Crazy Fans? No, SCARY Fans.

Do you know anyone who aspires to become a celebrity? Why do you think that is? What is it about celebrities that so many people on this earth crave?

I would have to say, attention is the most obvious answer. Whether it’s hatred or love, we as human beings crave attention. We want people to care. As social networking is becoming more and more prevalent in our lives today, it’s becoming easier for us to discover different channels in which we can call out for attention.

Red carpet paparazzi (http://g1nbc.com/galaxy-of-the-stars/paparazzi/)

However, what happens when this attention gets carried away? What if this attention turns into obsession? What if that obsession transforms into absurd actions? And when it starts to harm people, how do you get people to stop caring?

These are some of the questions that come into mind when I think about crazy fans, fanatics, fan clubs, etc. We see all kinds of paparazzi crazes in Hollywood. We hear of out-of-control-fans chasing celebrities down the street. The stories never end.

In the eastern part of the world, fans operate a bit differently than in the west.

First of all, the fan clubs in Asia are extremely organized. It resembles a very tight community, always communicating and mobilizing together. Most of these fan clubs are made up of young girls. They range from elementary school to high school students. Many of the group members follow their celebrity around everywhere. For some of these girls, becoming a mild stalker is just the beginning.

These young girls will hack their phones and invade all sorts of privacy and even get into stars’ apartments. TVXQ’s fans are widely known for their wild actions. TVXQ has claimed to coming home to an apartment with fans watching their TV and lounging around in their living room. Girls have slapped and violently harmed some of the members, causing some severe injuries.  This male idol group has received all kinds of repulsive gifts such as menstrual blood to used feminine products. Pretty unbelievable, isn’t it?

TVXQ (http://ddramatards.wordpress.com/2012/01/08/another-week-of-dbsk-jyj/)

TVXQ Fans (http://seoulbeats.com/2011/01/cassiopeian-invasion/)

Japanese singer and actor, Yamada Ryosuke has publicly asked his fans, “Why? Why camp outside my house waiting for me? I really want to go to school. But why is that too much to ask? It's cruel! If you're a fan, please think carefully about what it means to me.” His fans have not only camped outside his house, but they have installed video cameras all around his home.

Yamada Ryosuke (http://pollpigeon.com/yamada-ryosuke-or-chinen-yuuri/t/67834/)

I have no explanation for these girls’ actions. I’m sure they don’t either. I wonder if all the thousands of people aspiring to become famous have thought about the life that takes over after the fame.  I doubt we’ll ever be able to crack the psyche of these scary fans, but someone seriously needs to calm them down!

One Artist. One Song.

These are just some of my favorite music artists in Asia. I love listening to all different types of music and just wanted to recommend some great songs.

MFlo

 Mflo (m-flo-713697.jpg)

This Japanese artist group happens to be one of my favorite Asian hip-hop group. Their group consists of DJ Taku Takahashi and emcee Verbal. They’re known for collaborating with different artists throughout the world such as BoA, Kanye West, Clazziquai and many more. Their music varies from songs that feel very mainstream pop to down-to-earth hip-hop. Their song “Tokyo Drift” was used as a soundtrack for the Hollywood hit movie “Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift.” I fell in love with their upbeat song, “Miss You,” which featured Melody and Ryohei.

Mflo - Miss You music vido (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KD59LJX2r38&ob=av3e)

Jay Chou

Jay Chou (jay-chou-blazer.jpg)

He would have to be the most well known Taiwanese artist. Many are drawn to his songs because they speak straight to the heart. Although he sings several genres of songs, his ballad songs have been the biggest hits. He has been in the entertainment industry for over ten years now. He, not only sings, writes, composes and produces songs, but he also produces and acts for movies. My favorite song of his would have to be “Secret.” The lyrics of this song beautifully illustrate the memories shared between two people who were once in love.

Jay Chou - Secret (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6dO6hCunTA)

2NE1

2NE1 (200904061038031002_1[1].jpg)

Definitely a one-of-a-kind girl idol group, their eye-catching fashion and catchy songs have led this group straight to the top. This group consists of four girls, CL, Park Bom, Sandara and Minzy. They’re known all over the world for their songs that epitomize K-pop. Although the members are really young, they each vary in their strengths as performers. While most girl idol groups are known to have a very doll-like image, promoting the usual sexy, cute or pretty look, 2NE1 is known for their charismatic atmosphere and powerful personalities. They have too many good songs, but "I Am the Best," is definitely one of my favorites.

2NE1 - I Am the Best (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7_lSP8Vc3o)

X Japan

X Japan (http://www.gameops.net/2012/01/x-japans-yoshiki-to-compose-2012-golden.html)

A band created in the early 1980’s, their history and story have left a large mark on the music industry of Japan. Although they started off as a heavy metal band, today they are more known for their ballads. They are one of the most legendary bands in all of Japan. They sold out their 55,000 seat concerts 18 times and to this day, bands all over Asia continue to remake their songs.  If I ever had a chance to hear them in concert, I would love to hear “Tears.” Just like the title, the song really does make you want to cry.

X Japan - Tears (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-STj-hzM780)

Jung Yeop

Jung Yeop (http://k-popandkoreandrama.blogspot.com/2011_08_01_archive.html)

Brown-Eyed Soul (http://www.soompi.com/forums/topic/262031-brown-eyed-soul/)

He is a Korean soul music artist. He is actually a member of the group Brown-Eyed Soul. This group is known for being very off-screen. Although they were not always on the main spotlight, they have a huge and very strong fan base. Their music has become a large part in the lives of Korean couples. Jung Yeop became more known in the public’s eye through a show called “I Am A Singer” as he sang one of his most favorite singles, “Nothing Better.” His unique voice with it’s ability to hit the high notes in the sweetest way melts the hearts of the ladies.

Jung Yeop - Nothing Better (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PkpPD-2NB4)

"And This is..?"

You think the concept of beauty in America is skewed? Then living in the East Asian countries is probably not the best idea for you.

It is said that 100% of Asian female celebrities have undergone some form of plastic surgery. In the U.S., we think of plastic surgery as face lifts, Botox, breast implants, nose jobs (which usually means making the nose smaller). However, in the east, plastic surgery means to westernize the face. Procedures usually consists of making the nose higher, making the eyes bigger and shaving the jaw line to make it narrower.

Above: Singer/actress Nam Gyu Ri

Below: Actress Park Min Young

http://blog.naver.com/tjehdtnr12?Redirect=Log&logNo=80145998820

Actress: Han Ye suel

http://blog.naver.com/tjehdtnr12?Redirect=Log&logNo=80145998820

The influence of the media definitely holds most of the responsibility in dwarfing the concept of beauty in young minds.

The before and after pictures of celebrity plastic surgeries are pretty unbelievable. It’s as if they are setting a trend of forever fixing your face. Some of the most famous celebrities that are widely known to have undergone huge transformations are Jaejoong (Hero), Nam Gyu Ri, Park Bom, and Hwanhee.

The concept of beauty not only affects the females of this country, but also influences the males of this country as well. The males definitely become more accustomed to this pretentious idea of beauty. And you would think the influence stops there. However, even males undergo plastic surgery to enhance their features.

Celebrity: Kang Hyuk Min

http://blog.naver.com/eoddlqkwl?Redirect=Log&logNo=10112599291

Idol/Singer: 광회

http://blog.naver.com/ksy85955?Redirect=Log&logNo=60121381609

Many famous male celebrities have openly admitted to making their eyes bigger, nose taller and fixing their foreheads. Interestingly enough, this is not seen as a feminine act. This is simply a trend and almost a necessity these countries have grown extremely accustomed to.

In Seoul, Korea, the Apgujeong-dong area (a widely-known wealthy neighborhood) is filled with plastic surgery facilities. And when I say filled, I mean every street, every building is filled with different plastic surgeon offices.

To this day, it still surprises me how so many plastic surgery businesses manage to stay in business when there is so much competition around them in the same neighborhood. This demonstrates to what extent, this business has become a part of this culture.

It’s weird, yet terribly sad to see so many girls look so much alike on the streets of Korea. When everyone starts to slit their eyes, put silicone in their nose and shave off their jaw line, they all begin to look alike.

Singer/Actress: Sung Yuru

http://blog.naver.com/goldgate6402?Redirect=Log&logNo=40147588600

Actress: Han Sun Hwa

http://blog.naver.com/goldgate6402?Redirect=Log&logNo=40147588600

The idea of unique beauty has already been lost in the depths of one very specific look. This is apparent, not only in the people of Asia, but more obviously in their celebrities.

As singers, movie stars, and talents consistently flaunt their similarly made-up looks on the media, people definitely start to believe that they are the definition of beauty.

Female celebrities have gone to extremes of fixing their foreheads (making it more round and fixing the hairline) to removing rib bones to create a slimmer waist.

So many before-surgery pictures of celebrities have surfaced onto the web. As soon as people see them, they sincerely ask, “And this is…?”

Hopefully, Asia will one day begin to understand the meaning of unique beauty. I believe that attractiveness com in forms of different features, sizes and shapes.

5, 6, 7, 8!

You’ve heard of fashion trends, consumer trends, economic trends, social trends, but have you ever heard of dance trends?

Ask any Korean what the popular dance routines are at this very moment. I guarantee they will have an answer for you. Everyone’s answers probably won’t be the same, but they’ll definitely name a routine.

Having spent almost 5 full summers in Korea and a semester in Shanghai, I came face to face with one of the continent's most powerful industries, the entertainment industry. The influence of Asian entertainment on the other side of the world is unbelievable. Entertainment has always been my biggest interest and I have been exploring this business from a very young age. And of course, I know a couple of these dance routines as well.

Idol groups dominate the Korean music industry today. They not only start make-up, hair and fashion trends, but they also create dance trends. You’ll see kids as young as 5 years old to elders with white hair knowing the trendy dance moves to popular songs.

As for Americans, when we think of a popular dance, we think of a type of dance such as dubstep or tango. This is definitely not the case for Asian pop culture.

(Korean Signature Dance Moves. Source: Youtube.com)

From the release of Wonder Girls’ “Tell Me” music video in 2008, Korean idol groups have become obsessed with creating dance routines that will become the next big trend.

The release of “Tell Me” started a huge stir all around the world causing people to upload videos of themselves dancing the routine. This marketed, not only the song itself, but also the Wonder Girls. 

(Wonder Girls - Tell me. Source: Youtube)

Korean Traffic Police dancing to Tell me. Source: Youtube

Not too long after, Wonder Girls’ huge hit, Girl’s Generation came out with their song, “Gee” which also had an easy tune and very distinct, yet simple dance moves. This, once again, allowed their fans to easily imitate the dance moves. In a sense it allows the fans to relate themselves to these celebrities. Of course, the trend of Youtube videos followed and once again, another song was successfully marketed with its dance moves.

As for popular boy group dances, Super Junior’s “Sorry, Sorry” was a huge hit all across Asia. The wonderful dance moves of 12 good-looking guys apologizing while rubbing their hands was bound to be a success. 2PM’s “Heartbeat” and “Again and Again” could not have had more parodies all over the media.

The list of hit songs with their hit dance moves is never-ending.

The dance styles range from cute to sexy, fast to slow and even soft to hard.

I’ve tried to figure out why the Asian market has become so centralized on dance moves. Although this is just a personal theory, one word comes to my mind: Karaoke.

It’s hard to wrap my mind around just how deep karaoke is rooted into the Asian culture. Especially in Japan and Korea, people go to a Karaoke bar just as much or maybe even more than they go to a regular bar. It’s something people do after company dinners, after birthday parties, hangouts, after exams, etc. These people start going from when they were in elementary school. Families would go Karaoke together and just sing and dance their troubles away.

So what could more fun than to be able to know the exact dance routine to the song you’re singing? You can’t get much crazier than that.

However, the popularity of K-pop has taken the popularity of its dance moves with it. Now, there are videos posted from people all over the world dancing to these Korean songs. What started from a market specific trend has now spread to a rapidly growing universal music industry.