Difference between IDOL and IDOL-SINGER in kpop

I think the difference is not in the performance aspect. I believe an idol is more accessible and interactive than a singer.

I always primarily viewed idols as all-around entertainers rather than singers,since that's essentially what pop music is in general.

idols are mostly performers or entertainers...

I know what you trying to say here but I do think it’s different from previous generations. Fans are easy to pick up and shade idols who don’t sing live, don’t sing good. There are of course difference in skill level but I don’t think there is an idol out there who can’t sing at all.

Quote from Panpriyah-lice

But most of them are bad singer too

Don’t know about vocals in 2nd gen even if they are quite good singers but as soon 3rd gen has taken over, companies have been focused on dancing, and performances, the idol training when it comes to vocals is just a mess, most idols are hired for their visuals and some are lucky they got a good voice.

I think there are some good singers but most of them are C-list singers, I believe if Companies had the same energy as dancing training, idols would have been better singers.

according to Lee Jieun, who effectively owns Edam Entertainment,

she doesn't think idols are inferior from singers/artists and she thinks idols and singers/artist can be the same.

Quote from Panpriyah-lice

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i just want to point out that Kpop idol doesn't need to be a good singer to be part of pop music (that's the meaning behind my thread)

and that's the difference that i see between idol and singer ,

i don't know if you understand my point of view

I also agree that Kpop idol doesn't need to be a good singer. The difference between an idol and a singer is not whether they can sing well or not, it's just that they have different kind of job.

Quote from Panpriyah-lice

But most of them are bad singer too

Well to be fair they don't have to be a incredible singer to become and idol. If they can be entertaining and make people fall in love with them then they are an idol.

idols are like the GPs (General practitioners) of Korean entertainment, they manage a bit of many things - sing, dance, rap, act, model, but rarely are the best in anything, except perhaps "fan-service".

Idol-ing should be considered a profession by itself. And then talk about idols who are more focused on singing or dancing or whatever.

As to IU's opinion, disparaging idols is definitely objectionable, but that does not mean there are not distinctions or hierarchies within the same profession, of different categories.