What do you think holds back kpop more in the west?

Language barrier, fan service + a lot of members.

Language barrier

Xenophobia/Racism in many western cultures

I guess theres an element of homophobia/toxic masculinity

There's also the "manufactured" aspect of kpop. Western audiences seem to like "authentic" backgrounds for their artists. The singer/songwriter that struggled and had a passion for their music before they were discovered, the garage band working their way from small bars to stadiums, the tortured artist that rose up from the streets. Theres a perception among many music fans in the west that boy groups (and girl groups) are "manufactured", created by committee in boardrooms and focused grouped and polished to perfection. That they aren't "authentic". Especially so when their songs and music aren't even written by them. These types of groups are for kids and teens and not for serious music fans. It doesn't help when so many kpop groups rely on lipsync so much.

I kind of think that theres also this idea that kpop isn't serious, that it's a novelty act kind of things. Many Westerners first exposure to kpop was Gangnam Style, which was very much marketed in the west as a very silly novelty song. A meme, a "haha have you heard this silly song with the silly under the legs dance?". I think that lodged in the brain for some people, who now equate kpop with this childish, silly, novelty act image that they remember from Gangnam Style. Images of kpop stars wearing bright, or over the top, or outlandish outfits doesn't help this.

Quote from ThePhantomThief

I kind of think that theres also this idea that kpop isn't serious, that it's a novelty act kind of things. Many Westerners first exposure to kpop was Gangnam Style, which was very much marketed in the west as a very silly novelty song. A meme, a "haha have you heard this silly song with the silly under the legs dance?". I think that lodged in the brain for some people, who now equate kpop with this childish, silly, novelty act image that they remember from Gangnam Style. Images of kpop stars wearing bright, or over the top, or outlandish outfits doesn't help this.

tinfoil hat time

Western Music has a lot to lose financially if kpop ever takes over. Actively promoting kpop as this novelty genre from the "other" people means that they can't be accused of overt racism but still achieve the goal of stunting kpops growth

I mean, look at the grammys. Harry Styles winning album of the year convinced me that given half a chance the industry will promote safe artists that remind them of their glory days at the top of the social pyramid

The senior singer

2 Kilos of make up and hair product per idol on boy groups

while on the other hand girl must look natural

just by looks you have the reverse styling from western standars. Both are good looking idols male/famle.

and i think some restrictions idols have in real life put westerns off