Psy and Park Jin Young Give Their Honest Thoughts On What K-Pop Is

In the most recent SBS’s Archive K docu-series episode, various K-Pop artists and idols shared their experiences of working in the industry as well as taking the challenge of going global.

Park Jin Young and Psy, who are both singers and producers in the K-Pop industry, shared their opinions and thoughts about the meaning of K-Pop.

I think the time has come for the definition of K-Pop to change. It’s not a matter of what country the singer comes from or what language they are singing the song anymore.

⁠— Park Jin Young

Park felt that the definition of K-Pop has evolved into something more than just a genre centered around Korea.

Say there is a foreign company that produces a Korean artist and a Korean company that produces a foreign artist. Which one is K-Pop?

⁠— Park Jin Young

On the other hand, Psy felt that the popularity factor for K-Pop was its fierceness and precision.

The standards of the Korean public are very high. Although K-Pop has received tons of praise from a global viewpoint, our first gateway is always ‘can we receive praise from Korea?’ And if you want to be recognized in Korea, you really have to do well.

⁠— Psy

With so many talented artists in the K-Pop field, it’s only natural for them to want to step out of their comfort zone and branch out globally.

There isn’t a team that does poorly in K-Pop. If K-Pop was an entrance exam, these artists are like a series of perfect scorers. All the hard work and effort they put in to show their best image is the reason they receive the applause when they go out into the world.

⁠— Psy

Netizens who saw the show were divided in the opinions given by both Park and Psy.

• “I agree with Psy’s thoughts, but Park gives off more of a business mindset.”
• “Psy is speaking facts!”
• “Psy totally understands the Korean public view about K-Pop.”
• “What is Park saying? Why is he trying to change the definition of K-Pop for his sake?”