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K-pop Fandoms and Protest Culture

Joseph Hwang In the 1980s, South Korea achieved democracy through a constitutional amendment that allowed direct presidential elections in response to civil resistance against military rule. This constitutional shift came at a significant cost, with ordinary citizens sacrificing their lives so that future generations could establish a nation grounded in their cherished values. Today, the older generation of South Koreans plays a pivotal role in this democratic legacy, as the freedoms and values they fought for have nurtured the global rise of K-pop. For this generation, protests are ingrained in their culture, yet they believe such actions should not be necessary. The term “martial law” is particularly sensitive for them, as they are acutely aware of the oppressive military dictatorships in South Korea’s history, where it was a tool for controlling dissent. Just hearing the phrase triggers memories of the violence that occurred during pro-democracy protests. However, on December 3, 202...
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Posted by Joseph Hwang

The Independence of Blackpink Member "Lisa" and the Implications of Her Activities

 Joseph Hwang


Lisa, a “Blackpink” member, returned with the new single “Rockstar” on June 28, 2024, at 9 am Korea Standard Time. Fans’ reactions and people’s judgments are different and varied.


This announcement and comeback are her first activities since the opening of LLOUD, the personal company she founded for her management. It has become a bit complicated because her position as a member of Blackpink belongs to YG. Still, LLOUD independently owns her activities as an artist. Her independent global activities are especially controlled by RCA, the Sony Music sub-label.


What stands out about her comeback this time are the production notes and credits on the music video for her new single, Rockstar. In particular, we have to focus on the organization of the filming production of her music video. The filming needs a lot of manpower. There also need to be the permits and authorities for the locations and the support of technical staff. In the case of K-pop, this is no exception. During the filming process of the K-pop music video, the production companies have often received support from US staff. Multinational joint productions are daily events in this filming industry.


At this time, the Rockstar production organization consisted of many Thai crews on the shoot, and the video clip was made by LLOUD, which is run by Thai crews. Lisa built her nation with her friends from home. Lisa is Thai, and Thailand is her home. She tries to be independent on her own.


This is also her attempt to be meaningful for the K-pop industry that wants to grow more than the present. Lisa’s comeback and her attempt in Thailand also mean the localization and globalization of K-pop in terms of K-pop production. The culture must be exchanged from nation to nation; in the process of exchanging, the exchanged culture should improve and develop the original culture of each country for the future. Lisa’s products, which were produced by herself, whether K-pop or Thai-pop, are never necessary. The discussion about its identity of it is useless no longer. We should learn from each other and respect others’ styles and ways of producing their pop culture.


K-pop is burdened with making a better environment because its social power and popularity will expand. For this reason, we have to be more caring, humble, patient, and supportive. Lisa’s stand-alone should be supported and cheered by big applause from the fans of K-pop. Go, Lisa!


* References and quotations:


https://youtu.be/hbcGx4MGUMg?si=0CiLPeyWY1reaWLQ




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