The recent events of Stray Kids being victims of racism and xenophobia, shows once again why we shouldn’t seek western validation!

I disagree. It was paparazzi. The leeches of society. They are not the representatives of Western society.

I feel like It's a double-edged sword. Of course there will be racism and xenophobia, but also there are so many people out there who like and would like to welcome asian artists and their culture If exposed to it. I think It's even unfair to restrict themselves to reach this audience because of the negative impact It might bring, because It's exactly what western media and a big portion of It's individuals would want.

Two separate issues. Racism and xenophobia are always wrong. Success abroad in the West or anywhere is just success - I don’t think it validates anything except you have fans abroad and they created the demand for your art/work etc.

Sad that Asian hate is still so in your face in the US and I know some Stray members totally understood what was said. Kudo to them for keeping cool and handling like a pro but it still hurts. One of the few reasons I left the US - I was sick of it.

not sure what happened

but yesterday i was watching the live Met Gala, and the way the shout at every celebrity was very disturbing. I thought, to be able to work there, it must be an agreement with the organization. So why do they let these people act like that.

didn`t watch Stray Kidz part on the red Carpet

Maybe they think it is just SK, but in general it was like that

but i might be wrong, and things was worst

Quote from Minazuki

I feel like It's a double-edged sword. Of course there will be racism and xenophobia, but also there are so many people out there who like and would like to welcome asian artists and their culture If exposed to it. I think It's even unfair to restrict themselves to reach this audience because of the negative impact It might bring, because It's exactly what western media and a big portion of It's individuals would want.

I agree that there will always be SOME (key word) people who will be racist and xenophobic no matter what...it won't matter to them if it's black or yellow or kpop related or whatever - haters are gonna hate...one should always call them out specifically for it and judge an entire country/region/west for the actions of some bad apples.

AND there are always going to be people who support SKZ and other kpop artists in making waves in the west...

I think Kpop idols probably have very thick skin regarding the kind of comments they get all the time. We're freaking out about the comments because they're shocking but they get crazies trying to break into their hotel room. I'm sure they get very strange and offensive comments shouted at them all the time unfortunately.

Of course, they don't need validation from the West, but stopping promoting music outside of Asia isn't a solution either.

While I agree that they should not stop pushing into the western market I would say they should not make it their top priority.

No matter the country, Asians face racism (both outright and subtle ones).

Quote from Yinye

Two separate issues. Racism and xenophobia are always wrong. Success abroad in the West or anywhere is just success - I don’t think it validates anything except you have fans abroad and they created the demand for your art/work etc.

Sad that Asian hate is still so in your face in the US and I know some Stray members totally understood what was said. Kudo to them for keeping cool and handling like a pro but it still hurts. One of the few reasons I left the US - I was sick of it.

I feel you. I’m considering leaving north Europe by the end of this year due to the same reasons. It was “not good” before COVID and then it just imploded. Asians being pushed out of buses elevators, verbal abuse, violent attacks etc. Now China is the BIG enemy. Can only imagine the situation in the states …

Quote from Minazuki

I feel like It's a double-edged sword. Of course there will be racism and xenophobia, but also there are so many people out there who like and would like to welcome asian artists and their culture If exposed to it. I think It's even unfair to restrict themselves to reach this audience because of the negative impact It might bring, because It's exactly what western media and a big portion of It's individuals would want.

But yeah also this

If there no interaction, there’s no progress. These artist are still trailblazing, maybe it will change with time

It's NYC paparazzi...they're rough to everyone regardless of race.

Let's all follow OPs advise, from now on, until further notice, All kpop events in the USA should be cancelled!

Quote from Demon_owl

I feel you. I’m considering leaving north Europe by the end of this year due to the same reasons. It was “not good” before COVID and then it just imploded. Asians being pushed out of buses elevators, verbal abuse, violent attacks etc. Now China is the BIG enemy. Can only imagine the situation in the states …

Hugs. I do miss the US but I do def plan carefully when traveling there to visit family there or when in Europe. I def don’t go out alone anymore. I am sensitive because I am part Chinese and yah the Sinophobia is too much.

Quote from Yinye

Hugs. I do miss the US but I do def plan carefully when traveling there to visit family there or when in Europe. I def don’t go out alone anymore. I am sensitive because I am part Chinese and yah the Sinophobia is too much.

Oh hell no, same, I never go out alone at night in some areas

Its so messed up and u had to make a big decision but you seem to thrive now and that’s what important.

Hugs

I think currently the western population has sizable amount of asian or mixed people in it so cultural aspects is not that foreign to them.

Western media could have been racist when kpop was not as much a money maker in west, but now those money hungry people won't intentionally say anything bad as they too have their own interest aligned (advertising and viewership).

We can't rule out exceptional cases, but as i discussed with a friend here, even Korean shows show xenophobic or sometimes mildly racist joke and don't consider it problematic, just as we can assume that they are not used to other cultures, we can give same benifit of the doubt for west, but I have to say west is very open to kpop and it's rise in popularity shows it, few old school, racist or ignorant individuals should not be held as flag bearers for west's response to kpop.

Quote from SandyBee3

Not saying they should stop promoting, just not prioritize it too much.

JYP's bank account disagrees with you

Racism is not something that only happens in western countries. It happens in Asia, in Korea as well!

Also, let's be honest, Kpop is a joke most of the time. We love Kpop, but every year there are more and more lazy Idol groups releasing the same boring songs. Not to mention their vocal abilities and the crazy fandoms. Those "fans" are the loud minority, that's why western people think Kpop is a joke.

One more thing. How many times did we see Kpop companies promoting groups that are actually amazing MUSICIANS and not just visually appealing? That's the other reason non-Kpop fans think this genre is a joke.

So, I don't know what happened with the boys, but as I said, racism has nothing to do with promoting in western countries, and people only think Kpop is a joke, because sometimes, it's a joke, thanks to lazy companies and many fans, too!

Their are groups who prioritize the west over the east?

Quote from xx-jenn-xx

this is the dumbest shit I've read today. You are incorrect. Maybe your friends find it to be a joke but no. Most people that I have met, DON'T understand the language, and therefore can't get into it. Not because it's a joke. We have had the backstreet boys, new kids on the block, new edition, lfo, otown, youngstown, the spice girls etc. That all perform much the same way that Kpop does. And people were into that.

The fact that it's a huge language barrier is the problem. Even my own family says "The music itself sounds good, but i don't understand any of it so i can't get into it". The fact you think everyone says it's a joke says more about you, since you seem to find everything but mammamoo a joke.

Don't speak for all of us when you clearly don't have your ducks in a row.

Racism DOES happen everywhere in various countries, but I don't think people need to hide from it, and never come here again. There's so many more people who DO appreciate and WANT to appreciate Kpop that deserve the chance to hear them.

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Reminds me of when I had classmates in my Nordic country saying racist stuff about kpop and also "Why do you listen to Korean stuff, when you don't understand what they are saying?"

Quote from xx-jenn-xx

this is the dumbest shit I've read today. You are incorrect. Maybe your friends find it to be a joke but no. Most people that I have met, DON'T understand the language, and therefore can't get into it. Not because it's a joke. We have had the backstreet boys, new kids on the block, new edition, lfo, otown, youngstown, the spice girls etc. That all perform much the same way that Kpop does. And people were into that.

The fact that it's a huge language barrier is the problem. Even my own family says "The music itself sounds good, but i don't understand any of it so i can't get into it". The fact you think everyone says it's a joke says more about you, since you seem to find everything but mammamoo a joke.

Don't speak for all of us when you clearly don't have your ducks in a row.

Racism DOES happen everywhere in various countries, but I don't think people need to hide from it, and never come here again. There's so many more people who DO appreciate and WANT to appreciate Kpop that deserve the chance to hear them.

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You're saying my comment is the dumbest shit, then you proceed talking nonsense about the people around you. Makes sense.🤣

Anyone who think Music is about language is an idiot, simple as that! Many people don't take Kpop seriously because all they see is cute girls and boys "singing"cute songs, or trying to act cool. That's the mainstream media. Stop talking nonsense about language barriers.

In Music, there's no language barrier.

Those group that you mentioned were active like 20 years ago. Nowadays, THAT pop isn't trendy in western countries anymore.

If you can't understand the language, you can find the English lyrics or other languages. Those people are just lazy AF and don't love music at all, and they like to consume the same crap that they can understand, because it's meaningless.

The real problem is you and the fact that you can't make a valid argument without mentioning Mamamoo. Why are you even attacking me? NEVER said, EVERYONE think Kpop is a joke! You're an adult, why are you can't read? Where did I hurt your feelings with my comment? I'm failing to understand it. My comment wasn't about Mamamoo, I could mention like 10 other groups, female and male groups as well whom are REAL MUSICIANS and non-Kpop fans should see them instead of the typical mainstream Kpop groups. Also, maybe you're senile, but I'm pretty sure I told you already that I'm a MULTI-STAN, not just a Mamamoo fan!

Like they say: "If the shoe fits..." it's not my problem.🤔 Also, I said "LOUD MINORITY"! Next time, put aside your crazy boy group brain and learn to read before you attack someone for their opinions.

Seriously, I'm f-ing fed up with some crazy Kpop stans who can't read or too lazy to understand what the other people say. I'm 110% sure you attacked me, because you think I'm trying to defend idiots in the western country who attacked Stray Kids or whatever they did. For the record, I like Stray Kids, so again, put your crazy boy group fangirl brain aside and read my comment again like a normal person! My comment wasn't even about them, LOL.

Thank you!

Quote from xx-jenn-xx

IF you can't read all that, shut the hell up and don't quote me again. You attacked me first for literally ZERO reason, don't act like a victim now.

BTW, congrats for proving my point about lazy Kpop stans. 🤣

Quote from David33

Racism is not something that only happens in western countries. It happens in Asia, in Korea as well!

Also, let's be honest, Kpop is a joke most of the time. We love Kpop, but every year there are more and more lazy Idol groups releasing the same boring songs. Not to mention their vocal abilities and the crazy fandoms. Those "fans" are the loud minority, that's why western people think Kpop is a joke.

One more thing. How many times did we see Kpop companies promoting groups that are actually amazing MUSICIANS and not just visually appealing? That's the other reason non-Kpop fans think this genre is a joke.

So, I don't know what happened with the boys, but as I said, racism has nothing to do with promoting in western countries, and people only think Kpop is a joke, because sometimes, it's a joke, thanks to lazy companies and many fans, too!

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I believe OP is talking about literal racism/xenophobia that was what Stray Kids faced, they were making fun of the members for their ethnicity to the point one of the paparazzis mentioned they were getting covid for the simple fact of being in the same space as them, in front of the guys even.

It has nothing to do with K-pop as an industry, It's visuals or the idols' skills.

You make some good points, OP.

While I think they should be able to promote in the west without this shit, I don't think it should be the main priority.