, and Americans aren't going to take the time to understand her accent because we aren't willing to slow down enough to understand. At first, the Wonder Girls ran into this, too — but months of spending time in the US, practicing their English, and promoting one song did wonders to overcome the obstacles. Image-wise, they also did pretty well; they're girls, so cute is more acceptable on them, but they also had "mature" images that helped attract our population.
I'm sure there are a lot of people who are going to disagree with me on just about every point of this. I don't think I'm completely wrong, but they'd probably be pretty right — I don't understand American pop culture despite living here my whole life. I never have. I feel more comfortable dissecting Japanese and Korean pop culture because it's smaller and easier to digest.
Also, great post! I'm going to disagree a bit on the argument against the boybands looking gay/lesbian; honestly, that's part of why I like them. I think the homoeroticism is hilarious.
I wish the girlbands had more of the same, because it is seriously lacking in most of kpop.I also don't think it's real (although sometimes I play the "which member is gay" game — it was fun before Lance Bass was outed, and it's still fun now), but I would hardly mind if it were. If they look homoerotic to me (different from gay!), then they will probably look blatantly homosexual to someone less at peace with or less familiar with the reality of homosexuality, and it really doesn't matter whether it's due to cultural charm not translating or not. (For the record, U-Kiss are … a lot more homoerotic to me than most kpop boybands. I haven't even seen them kiss onstage/pet each other to the extent that Super Junior does, and they still seem more homoerotic to me. Not really sure why.)… Yeah, I ran away from the point there in that last paragraph. And this comment was long and ramble-y. Sorry about that. D:
OMG!!! at last someone gets it! i totally agree with you!
I agree with this. I was really against of kpop becoming or having to step here in the Philippines. And now, people thinks that kpop is somewhat 'baduy' already and I hate it. It's like American-minded vs. Asian-minded battle or something.
I must say that I can’t really follow the English lyrics of Paramore (Or songs with growling in it). Now, people might say “Well, you just suck at understanding English lyrics”…
>>> O.o At least when you look at the lyrics you understand them -.- try looking at korean song lyrics, find GEE GEE GEE GEE oh wtf
I'm a fag
)
If by looking at the lyrics you mean "staring dumbly at a piece of paper with scribbles on it" then yes, we won't be able to understand it INSTANTLY. But as I've said, that is what makes the fandom more meaningful.
At least on our fandom, we can easily tell who the real fans are (the ones that are able to understand the song). I bet you can't tell who the real fans are in your community.
so talagang seryoso ka na sa pagiging alltime fan mo ha Ian. Goodluck sa career na ito.:)) hahahahah fighting!
I don't know if this is bad but if I like something, I tend to obsess on it. (SEE: Programming)
Good sir, might I tell you that most ideas you've pointed out are quite agreeable however just a little bit harsh with the local talents part; Better to call it 'raw talent' than unskilled or what not.
and yes I think Mo's a douche bag however he's entitled to his own opinion <_<
Is there anything wrong if they really look like lesbians? Common, look at their photos, people don't judge their sexuality…it is just about their looks…that's just it. There's no point even of making it such a big raucous.
typos:
**like here
**even though its and epic failure
*sharing my thoughts
Thank you grammar nazi!
I'm a little concerned too about those grammatical "glitches".
lol. read your reply exactly 2months after.
and i see. the arguments are going further. ughh.i dont care anymore. as long as i dont act like one, i wont be considered one, right?
come on, those ticket sales and album sales proves that true kpop fans are not jologs.
It really depends on how you define jologs. The definition I gave pertains to something in the "popular culture" that is accessible to the masses. Mainstream = Jologs. As simple as that. I don't want to over-complicate the definition. So by definition, if you listen to something "mainstream", then you are jologs (Strictly by definition). We can argue about the definition of jologs but that's another story.
You are right, and I agree with you. Buying authentic albums and tickets proves that you are a true KPOP fan (jologs or not).
i definitely agree with you.
people have their own definition of being manly, and dj mo has a different one apart from the whole kpop fans, the wrong thing here is that he blurted it out knowing that he is a public figure.freedom of speech comes with responsibility and sensitivity.
if filipinos hate being insulted by other nations, so as the other countries. we cant just receive and give nothing in return.
i am a kpop fan too, and i must admit, i hate the fact that kpop is being OVERRATED here in the Phlippines that somehow, it is becoming jologs. it is undeniably like a virus spreading in the country, sad fact is that, some of the filipino masses who aren't truly a kpop fan, just sings, without even trying hard to understand what it means and not even bothering to read the romanized lyrics. as a fan, i am learning now how to read hangul to be able to understand more.
cultures are different. very different, so if you do not like how the other goes, respect. understand and keep quiet.
if the other person's interests doesn't appeal to you, we should understand right? after all filipinos are a lot more open minded than asians with traditional culture.
and about talent, first time seeing SNSD almost 2 years ago, i thought the same, that their song was just product of ticking here and there. but i was proved wrong after hearing and watching them more. they were trained, not liker here that anyone who has a beautiful face would be launched at the stage and ask her to sing even though its and epic failure. cmon. artists are artists. not singers. not all artists can sing. listen to how our music goes, no other genre aside from revivals.
just haring my thought for those who are bashing the kpop fans.
very well said:)
HAHA, excellent article.
I have a suggestion though–I think a better definition for the term jologs would be "campy"? 
Oh yeah, "campy" sorta fits!
Hey! Nice article. That douchebag photo is especially hilarious. Also, using a Jonghyun macro makes you win automatically. XD
Not a big SHINee fan but I love Jonghyun's brown jacket that he wore on Replay's MV (First few seconds of the video).
Okay, let me move on to my next point. We Filipinos are heavily influenced by the Americans. When they bought us from Spain for US$20,000,000.00 in 1898 (Treaty of Paris), they didn’t just “used” the Philippines as a military base, they’ve also “educated” us. In the hopes of educating the Filipinos, they transferred their social, political, and economic culture to us. As a result, Mckinley’s dream for the Philippines have been fulfilled. A nation who thinks and speaks like an American but will work for half the price (I Kid, I Kid ).
They didn't just "use," ok?
Uhh, sorry, didn't get your point. Are you point a grammatical mistake?
they were..hence the username *sigh* >_<
you said:::
"they didn’t just “used” the Philippines as a military base"
and they corrected with:::
"they didn’t just “use” the Philippines as a military base"
Kpop or Jpop groups arent created overnight! They undergo 6-10 years of training in singing, dancing..even to the point of exhaustion and risking their health. Take note, they dont debut until they're ready! I am a witness in their most difficult times and they amaze me at how they triumph over it. It hurts to know that some people criticize Kpop or Jpop groups for being lesbians or gays or jologs or with no talent! LOOKS ARE DECEIVING, remember? See them as if there is more to the images they portray. Look deeper!They're human beings also with feelings. I hope that we respect them as much as we want to be respected.
i agree with you..
be more asian than americans..!!!!
normally i don't care what other people thinks..
i got my own opinion on what is gay and not..
people tend to judge them by their cover..
i used to do that too..
when i first saw SHINee..
i was like..
aren't they a bit GAY..
but then when i saw how they really were..
i love them..
i don't judge them for their looks now..
nd about he lyrics..
you could always learn another language you know..
and for people who aren't fluent in English and still sing english song..
thats the same for kpop lovers..!
I think Jologs originated from Jolina Magdanal's fashion sense (the old one with the clips and thinggy) which was loved by the masses before. I guess it is related to your article by speaking relating to it in such demographic
However, I just want to express my disappointment with the Kpop trend in the Philippines. I myself am a Kpop fan (with DBSK, SNSD, Lee Seung Gi, G.O.D.-I can even name more)even since. At first I was happy to know a genre that I believe to have a better grasp from others. With its rising popularity in the country, I was happy to recommend songs. When it got really popular, I find myself half-hearted (happy coz' I could relate but unhappy coz' I'm losing my uniqueness). Now with this issue, I am completely devastated as my liking would likely be critisized by others thinking of it as jologs. Since I think Mo Twister has strong market appeal to upper/higher classes (with his strong opinionated image), he could change such market to not caring on Kpop to redeculing Kpop. I myself would be embarassed on being vocal to kpop. Again just expressing my sorrow.
By the way, thanks for your article.
I am concerned with that too! Now the rich kids will be like "Eeew. KPOP".
Awesome write-up, cool person.
They don`t hate it, they just think it`s weird because they don`t understand the K-pop world.
) Well, in fact, students from my school enjoys listening to it even without understanding the lyrics. =))
I LOVE your blog!!..
i was like nodding my head all through out!.
good job fellow "true" Kpop fan!~.
got a friend who is a "true" KPOP fan. I never really understand her reasons for liking them, and i don't want to ask her again (it will iritate her to death). Thanks to you,i understand her now.
Glad I've helped you out.
I can see one thing that the prevailing KPOP culture has done for us: It is our concept of what a cool girl group should look like. If you guys can remember, a few years back, our concept of what is "cool" or mainstream are those girl dance groups who appear in our noon time shows and dance otso-otso and spaghetti. As i watched Pop Girls, which is obviously a KPOP inspired commercial girl group, i realized that at the very least a certain level of class has been introduced into what the media is propagating as "cool" or mainstream. And the funny thing is, as with everything we have copied, we put out own flavor to it. So the result is a KPOPish group with girls who look like spanish mestiza, morena, and half chinese, which is exactly what we have here in the Philippines. Moreover, they look like girls who have talent and a certain level of class who doesn't simply wear skimpy clothes and parade their asses on TV.
Although I don't really agree that POP GIRLS have class, I agree with you with regards to KPOP girl groups cute image eating away on local girl group's sexy image.
Hey! I seriously enjoyed your 3 posts about kpop. Kpop was a refreshing escape for us since our Music Indutsry’s recent “breakthroughs” are bands/singers who just sing high notes ( they end up gagging sometimes
) and bands screaming their heads off.(hehehe.really.) I posted the links of your posts to my kpop addicted friends too 
hahaha. Seriously, I will BAWL when I see a “jologs” kid running around in an SNSD sando or something. (If, and only IF SNSD becomes jologs. ( no,please,no 
()
But seriously, I agree, kpop IS becoming jologs. (no!!! \dies/). Look at 4Minute’s mall show. If we have the same definition of jologs, we can say that there WERE, alot of “jologs” people in there.
And yeah, I showed my friends videos of Pop Girls and XCLR8(??????), and they almost died of laughter. (hehe.)
I had a fun time in your blog, and it really made an impact to me
( I’m gonna get my mom to read this!! YES!!) If you’re gonna post something about this, please email me. hahaha 
)
)
(I typed this while having Run Devil Run, Without You (U-KIss) and I want You Back(Srcret) on repeat so sorry for any grammatical errors
Oh yeah, I was there (4MINUTE mall tour) too. Fortunately, I was in the "paid" area so I was surrounded by rich 12 y/o fangirls.
I'm a big SECRET fan too! White paper Sunhwa is <3
salamat sa pag sulat neto!~
TAMA LAHAT TO~
YOU NAILED IT G JOB
Now I know what you did in your 4 days of vacation
Yep, this kind of posts needs a long self-reflection.
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