Are kpop idols musicians and artists to you?

I think pretty much everyone in kpop is an artist, but I am very aware lots of people don't. Why?

As for me, a musician is someone who uses an instrument to create music. They do not have to write, and I think its weird people apply these standards. You would call a flute player a musician, even if they didn't write their piece. Idols sing, they are musicians. Anyone who dismisses Chen, someone who learned presumably for years his craft, as not a real musician, is absolutely wrong.

And for artist, it is someone who practices various creative arts, and kpop idols have 2, music and dance. Its so weird to say that if a kpop idol did not write a song they are not part of the process, as if recording and adding your own flavor to a song, is not part of getting the song to your ears.

Quote from jinaland

only the ones who write & produce music

why tho?

Quote from hueningkaiskai

bts are true musicians

so is chen.

Quote from bangtan-hoodie

This

what is a true musician tho? You cannot just say 'this', I want a discussion and a hit thread.

Quote from myaza

Not the ones who dont create anything and only do what they're told. Many idols are mostly celebrities, they are in groups to kickstart their modelling/CF/acting/variety career.

The ones who do show initiate and actually create something, write music to express themselves or send some kind of message, regardless of quality, I would consider artists.

hmm, I do see your point about idols kick starting a career/just wanting to be famous. In that case, since they don't really care, they don't technically count.

Quote from itiswhatitisss

For some people, the line is drawn at whether the said idol actually CREATED the choreo, music, etc.

Most definitions of an artist describe it as "a person who creates or produces works of art". If the idol didn't create or produce anything, then they won't be considered an 'artist' based on the literal definition.

Musician is different, if the idol is musically talented and perform music, then they can be called musicians. Most idols perform music anyway, so they fit the description.

Where is the line drawn then? Do they only have to write one song? Some idols don't write a lot, but have a few credits, are the musicians or not?