Is it possible to define what makes a performer an "idol" ?
Makes:
1. Identified, trained and debuted by an agency - the idol trainee system pioneered by Lee Soo Man.
2. Should be a dancing singer - not just sings, not just dances- but does both on a regular basis.
3. Must be mostly performing K-pop - not pure ballads, pure Hip-Hop etc., but a popular fusion of many genres
4. Must be highly engaged in promotions, active with fan-service.
Other attributes like "Being in a group", works only in the combination of the above 4 criteria.
Groups are not unique to K-pop, vocal groups like Big Mama exists in Korea, but they don't sing Kpop.
CNBlue did pop(rock inspired), but since they don't all dance-sing, they are a band and not a group.
And of course there is a long list of former-group members, going solo - still being Kpop idols. Taeyeon, Sunmi etc,
Thoughts?
