BTS Racism, Cultural Appropriation, Colorism & Cultural Insensitivity | Kpop History & Black Culture

Summary

In this video, Adiola addresses the ongoing issues of racism, cultural appropriation, colorism, and cultural insensitivity within the K-pop group BTS. The discussion includes the group's initial hip-hop image, their transition to a more mainstream sound heavily influenced by black music, and several instances where members have made culturally insensitive comments or gestures. Adiola also highlights the role of K-pop's 'Big Three' entertainment companies in perpetuating these issues and the group's attempts to rectify past mistakes.

Takeaways

• 🎤 BTS initially embraced a hip-hop group aesthetic, heavily influenced by black culture.
• 🔄 Over time, BTS's music evolved from hip-hop to a more pop-oriented sound, still drawing from black musical influences.
• 🗣️ The founder of BTS's company acknowledged using black music styles to facilitate their entry into Western markets.
• 👥 Other major K-pop companies also built their music on foundations of black music, indicating a broader industry trend.
• 👥 Members of BTS have been involved in controversies related to cultural appropriation and insensitivity, including模仿黑人英语口音和使用种族歧视语言.
• 👥 There have been instances of BTS members making colorist and culturally insensitive comments about skin tone.
• 🎵 The use of the n-word by BTS members in performances and interviews has been a point of contention.
• 🧑‍🎤 Namjoon, a BTS member, expressed regret over using certain terms in their music that were insensitive to West Coast hip-hop.
• 🔮 Some members of BTS have shown a degree of self-reflection and expressed a desire to mature and be more considerate in their actions and music.
• 🔄 Despite past controversies, BTS continues to face similar issues, raising questions about the group's cultural sensitivity and the industry's approach to these matters.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video discusses issues of racism, cultural appropriation, colorism, and cultural insensitivity in relation to the K-pop group BTS.

What is the purpose of the video?

The purpose of the video is to address whether the issues that have been criticized in K-pop groups, including BTS, are actually changing or not.

What was the original concept for BTS?

BTS was initially meant to be a rap group, with the original lineup consisting of rappers. However, this changed pre-debut, and only one rapper, Namjoon, remained in the group.

How has BTS's music evolved over time?

BTS started as a hip-hop group but later shifted towards a more consumable pop sound, incorporating elements of trap, R&B, soul, rap, and other black musical influences.

What role did black music play in BTS's success in the Western market?

Black music, including hip-hop, served as a base for BTS's sound, making it easier for them to break into the Western market where audiences were already familiar with these genres.

What are the 'Big Three' of Korean music entertainment companies?

The 'Big Three' of Korean music entertainment companies are SM, YG, and JYP, which have all acknowledged the influence of black music in the creation of K-pop.

What are some instances of cultural insensitivity mentioned in the video?

Instances include Namjoon wearing cornrows and dreadlocks, using the n-word, making colorist comments, and wearing a Native American headpiece.

How has BTS responded to these issues?

BTS has shown some acknowledgment and response to these issues, such as Namjoon expressing regret for using certain terms and changing lyrics to avoid sounding like the n-word.

What is the significance of the founder of BTS, Bang Si Hyuk, acknowledging the influence of black music?

Bang Si Hyuk's acknowledgment indicates that the use of black music styles was a deliberate strategy to appeal to Western audiences and facilitate BTS's entry into the Western market.

What is the video's stance on the use of black culture in K-pop?

The video suggests that while K-pop has been built on black culture, there are ongoing issues with cultural appropriation and insensitivity that need to be addressed.

What is the video's approach to presenting this information?

The video presents the information in a chronological order to show the progression, or lack thereof, over time, and encourages viewers to use their own judgment on the matter.