allkpop

too cbf to write lengthy opinionated crap on this topic
but ill say this.

if youve grown up most of your life in a western country (a fair share of the people here)
you can understand why its so hard without even having to open your mouth.
its like as if the idea has been built into us ever since we were kids. harsh yes. but true.
all the best for the upcoming asian debutons for the US.

i've grown up in a western country and listened to western music all my life and i took me just listening and watching the mv of one kpop song to fall in ♥ with kpop. That was DBSK - Wrong Number (no wonder i fell in ♥) and i haven't looked back since. KPOP is my life now lol.

Most of you are right these Asian artists won't break through in America if they don't have good English-speaking skills as well as a major artist or label behind them in the U.S. But some of you are wrong in thinking that it will be a long time before any Asian artist can break through. There are three artists currently who are making great strides in America. They are Arnel Pineda, the lead singer of Journey, Charice Pempengco, whom is backed by Oprah Winfrey & David Foster, and of course, Allen Pineda (aka Apl de. Ap) of the Black Eyed Peas. All of them are from the Philippines, born and raised. These artists are making it big because of the two reasons I just said and, of course, they have superior talent which got them noticed. Don't believe me? Watch all their performances. If KPOP artists really want to succeed in America, they should learn from their Philippine neighbors. But don't discount Asian-Americans who are succeeding in the entertainment industry because they're making it easier for Asians to take this chance now.

My first actual post on the forums (minus the news front page stuff)

First of all you guys know Utada's first CD was released ever was released in America right? I hope so because I didn't see any Cubic U references in any of the posts so far... as for that CD, well after going to Japan where she became really big, good luck for her with attempt #2 in the US...

Language is definitely a key thing here in the US. "Engrish" isn't tolerated that well in America... and it's just like any other country, if you decide to do work there you better know the language. If Se7en doesn't improve his English he's going to flame out eventually. JYP is trying to put Wonder Girls in the US, heck Park Jin Young has a much better chance when it comes to the language factor. If you all remember Jin he was a widely known freestyler and made a big achievement by being part of the Ruff Ryders. Oh yeah... he was BORN here.

I think that the singers that would succeed aren't necessarily ones that are really popular in Asia presently. Here in America minus Asian music followers, it'll be their first glance at whoever is attempting to crossover. Just ask some random person if they know who Se7en is, heck try BoA even. Success in Asia leading to success in the US doesn't correlate that well. Probably singers that are tier-2 in popularity would probably be ideal, examples being: Crystal Kay, MayDoni Kim, As One, Yuna Ito, and any C-Pop singer that knows English (CoCo Lee tried something here right...?)

The last thing that I'm gonna look at is uniqueness. Out of all the popular picks to do well in America, Utada I think has the edge here. The whole popping and club thing has been played out enough by singers here that seeing it from an Asian crossover star is sorta redundant. BoA can pop her way in so much, and Se7en can only dance and be the #1 guy at the club for so long b4 it fades out quickly. Maybe package MayDoni in with some Americans in a group? As One showing off their amazing dual vocal ability while doing acapella-ish songs? How bout looking inhouse, with David Choi or Priscilla Ahn?

Where's the 2NE1 and possible Interscope collaboration talk...?

Basically being fluent in English is the pre-requisite to any type of success in America. After that (and this is all my opinion obviously) but espcially if companies overseas are going to try to break though, they need to take an unconventional approach. There is hope; after all Lady Gaga tried to get Teddy to produce her.

CHARICE-- is an asian. she's from the Philippines.. and she really make it in America til now. she also appeared in star king with suju in korea


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuWFJF9hYG8&feature=related

To the fools who believes that Asian artists/stars won't break it in the USA because they have poor English speaking skills have no idea what they're talking about. There are numerous non/poor-English speaking stars that are or have been sucessful in the US. You guys are exaggerating language being a crucial factor for foreign stars to be successful in the US. As long as these foreign stars have the necessary talent, appeal, connections and star value, they can and will be successful in the US regardless if they can't speak English properly. It's not like these foreign stars are actually going to use their English speaking abilities for some keynote speech or presentation to a mass audience. When was it a requirement for a musician/singer/artist to be able to speak a particular language fluently? I always thought it was their music or talent that matter, not whether they can speak English fluently or not.

asian artists don't need to break through.

I don't understand why they want to be so famous, even when they are already really famous in korea
just stay in korea, and stop wasting efforts to try to make it to the US.

People all over the world already know who they are, maybe not everyone, but that is great already. They won't break through because they are asian. It's true. We just have different taste in music than white people. some people like our music, but not many.

like i barely listen to american music anymore, because asian music is more of my taste in music.

my opinion

I read most of the posts in this thread and I think there are a few points that some people are misunderstanding.

First, it is not impossible for Asian artists to have some measure of success in America, even if they don't speak perfect english. That said, to have -lasting- success and an -english- album, you do need to go on TV shows to promote your work and you will be interviewed by harsh people so english will become completely necessary.

That, and there are a few reasons why Asian artists aren't finding lasting success, even if they do speak english.

1). Songs in America and songs overseas cater to different audiences and are thereby, written and produced differently. For example, translate most love songs in Japanese or Korean into English and you'll find vague metahpors and subtle references to love or relationships, while most English love songs are straight forward and a bit more explicit. A perfect example would be some of Utada's first english album; she tried to keep that same writing style but in the english language and it did not pan out.

2.) A lot of the artists that come over try too hard to turn "urban" or "club" and it just seems forced and unnatural in some cases. An over-sexed image doesn't work for a brand new artist from overseas.

3.)(This one is more opinion though.) It seems to me that artists in say Korea, are trained to be talented artists for sure, but they branch out into everything and do it heavily because of how small the area is compared to US. Over there, you don't have to be the best singer as long as you do what you do decently and still participate in other activities like MC'ing or variety shows, but singing well is much more important in the states, and not so much dancing unless you are -very- good at it.

4.) The majority of American audiences just aren't used to accepting new sounds so quickly. Music, like everything else, goes in and out of "fashion" so to speak. There will be a time when America will be 'ready' to fully accept an asian artist; timing is everything.

P.S. Sorry for the essay. >_>

Most people in America are prejudice against different people, especially with language barriers.

But I've seen BoA play in the mall.
So there's a start. ;)

TaekLove101 - Jul 02, 2009 06:23pm

asian artists don't need to break through.

I don't understand why they want to be so famous, even when they are already really famous in korea
just stay in korea, and stop wasting efforts to try to make it to the US.

People all over the world already know who they are, maybe not everyone, but that is great already. They won't break through because they are asian. It's true. We just have different taste in music than white people. some people like our music, but not many.

like i barely listen to american music anymore, because asian music is more of my taste in music.

my opinion

I AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ^-^

Asians won't make it on the other side of the ocean because they're ASIAN. Chinky eyes gets you no where in the United States of Uhmurrrika.

But in all seriousness, if no one can understand you while you attempt to speak English then you might as well get back on that boat, cause you gets DENIED. The American music industry is pretty much exclusively black and white; trying to accommodate yellow is too hard for the average American to even fathom.

(The only thing that can make you succeed is if you can whore it up, like Tila Tequila. But then again, she could speak English at the very least.)

You have to realize Asians only make 4% of the US population. Thats like 14 million out of the 300 million that live in the states. There are people in the mid-west who have never seen an asian person in their entire life. It's too early for an asian pop star to break through. You BARELY see any asians in american televisions or movies today.

It's just not our time to shine.

YuckFou - Jul 02, 2009 01:00pm

To the fools who believes that Asian artists/stars won't break it in the USA because they have poor English speaking skills have no idea what they're talking about. There are numerous non/poor-English speaking stars that are or have been sucessful in the US. You guys are exaggerating language being a crucial factor for foreign stars to be successful in the US. As long as these foreign stars have the necessary talent, appeal, connections and star value, they can and will be successful in the US regardless if they can't speak English properly. It's not like these foreign stars are actually going to use their English speaking abilities for some keynote speech or presentation to a mass audience. When was it a requirement for a musician/singer/artist to be able to speak a particular language fluently? I always thought it was their music or talent that matter, not whether they can speak English fluently or not.

I hate to break it to you but foreign artists do need to speak English if they're going to be successful in the U.S. I don't know where you got the idea that Asian artists shouldn't have to learn English to succeed. When you listen to American radio what language do you hear on pop music stations? English. When you see the artists that are super popular in the U.S. what language are they using? English. They also need to speak English well if they're going to promote themselves to the media. Talent and star power won't do a damn thing for them if they can't be understood by the general public & having a translator won't be accepted by most Americans. They also need to have the right people backing them so they know the right places to promote their work. There are Asians that are successful in the entertainment industry but a lot of you are choosing to turn a blind eye on the most obvious reasons why KPOP artists are not making it in the U.S. Just because they're not successful yet doesn't mean Asians will never be successful in the U.S. either you're really narrow-minded or you don't know much about current American culture. Those KPOP entertainment groups need to update the way they educate & promote their artists if they want to make their mark on the U.S.

DaeHyun - Jun 02, 2009 02:14am

They are making it!!. Slowly but they will break through!

Americans are closed minded. They all like it in their "LOCAL" way of thinking. Just English!
I lived in other countries and they embrace music from all over the world.

Theres the racial issue also.. Yes americans are racist. Its sad but its true. A number one nation in economy but they lack on the cultural knowledge.

Minorities are the ones that know how to appreciate all cultures because they come from other places and some of them are even from mixed backgrounds.

Thats why Asians can break through real fast all over the world except in America.

Not all Americans are racists. But yes, the majority, aren't always as open minded as they claim to be. Actually most are afriad of change still.

The issue is TALENT! The most important! Like WG. They're going to need more than looks to make it here in the main stream and not just with Disney fans! There's also publicity, understanding the American Music Industry, not trying too hard to the point where it seems forced and fake. And not rushing!! I think JYP is rushing WG because he thinks that like in KOrea, age is very important in the American Music Industry which is not.

G-Force - Jul 03, 2009 03:35pm

YuckFou - Jul 02, 2009 01:00pm

To the fools who believes that Asian artists/stars won't break it in the USA because they have poor English speaking skills have no idea what they're talking about. There are numerous non/poor-English speaking stars that are or have been sucessful in the US. You guys are exaggerating language being a crucial factor for foreign stars to be successful in the US. As long as these foreign stars have the necessary talent, appeal, connections and star value, they can and will be successful in the US regardless if they can't speak English properly. It's not like these foreign stars are actually going to use their English speaking abilities for some keynote speech or presentation to a mass audience. When was it a requirement for a musician/singer/artist to be able to speak a particular language fluently? I always thought it was their music or talent that matter, not whether they can speak English fluently or not.

I hate to break it to you but foreign artists do need to speak English if they're going to be successful in the U.S. I don't know where you got the idea that Asian artists shouldn't have to learn English to succeed. When you listen to American radio what language do you hear on pop music stations? English. When you see the artists that are super popular in the U.S. what language are they using? English. They also need to speak English well if they're going to promote themselves to the media. Talent and star power won't do a damn thing for them if they can't be understood by the general public & having a translator won't be accepted by most Americans. They also need to have the right people backing them so they know the right places to promote their work. There are Asians that are successful in the entertainment industry but a lot of you are choosing to turn a blind eye on the most obvious reasons why KPOP artists are not making it in the U.S. Just because they're not successful yet doesn't mean Asians will never be successful in the U.S. either you're really narrow-minded or you don't know much about current American culture. Those KPOP entertainment groups need to update the way they educate & promote their artists if they want to make their mark on the U.S.

I didn't say Asian artists don't have to learn English to succeed. I'm saying that some of you guys are exaggerating the need for them to speak perfect English fluently for them to succeed. It's as if you guys are saying it is a requirement for Asian stars to speak English properly/fluently for them to succeed in the US. What I'm saying is that as long as they have the talent, connection and appeal, they will succeed regardless of them not speaking proper English.I'll give you two good examples: Jackie Chan and Jet Li are world stars that are successful in the US yet they can't speak English fluently. They can speak broken down English with some of their pronounciations being incoherent yet they do decently on interviews and talk shows. As long as these Asian stars can speak some English and get their message out, they can succeed here if they have the talent and appeal.They don't have to speak perfect coherent English for them to succeed here.

I think one of the reasons they won't break through is because
What's big in Korea now? Girl Groups/Boy Bands.
We're kind of pass that stage if this was 1998 and
Nysnc,Backsteets boys and Spice Girls were around I could see
the whole bubblegum pop thing succeeding more.

Another reason is what's the point of debuting here when you
don't fully master the language? I love the Wondergirls but
I honestly had to strain to understand their English.

Plus,they're not bringing their A-Game.
When you have so many things working against you,
you sing your butts off~!
When there's so many talented Americans already from shows like
American Idol,bring something new and different and BETTER.
If you have to call the radio station a 100 times to
get your own song played do it!

Pink_Lotus - Jul 03, 2009 03:49pm

DaeHyun - Jun 02, 2009 02:14am

They are making it!!. Slowly but they will break through!

Americans are closed minded. They all like it in their "LOCAL" way of thinking. Just English!
I lived in other countries and they embrace music from all over the world.

Theres the racial issue also.. Yes americans are racist. Its sad but its true. A number one nation in economy but they lack on the cultural knowledge.

Minorities are the ones that know how to appreciate all cultures because they come from other places and some of them are even from mixed backgrounds.

Thats why Asians can break through real fast all over the world except in America.

Not all Americans are racists. But yes, the majority, aren't always as open minded as they claim to be. Actually most are afriad of change still.

That's rude to generalize all Americans as racist. YES some Americans are racist. Just as some KOREANS are racist, just as some Germans are racist, etc etc. And how can you even say that Americans are racist when we just elected the first black American president? That's change and we weren't afraid of it. How can you claim that EVERYWHERE else in the world Asians are breaking through the entertainment business? That is another generalization that is WRONG WRONG WRONG. I would love a listen of popular Asian artists in Switzerland, Sudan, Egypt.....etc. It is totally not the fact that they are Asian. It is a fact that the American audience is different then other countries audiences. Korea has manly boy bands and girl bands, here in America, that is not done. Plus, artists in America focus usually on one area, they don't do commercials, movies, TV shows, sing and dance like many Korean artists do. In truth, the majority of Americans only listen to music in English and watch TV and movies in English. So for an Asian artist to not know English and come here trying to transition over, it will not happen. Even though my favorite band is Super Junior and I don't speak any Korea AT ALL, I still love the music. But other Americans don't think this way. If they don't know the language, they don't want to listen to it. Sad, but true. Just cus we like to listen to music in our native tongue isn't racist. What Asian artists trying to transition over in America need to do is be different. Take Lady GaGa -(not Asian, I know, but a good example). She is popular because she is different from every other new face trying to get onto the scene. The fact is, it doesn't matter if you have a pretty face and nice body anymore, you have to have TALENT and be UNIQUE.
its not about IF Asians break into American entertainment, its WHEN. What They truly need to get into the industry are strong English skills, talent and good publicity.

I think JYP has the right mindset when it comes to the Wonder Girls. They're cute, they're marketable, and they're good role models for young girls. The Jonas Brothers started as Disney artists and have branched out and gotten quite good reviews for their latest album, and Miley Cyrus is one of the most recognizable stars in America, and is singlehandedly richer than many Fortune 500 corporations. Don't even get me started on the phenomenon that is High School Musical.

If they start out with Disney and that group of fiercely loyal preteens, they'll go nowhere but up. People here on this board talk about Disney as a copout, but the fact of the matter is that The Mouse has produced a number of credible artists, and more even so, marketable artists that are making money and selling records, even in this volatile economy.

The Wonder Girls are perfectly suited for Disney with their cute and catchy songs and easy to learn dance moves. All the while, they'll be perfecting their English and working towards breaking out of the Disney mold while making themselves filthy rich and much more experienced performers. I think they've got the best shot at a true crossover success in the States if they can get signed with Disney.

as what i've posted here.. Charice has made it in US.. she's actually fully booked with concerts together with big time US artists this year..
but in here in the PH, though she's so popular there, the way people see her is not that big, i mean in terms of fans, its like some of the Fil people just don't show much appreciation... and i think its because she lacks "charisma"...
sad reality but true...
there are lots of cases where (SOME)Fil are fond of supporting stuffs from other countries MORE than they appreciate things from their own...IMO

mysticmissy - Oct 21, 2009 12:56pm

Charice has made it in US..

if i hadn't seen her on star king, i would never know her name.

so no, she hasn't made it.