Kpop And LOW Vocal Standards (Video Essay)

Summary

This video discusses the current state of K-pop, where fans often excuse poor singing and idol training seems to neglect vocal development. Despite rigorous pre-debut training, many idols lack solid vocal techniques, leading to inconsistent performances and potential vocal health issues. The K-pop industry's focus on other aspects, like dancing and image, has resulted in a low standard for singing, with fans overpraising mediocre vocalists. The video calls for a more balanced approach, recognizing that while not all idols need to be great vocalists, good singing should not be a mere bonus in a music industry.

Takeaways

• 🎤 The K-pop industry is experiencing a phenomenon where fans excuse idols for poor singing abilities and treat them as if they are not supposed to be actual singers.
• 👀 There is a noticeable decline in live vocals and an increase in idols being hesitant to sing into the microphone, indicating a struggle with vocal performance.
• 🚫 The video aims to maintain respect and fairness without delusions, emphasizing that K-pop idols are multi-talented but not necessarily focused on vocals.
• 💃 K-pop idols are trained in various areas including dancing, rapping, and performing, but the script questions the quality of vocal training they receive.
• 🎵 The average K-pop idol is often better at dancing than singing, and fans tend to pay less attention to vocal abilities.
• 🔍 The script challenges the assumption that idols receive adequate vocal training, suggesting that many are underdeveloped in this area.
• 🚫 It points out that companies push idols to perform vocally challenging parts without proper preparation, risking their vocal health.
• 📉 Some idols do not improve vocally over time and may even regress, despite the expectations for them to do so.
• 🌟 There are exceptions of idols who are excellent vocalists, but they are often the exception rather than the rule in the industry.
• 🌈 The script concludes that while not all idols need to be great vocalists, good singing should not be a bonus for musical artists.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the video script regarding K-pop idols?

The main issue discussed is the phenomenon of K-pop idols having less focus on vocal abilities, with fans excusing poor singing and idols being hesitant to sing live, leading to a lack of live vocals and underdeveloped vocal techniques.

What disclaimer does the speaker provide at the beginning of the video?

The speaker clarifies that there are no negative intentions behind the video and they are not targeting any specific group or idol. They aim to be respectful and fair in their discussion.

How does the speaker describe the typical K-pop idol's training?

The speaker suggests that while K-pop idols undergo rigorous training, it often does not seem to include serious and effective vocal training, leading to many idols lacking strong vocal technique and control.

What is the speaker's view on the role of vocals in the K-pop industry?

The speaker views the K-pop industry as not being primarily vocals-oriented, with idols being multi-talented in areas beyond singing, such as dancing, rapping, and performing, but good singing is often overlooked.

Why does the speaker think that the current K-pop scene is filled with underdeveloped vocalists?

The speaker believes it's because idols are not receiving proper vocal training during their pre-debut training, leading to a reliance on intuition rather than actual skill, resulting in inconsistency and limited vocal ranges.

What is the potential danger the speaker mentions for idols who are underdeveloped vocalists?

The speaker mentions that underdeveloped vocalists are given parts that are too difficult for them, which can be unsafe and take a toll on their vocal health due to a lack of proper technique and training.

What does the speaker suggest about the expectations of K-pop fans regarding their idols' vocal abilities?

The speaker suggests that the expectations of K-pop fans for their idols' vocal abilities are low, with fans often praising idols for basic singing skills that should be expected, leading to a lack of perspective on what constitutes good singing.

How does the speaker feel about the overuse of praise by K-pop fans?

The speaker feels that the overuse of praise by K-pop fans for less than stellar vocalists can lead to a loss of meaning for words like 'great,' 'amazing,' and 'excellent,' and it can create a false perception of the idols' actual vocal abilities.

What does the speaker think about the role of online vocal coaches in the K-pop industry?

The speaker questions whether online vocal coaches might be contributing to the overpraise of less skilled vocalists by potentially focusing on fan service over honest analysis in their reactions to K-pop performances.

What is the speaker's stance on whether all K-pop idols need to be good vocalists?

The speaker believes that not all K-pop idols need to be good vocalists because they serve different roles and strengths within a group, but good singing should not be considered a bonus for musical artists.

What does the speaker suggest is the impact of low vocal standards in K-pop on the perception of truly skilled vocalists?

The speaker suggests that low vocal standards in K-pop can lead to truly skilled vocalists being seen as exceptional or the pinnacle of vocal ability simply because they outshine the majority of their peers who are not as well-trained.

Outlines

00:00

🎤 The Vocal Challenges in K-pop

This paragraph addresses the current state of live vocals in K-pop, where fans often excuse idols for poor singing abilities and the industry seems to prioritize other skills over vocal training. The speaker clarifies their intention to discuss this issue respectfully and without targeting any specific idol or group. They highlight that K-pop idols are multi-talented but often lack strong vocal techniques, leading to inconsistent performances. The paragraph also questions the effectiveness of pre-debut training in developing vocal skills, suggesting that many idols enter the industry with underdeveloped vocal techniques and limited ranges. The speaker points out the potential harm to idols' vocal health due to being given difficult parts without proper training and the lack of improvement or even regression in some cases. The paragraph concludes by acknowledging the existence of naturally talented vocalists in K-pop who were already skilled before becoming trainees.

05:05

📉 Low Expectations and Overpraise in K-pop Vocalism

The second paragraph delves into the low expectations that K-pop fans have for their idols' vocal abilities, noting that even minor vocal accomplishments are often met with excessive praise. The speaker suggests that this overpraise is due to a lack of perspective, as fans are not exposed to a wide range of vocal talent outside of K-pop. They argue that this leads to a devaluation of the terms used to describe good singing, as even average performances are lauded as exceptional. The paragraph also questions whether every idol needs to be a great vocalist, emphasizing the diversity of roles within K-pop groups and the value of each member's unique strengths. The speaker concludes by pondering the role of online vocal coaches in perpetuating this overpraise and the need for a more balanced perspective on vocal talent within the K-pop industry.

Keywords

💡K-pop

K-pop refers to Korean pop music, a genre that has gained global popularity for its catchy tunes, synchronized dance routines, and visually appealing music videos. In the context of the video, K-pop is discussed as an industry that places significant emphasis on performance and image, sometimes at the expense of vocal training and technique. The video script mentions how K-pop idols are expected to be multi-talented, often prioritizing dancing and visual appeal over singing ability.

💡Idols

In K-pop, 'idols' are the performers who are members of music groups. They are often trained in various aspects of entertainment, including singing, dancing, and acting. The script discusses how idols are not solely vocalists but also dancers, rappers, performers, and brand ambassadors. It points out that the training for idols may not always focus on developing strong vocal techniques, leading to inconsistencies in live performances.

💡Vocals

Vocals in music refer to the singing parts performed by a singer or group. The video script highlights that while K-pop idols are often talented, their vocal abilities may be underdeveloped due to insufficient training. It contrasts the importance of vocals with other aspects of performance, suggesting that good singing should not be an afterthought in a music industry.

💡Trainees

Trainees are individuals who undergo rigorous training with the hope of debuting as K-pop idols. The script questions the quality of vocal training that trainees receive, suggesting that while they work hard, their vocal training may not be comprehensive or focused enough to develop strong technical skills.

💡Vocal Technique

Vocal technique refers to the skills and methods used by singers to produce quality sound and control their voice. The video script criticizes the lack of strong vocal technique among many K-pop idols, indicating that they may rely on natural talent rather than learned skills, leading to inconsistent performances.

💡Vocal Health

Vocal health is the state of a singer's voice and their ability to use it without strain or damage. The script raises concerns about the potential negative impact on vocal health when underdeveloped vocalists are given parts that are too difficult for them, suggesting that companies prioritize style over proper vocal training.

💡Stans

In the context of the script, 'stans' refers to dedicated fans of K-pop idols. The video discusses how these fans may excuse or overlook the vocal shortcomings of their favorite idols, creating an environment where less than optimal singing is normalized and even praised.

💡Live Vocals

Live vocals are the singing performed by an artist during a live performance, as opposed to pre-recorded tracks. The script mentions a decline in the use of live vocals in K-pop, suggesting that idols may be hesitant to sing live due to a lack of confidence or skill in their vocal abilities.

💡Vocal Range

Vocal range refers to the span of pitches that a singer can perform comfortably. The video script points out that many K-pop idols have limited and constricted vocal ranges due to underdeveloped vocal techniques, which can restrict their ability to perform certain songs or parts effectively.

💡Perspective

Perspective in this context refers to the ability to view a situation or subject with a broad and unbiased outlook. The script suggests that K-pop fans may lack perspective when it comes to evaluating the vocal abilities of idols, often praising performances that do not meet high standards of vocal quality.

💡Online Vocal Coaches

Online vocal coaches are professionals who offer voice training through digital platforms. The video script ponders whether these coaches, who also seek to create popular content, might contribute to the overpraise of subpar vocalists by providing fan service instead of honest critique.

Highlights

The current K-pop scene features stans excusing idols' lack of vocal ability and treating them like they are not supposed to be actual singers.

K-pop idols are often seen as less capable live vocalists, with a trend of fewer live vocals and hesitance to sing into the microphone.

The video aims to discuss these issues respectfully without targeting any specific group or idol.

K-pop is not solely a vocals-oriented industry; idols are multi-talented as dancers, rappers, performers, and brand ambassadors.

Good singing is often overlooked in favor of other talents, leading to a general lack of strong vocalists in K-pop.

The average K-pop idol is typically a better dancer than a vocalist, with fans paying less attention to singing abilities.

In K-pop groups, the best vocalists are often not the most popular members, contrary to common expectations.

K-pop idols undergo rigorous training, but it's questionable if they receive adequate vocal training.

Many idols are talented but lack proper vocal technique and control, leading to inconsistency and potential harm to their vocal health.

Companies push for a certain singing style but invest little in developing idols' vocal skills, which is concerning.

Some idols do not improve vocally over time and may even regress, despite the focus on other aspects of performance.

There are exceptions of strong vocalists in K-pop, but they were often skilled before becoming trainees.

SM Entertainment is noted for picking good vocalists but there's little evidence of exceptional vocal training for their trainees.

K-pop fans have low expectations for vocalists, accepting intonation and breath support issues as the norm.

The lack of perspective among K-pop stans leads to overpraise of mediocre vocalists, with high praise being common for average performances.

The overuse of praise for less than stellar vocalists may be influenced by online vocal coaches who cater to fan service over honest critique.

It's not necessary for all idols to be great vocalists, as K-pop groups thrive on the diversity of their members' strengths.

Good singing should not be considered a bonus for musical artists; it's an integral part of their performance.

Transcripts

In today's program, we're here to discuss the strange phenomenon that is happening in

current K-pop; stans excusing their Idols not being able to carry a tune, babysitting

their faves as if they're not supposed to be actual singers, less and less live vocals,

Idols being scared and hesitant to sing into the microphone.

To be honest, it all sounds the way struggle feels.

Disclaimer - there are no negative intentions behind this video and I'm not here to target

a specific group or an idol.

If you're gonna assume otherwise, that's on you.

My goal for this video is to stay respectful and fair, but not delusional.

K-pop is a music industry but it is not a vocals oriented one.

Idols are not solely vocalists; they are dancers, rappers, performers, brand ambassadors and more.

Beautiful talented people who do cool things on and off the stage.

However good singing is often lost along the way.

Inarguably an average K-pop Idol is a better dancer than a vocalist.

What's more, fans don't pay much attention to vocals and in groups the best vocalists

are often less popular members.

Don't believe me?

Can you think of a group in which it's the main vocalist who is the most popular member?

Well, at least I don't think I can personally.

So things aren't looking or sounding too good.

Wait wait but aren't Idols trained prior to debuting?

Yes, for years usually K-pop trainees spend their time having all sorts of classes, practices

and even monthly evaluations in hopes to debut one day.

Idols always describe their pre-debut training days as an incredibly challenging, often stressful time.

And while I absolutely believe them, guys I don't know what they're doing there exactly,

I'm sure trainees work hard but sure as hell they're not having serious, good voice lessons.

Otherwise the current Kpop scene wouldn't have been full of talented but clearly underdeveloped

vocalists without a strong grasp of vocal technique and solid sense of control, Idols

like and these are just a few examples btw, Jennie, Jisoo, Yujin, Yeji, Danielle, Jimin,

Bang Chan and more, have talent but a little technique to back it up.

Having to rely on intuition mostly and not actual skill learned through good training,

they are quite inconsistent vocalists with unrefined techniques and limited constricted ranges.

The problem with all of this is that it's not safe.

When you don't have the basics down yet you shouldn't fast forward to more difficult stuff.

Underdeveloped vocalists are given parts that are too hard for them to perform safely without

taking a toll on their vocal health

Companies want their Idols to sing a certain way, yet do very little to properly prepare

them and invest in their vocal skills.

YIKES!

With the focus being on anything else but good singing there are many Idols who not

only do not improve vocally over time but actually regress.

I won't be naming names, it is unfortunate but yes there are many of them.

Of course, much better vocalists do exist in Kpop but they had already been really good

prior to even becoming a trainee.

For example this is Wendy of Red Velvet at just 16.

And yes all this very much includes SM Entertainment as well.

Although it's true that there is more focus on the vocals over there, they also seem to

simply be more likely to pick better vocalists during the audition process.

However there is not much that can be said about the vocal training of their trainees.

Now let's talk a bit more about the expectations that Kpop sense have for vocalists which are

low... yep, the bar isn't set too high. As we established more recent K-pop scene is full of weaker

vocalists; intonation issue, breath support issues, various different kinds of tension you know

bad stuff... And what you need to know about a lot of Kpop stance is that what they truly lack

among some other things, is perspective. K-pop can be quite isolating so stans lock

themselves in a bubble, where being to sing one or two lines without going off-key is

quite an accomplishment, which again is not a high standard, it's quite laughable actually.

With such low expectations it's not hard to gain praise, right? So Kpop stans overuse praise

and words like "great, amazing, excellent" not to mention phrases like "oh, this person must

be having CDs for breakfast" It all leads K-pop stans to believe that, for example

Winter of Aespa, Jihyo of Twice, Jungkook of BTS, Heesung of Enhypen, Seulgi of Red Velvet

are in fact brilliant vocalists.

And overused phrases and words lose meaning over time.

However don't get me wrong, they are well above average for Kpop standards.

But the standard IS the problem. Yes, Wendy is a great vocalist on her own, who outshines

99% of her peers. [Music] sometimes

But better vocalists still do exist.

Despite her skill, talent and technique she's not the pinnacle of vocal ability

but I understand why you could think so looking at the third and fourth generation of K-pop only.

Perspective matters.

Now that I think about all this I'm asking myself; do online vocal coaches have anything to do with this overpraise of less than good vocalists in K-pop?

Voice teachers are professionals however they're also creators who want their content to do well.

Reacting to K-pop can be like walking on egg shells. So honest analysis is often being

switched for fan service.

Does every idol need to be a good vocalist or a great one? no one of the things I love the most about Kpop groups is positions Idols get it's so cool a few

times with people each person with different strengths and Specialty come together to create

something greater than its individual Parts each person with different strength and Specialty

there is absolutely no need for all Idols to be on the same level vocally especially

since like I said earlier you're not solely vocalists but at the end of the day they are

musical artists so good singing shouldn't be a bonus that is all I have for you guys