While BTS have been dragged thru the mud when six other companies campaigned for their own idols to have a possible exemption back in 2017, the criteria that was presented is weak AF because it was formulated by those same six companies. They stated and I quote "it will be too challenging to attain such results" so now we have a dumbed down version instead. Not only is it riding on something kpop stans have bashed BTS for so long (seeking western validation) but it undermines the cultural phenomenon and impact BTS has made worldwide to just something US specific. Nevermind the BIG 3 trying and FAILING for years trying to attain that same western validation BTS has been ridiculed for, but the criteria isn't making something it into Korean related at all which disappoints me greatly. Why not make it about culture importance such as spreading Hangul, cultural of merit order, being top 10 of most influential brands of South Korea, creating landmarks/jobs/sub cultures of infrastructure or just in general being the number one export for South Korea? This might make an exemption for others WAY more difficult but at least it's something that a Korean would honor more because it comes at the pride of their country as a whole which will make it worthwhile. I know rn BTS ticks all the boxes but an exemption shouldn't be so easily attainable either or the value of it is lost. It just cheapens the idea that the BIG 3 plus the 3 other companies who campaigned for this in the first got their way in the end. I know we as ARMY brag about how no one can touch a nomination let alone a paper award but it is as easy to buy one's way to meet an end goal. But no one can buy cultural impact and export like they can awards.
Anyone else see the flaw in making it US specific and above all else award driven instead of Korean culture impact? @ AKP ARMYs would love your feedback. Ves with the taglist.
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