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.