The problem with kpop in Korea is that they don’t have a word for entertainer

The term idol originated from jpop and its synonym to entertainer there

There are idols in Japan who never singed and just do photoshoots and varieties and still called idols

Quote from godkingteshub

I’m saying they call idols with the word ‘singer ’, they put them in that category for some reason

the proper term for what idols really are is "idol"

being an idol doesnt mean your main job is singing

the reason they call some idols singers, its bc thats what they focus on

I don't get what point you're trying to make

ah yes, that’s K-pop’s problem, that’s the big one

Quote from nana18

I don't get what point you're trying to make

I don't think he does either.

If your job consists of putting out original music which includes your vocals, and then performing that music "live" - whether most of those performances are actually lip synched or not - you are by definition a professional singer. Even bad singers are still singers by occupation. You'd have to be pulling a Milli Vanilli for this to even be debatable.

"Idol" is an optional term that is applied only in certain countries. Kpop was definitely inspired by Jpop, which also uses the term, but it was also inspired significantly by American pop acts of the 80s and 90s, none of whom were called "idols" in their native land, despite having the same job description and performance style as Jpop & Kpop idols.

"Entertainer" is a generic catch-all term that could describe someone who performs in literally any field of entertainment, and I find it hard to believe there's no analogous word in Korean.

Why are y’all entertaining the troll he is not trying to have a discussion about the etymology. He’s trying to say no one in kpop sings so they shouldn’t be called singer.

The korean word for entertainer, is entertainer in a Korean accent

yeah they seems using "idol" as a kind of singer...
there is a funny banter about Lee Mijoo and Sixth Sense casts, mainly Yoo Jaeseok...
He keeps telling her that she is a commedian, or should rather become a commedian instead, and Mijoo keeps denying that and telling that she is an idol/singer

There are many good dancers but only few can really sing

There is idol-idol and idol-singer

That doesn't mean they don't work hard, both work hard but that's how I see it