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

all of the above

All of the above, plus I think there are always gonna be other genres that outweigh kpop outside of Korea.

i select your answers as best answer

i think the biggest factor is tough competition from western artists

Kpop is like that Asian kid invited to a Bieber Concert that Americans would refuse to attend

Men with makeup = gay

bubble music

they perceive it as not good & acc. to many : men with died hair, make-up, e.t.c. = gay

also cause of racism & xenophobia

Agree with everyone for the reasons listed; I also think it is due to the bias of what KPOP is, most Americans like to stay in their comfort cultural zone. They tend to accept things once they give it a chance etc.

The amount of time I see American YT music reactors admit they’re incorrect preconceived notions after finally giving foreign music a chance, especially true for KPOP.

True story of my American dad refusing to eat sushi and sashimi for decades for no reason other than thinking it’s gross raw fish. Finally, after I took him to my Jpn friend’s restaurant (my Jpn friend is a master sushi chef), and he saw how it was prepared/made and finally tried it - he loved it so much lol. He then said: “I was missing out all these years”.

the non-English lyrics....

Quote from MissBehave

Racism/xenophobia, the language barrier, or the perception of boy groups as manufactured bubble gum pop for teens?

Language barrier and the music concepts a cultural misunderstanding. This is the reason why BTS even spoke about their new music not being them or true to their real image as the music was made for the western audience to get a Grammy. IT had to be a western style pop or hip hop or rap song with all English lyrics and the members must have high fluency levels ofor pronunciation or else the music will fail. If dynamite etc wasn't English it would not have gotten far in the west. The language and cultural aspects have the biggest affect on a medium far more than any potential racist or xenophobia allegation could. This is especially true in western countries that are melting pots.

Excessive male makeup and fan service

Xenophobia but while I think K-pop and k entertainment in general don’t directly promote racism but still do in some way. Kpopies these days think the world beauty standards is korean and what are those standards? Not to mention the homophobia, transphobia, sexism,racism xenophobia in the country which influences kpopies these days so much through the shows they watch. It’s a little better in the west now but if K-pop will worsen it. Idk. Do you guys really think the culture should be followed WW?

one of the first kpop songs I ever heard was Ring Ding Dong

it was too much to take in

I think the intensity of the sheer *KPOPNESS* has come down since then, it's easier to get into it

KPOP had different ideals than western music

GG is more male gaze

in KPOP cuter >sexy >girl crush (especially in Japan & Korea)

the west like diversity

different beauty standard

this is from GG perspective only

while BG

make-up = gay
their male standard is difference

the west not into dancing male
unless for a goofy dance like Gangnam style ?

even in asian males Big Bang is their favorite because it not a dancing group
they don't dance

their members image also manly

even their scandal is manly (burning sun )

maybe that the reason

no matter what scandal they had
their lyrics, image , or public perception

is manly for common fans
like they said ‘art imitates life & vice versa

their is a reason why western male singer
even with public bad image still popular among fans for both gender

language barrier + music genre (i.e. bubblegum pop)

Probably racism and lack of fluent English.

A new concept that perhaps mainstream isn't ready for.

Quote from MY-Kwangya

Probably racism and lack of fluent English.

A new concept that perhaps mainstream isn't ready for.

Lack of diversity as well. They only promote asians in general. Their standards are impossible for other races to idolize or see as role models

Toxic masculiity wlll be the first reason I can think of. The idea of men wearing make up, for the most part, is considered a turn off for people in the West.

Xenophobia is another reason. Let's be real. Most Americans, unfortunately, do not like competition, especially not from Asians. Kpop as a whole is considered to be so far away from the regular norms Americans are used to. Kpop for them is totally "un-american". Therefore, it is strange and weird. Many Europeans may think the same way. The Western world has a disdain from anything non white.

Language also comes into play. A lot of people can't be bothered to look into the lyrics or read sub-titles.

They hear a song sung in a foreign language and it's easily dismissed.