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beautiful angels, SNSD FTW, success comes easy for hardworking earthly angels, world domination, world tour
So our 9 ladies’ harbour a dream to be a global pop group sensation ? Well, here’s one fan’s take on the matter…
In view of our angelic 9 ladies nursing a dream to be globally recognized, an English fan recently wrote this analytical article, which was in the local papers in England, on the said dream.
I personally think that he did a great unbiased analysis of the matter at hand.
Please do read on and see if you agree with me (text heavy):
I’m not saying this because I’m from England. I truly believe that England will be the ‘key’ to Girls’ Generation’s attempt to succeed internationally. First of all, it is easier to enter its market than the American one, and it is possible to use England as a launching pad to spread to America and the rest of the world.
Last week, I saw one of the early music videos of Girls’ Generation. I thought that they had changed immensely over the years. At the same time, I also thought that they had not actually changed that much. Maybe they had just naturally matured over time.
Regardless, the truth is that Girls’ Generation has totally matured. They give off the feel of professional entertainers now. I like listening and watching Girls’ Generation’s songs and performances. I cannot help but admit that I enjoy watching 9 charming girls dance and sing. Maybe that is why I am not particularly interested in Super Junior. My daughter, though, also shows a bigger reaction when Girls’ Generation comes out than when Super Junior does. Maybe it is because Girls’ Generation is objectively more charming.
Girls’ Generation now has fans from all over Europe. The Paris K-pop concert was a very interesting event. I was sometimes skeptical about Korean reports of the “Korean wave”. It was reported that the Wonder Girls and Rain successfully entered the American market, but, in reality, the majority of the attention they received were from Asians.
However, the SM tour this time around was different. A considerable number of French and European fans gathered in Paris to see SM artists, and this was proof that Korean culture’s effect on other countries had grown. Although there was the language barrier, the strength of Korean pop music was enough to overcome it.
I do not think that an Asian pop group has had global success before. It is possible for groups to make profits performing in various countries while not being internationally successful. The Wonder Girls have performed here and there, but everyday people walking down the streets in America’s major cities do not know who they are.
Girls’ Generation has to overcome this same problem, but they have a higher chance of success than the Wonder Girls. The Wonder Girls’ entry into the American market seemed like a desperate attempt to me. I am not sure why, but that is the feeling that I got. The Wonder Girls behaved as if they had risked it all on their entry in to the American market and it seems like they have completely forgotten about Korea. They definitely made a mistake. That is because, regardless of whatever activities they have in other countries, they cannot forget about Korea, their “home base”. And we know very well the Wonder Girls’ situation after returning from America.
And the fact that they wanted to hold an American tour with just one song did not bring good results. “Nobody” is not a bad song, but it was not quite strong enough to have staying power. It is inevitable that songs like that will become boring quickly. On the other hand, Girls’ Generation brought several hit songs to Paris and showed their charms to fans from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds.
If groups, including Girls’ Generation, want international success, the correct way to do it is Europe -> England -> America. I will say it again, but I am not saying this because I am a biased Englishman. I just want to stress the fact that there is a statistically higher chance of success in America after succeeded in England. Whether that has anything to do with it or not, the music industry’s core is America, so succeeding there means being recognized as a “global band”.
Succeeding in France is not very helpful. The French market is very limited and not recognized on an international scale. It has improved, but the French market’s overall quality continues to be lacking.
If Girls’ Generation is able to sing songs in English, their chances of success will increase even more. However, it is very difficult to succeed while singing a different language. Although people in France, Germany, and Spain are used to listening to foreign music, they normally listen to English songs.
Meanwhile, people in England and America are not used to songs in foreign languages. It is not something I am proud of, but that is the reality of English and American pop culture.
As far as I can remember, there have only been 3-4 non-English songs in the past 30 years that have become hits. On top of that, you can only expect one-hit wonders when singing in a foreign language. You have to sing in English to continue to be recognized in the music industry. Thus, I think that groups should first conquer England’s smaller and easier market.
If you decide to enter the U.S. market without previously making yourself known, you will have to work harder and be able to handle a more difficult schedule to make yourself known. The chances of success diminish greatly, too. Artists who are interested in performing internationally have to realize this. If you succeed in England and you are lucky, you could become famous in America before even landing there. Even if you are not lucky, you have already established a base camp from where you can seize the world’s largest market.
You can stay in England for a few weeks and make TV and radio appearances as well as hold showcases and concerts before returning to Korea and resuming activities there. If you succeed in England, people across Europe and other countries will naturally become more aware of you. You can also make a splash in the U.S. market, which is your ultimate goal.
Girls’ Generation is a charming girl group that has the talents and skills needed to succeed internationally. I also believe that this is an okay time. I look forward to seeing Girls’ Generation becoming the first Asian group to become a global sensation.
sources: Nate (original article by John Duerden, soccer columnist for The Guardian, ESPN, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, MSN), jreddevil07@soshified.com
SNSD Korean 
i agree with the english fan and i too look forward to seeing the girls becoming the first Asian group to become a global sensation. i hope one day the girls will sing their own english songs. i believe they do have a higher chance of success promoting english songs compared to other groups because they have tiffany and jessica as well as other members who can sing in english really well<3
I totally agree to this article… Snsd really is very charming and they totally have the potential to succeed globally … I really hope that they can be a global sensation … !!! Snsd hwaiting !!! 🙂
This guy has a point. I also think that Wonder Girls made a mistake by going to America prematurely. I like his idea of taking over Europe before America. If SM wants the girls to be a global pop group, they need to get a foothold of Europe. Baby steps, first Asia, then Europe and then America. They all have the requirements of being one.(maybe some of the girls need to improve English) But I really hope they take this guys idea and think about it. I always wish that the girls will succeed. SNSD FIGHTING!!! ❤
lol i didn’t even know the WG’s went to america
T^T he speaks the truth and im sure us Americans will agree that the girls can and will dominate the American market. I personally will be happy seeing and hearing Tiffany sing and walk in her homeland.
JeTi come home we miss you. I will be the first to hug the soshi’s when they get here.
(>^.^)> SOSHI HWAITING~
I really miss Soshi promoting in Korea already, wanna see them return to their “base camp” soon. It is true that wonder girl didn’t hit big in u.s, let hope that SM don’t make the girls rush into u.s too fast too T.T
Interesting read. I think that one general mistake which foreign groups tend to make is that they rush into international markets without really assessing or meticulously planning how they’re going to achieve global success since this fan stated that America is “the music industry’s core”. I assume that means that America is the largest market in the music industry, but I could be mistaken. While I applaud the foreign groups’ enthusiasm to propel themselves into global stardom and not just limited to one continent/certain countries, but it ‘easier said than done’, unfortunately.
But after becoming a global pop sensation and gaining worldwide recognition, there’s the maintenance of that title, along with its pros and cons. If SNSD has to sing more/future songs in English than Korean in order to appeal to not just the US, but worldwide audience (which the majority of speaks English), does that imply that their already heavy workload will be increased because of 7 out of 9 members having to learn the English language from scratch without sounding egregious to Westerners who ridicule or criticize Asians for their poor pronunciation of English? Does it also open up the possibility that because of the international fame, they might abandon their ‘home base’, South Korea? The way I see it, SNSD’s Korean songs are what got them to where they are now, but having to balance between Korea and the West augments to SNSD’s hectic workload, and I don’t think that’s a feasible feat to execute. Getting thrust into the international spotlight does have its benefits, especially with digital platforms to promote foreign groups, even if people still don’t know who you are, but I think it isn’t easy to maintain a good image with the global media in such a fickle world. It’s a case of appealing to different races of fans with different preferences and their ability to influence what an artist does.
Anyway, I agree with the English fan’s suggestion for SNSD to start their ‘world domination’ with the UK, since it’s relatively easier to achieve success in a smaller market in the west as a small stepping stone to their goal rather than one giant leap which has its risks. SNSD has a ton of untapped potential, and that’s coming from someone who’s not open to new possibilities. I hate to see that latent potential get wasted, and after seeing what’s SNSD capable of, I do believe in them and they do have what it takes to become the first and best in their league.
America seems to the global hub of music, and I support the English fan’s remarks about Girl’s Generation nailing the right spot at the right time in the US market and becoming the first Asian group to become a global sensation. It’s only a matter of time.
*I decided not to include all of the general cynicism of the American music market, or even entertainment as a whole. I should know this because the gaming market is littered with tons of negativity and competition, especially since YT is the largest vehicle to promote new games. It isn’t hard to notice, really. However, while I totally agree with RagingXL’s comment, and the harsh reality of the music industry in the UK and the US, I still think that there’s a small spot in the US market for our ladies, away from all of the negative emotions. Then when it gets too hairy, SNSD can bail out of there and return to South Korea, where they’re appreciated and loved.
Either way, don’t jump on the hate bandwagon too fast in spite of how much evidence attests to anyone’s comment about reality.
Just trying to ease the tensions here a little.
I think this guy is absolutely right. They NEED to conquer Europe. If they try, they will succeed. (As they always do(; )
I live in California and it’s got the most population out of all of the U.S. I believe not only for my sake (lol) but for the fact that I have shown SNSD videos to friends and family and for the simple reason that everyone seems to love them or remotely find them interesting/entertaining… that they need to eventually perform in California (for the U.S.). (<<That was a long sentence, lol) And in the midst of their touring, they should send shout outs/updates in Korean to Korea to make sure that their home knows that it is still their home. Whether or not they do this, they will still be a big hit globally sooner or later. This just makes it faster and more efficient (in my eyes at least). Also, since many others agree with the article's idea… S.M. would be stupid not to accept.(:
***Wall of Text Warning***
First I hope people don’t overreact and start thinking SNSD will dominate the world because of one person’s opinion, because that would just be unrealistic for many reasons. I’ve read the article a couple of times, and the author makes many solid points and the plan he drew out is quite good IF that’s what Girls’ Generation wants to pursue.
As a fan though, I have some serious doubts about the ultimate advancement to the American music market. I personally don’t like the idea and I’m in no hurry to see them debut in the US. For many reasons:
1. The chance of falling into the same trap as WG is simply too great. Looking at all the other mega Kpop stars that tried to entered the US – BoA, Se7en, Rain, WG… all of their attempts were met with lukewarm reception AND their careers nosedived afterwards. Granted, almost all of them forgot about their home base in Korea and it is simply a mistake that should not be repeated if SNSD wants to avoid taking a career nosedive.
2. The culture of the US music fans are just not ready for SNSD. As a US music fan, I can say very very few people around me have the same willingness as myself to accept foreign culture and truly take the time to understand the real charms of SNSD. Most music fans here have super short attention spans and they’ll probably watch/listen to an SNSD song for 15 seconds and say to themselves “what’s so special about this!?”. The fans here are harsh, unforgiving, and borderline merciless, they crave for gossip and controversy, they beg for negative news and crazy off-the-stage antics, they like everything that’s the antithesis of SNSD. In short, music fans in the US are just too cynical, too indifferent, and too narrow-minded to even understand SNSD as bona-fide pop artists. My opinion? They don’t even deserve SNSD.
3. Who says SNSD has to come to the US to be a global sensation? Who say they aren’t already a global sensation? The US may be the center of world music inspiration, but slowly but surely, the center of economic power is shifting to the East. China is already the world’s second largest economy (with Japan at 3rd), and is sure to overtake the US in the next 20 years, and most Asian economies growing at a faster pace than their Western counterparts. With that, the power of musical and entertainment influence is shifting to the East also, Kpop has proven to be far more marketable in Asia than any Western music. With Kpop being the musical engine of Asia, the entire Asian music scene can be unified and be potentially as big and influential as the West.
4. SNSD is already primed to leave a strong legacy as an Asian pop legend if they just stick to promoting within Asia and occasionally perform overseas (like SMTown LA and Paris). They really don’t *need* the US, I hope they don’t debut in the US as an act desperation or just to prove a point. There’s really not much to gain but a lot to lose. Sports analogy, it would be like Michael Jordan coming out of retirement to play for the Wizards, not a smart move and it tarnished his legacy. Just stay and dominate Asia, if they do they will go out as the most successful Asian pop group that’s ever lived with no asterisk and a negative footnote attached to their name.
Yea, I’m being very negative about this whole “world domination” thing, but I’m just trying to be realistic about it. Be careful what you wish for because it may not be as rosy as it sounds. Just one man’s opinion.
I absolutely agree with your comment. Honestly american fans are very different from europeans and asian fans. There is alot of racism in america and in certain parts of the united states many people are not very fond of asians. We all love these 9 girls for their charm, but these charms simply won’t cut it towards the american fans. American fans don’t buy cuteness or anything like that. So i find it very hard for them to be able to conquer the american music industry. This being said, it doesn’t mean they cannot host a international tour, hosting one concert for each major country isn’t a bad idea.
You’re right, USA is not really the single power in the world anymore, China is basically on par with USA now. Although if i remember correctly their wish is to spread their music to all parts of the world, so I think if they personally really want to I will definitely support them
Which newspaper was this???? It’s not the guardian…
I think I’m going to have to agree with RagingXL. I am American… I know how ruthless people can be. Comment sections at the average american websites… cess pools of ignorance. No, I’m not generalizing, not every American is this way, but people don’t usually have an emotional connection with artists. Artists seem to exist so that they can be criticized. And as long as we have been a multicultural society, people still aren’t ready for an Asian group. Even Asian Americans, being our own citizens, are barely getting noticed. But I think they can make it in Europe. European music fans are much more open to something in a different language especially since they constantly come into contact with people who speak many languages.
But looking on the bright side regarding success in the US, there was SOME type of positive response when Perez Hilton featured K-Pop artists on his site… a lot of ridicule as well but still. And YouTube is really helping this K-Pop movement along…. it’s how I became a fan! So who knows…
@RagingXL I agree with you. Your points should be noted, they are very good counter arguments. I think the girls should enter the American market only after fully understanding what they’re dealing with here. I also don’t have any objections about them entering the U.S. music scene or staying and dominating Asia, I’m pretty neutral. Though it would be nice to hear them sing a song in English.
England being easier is ridiculous, it’s actually the UK and it’s dominated by Americans, even home talent struggles to get high on the charts.
Besides, America, UK wherever, for Girl Groups you have to basically get your kit off now a days and sing more “sexy” songs, doing such could potentially hurt their popularity in Korea(or Asia)?
But only thing you can do is try, but why don’t they go for China, surely that’s one of the best places to try.
I’m sure now is the best PERIOD for World Domination. Especially since everyone is doing auto-tune, which the lovely Taeyeon definitely DOESN’T NEED. But I think RIGHT NOW what the girls really need is some R&R. Yep, a nice VACATION. Repetition gets exhausting and I’d hate SNSD’s beautiful songs or the girls’ faces getting by being pushed in the spotlight too much. They’re my favorite band but please give them a BREAK!
I think if you look at people, whether in business or government, who haven’t had any moral and goal compass, who’ve just changed to say whatever they thought the popular thing was, in the end they’re losers. Girls, only you know what you desire and only you can decide the definition of global sensation.
I find it interesting that the article was written by a soccer columnist. So random. Back on the point, I think it would be a bad idea for them to enter the US market, it is so caustic and very negative. Their purity would be detroyed in that environment. Maybe towards the end of their careers or if they decide to go solo maybe. But definitely not now.
Most people spend more time and energy going around problems than in trying to solve them. above all, please a little rest, but not too long that you do nothing.
I agree with both the fan’s and RagingXL’s comments. As much as these girls have accomplished a lot already, they’re not ready for US yet, and most importantly, the US is not ready for these hot 9 angels. Yes, I’m sure the girls have thought about conquering the world numerous times, and I’m pretty sure it’s on their wishlist, but I’m also sure that they know the importance of taking baby steps towards that dream, if it’s their dream. They (and SM, YG, and JYP) know by now the perils of diving into the US market irrationally and without preparation. As much as I would like to see a kpop artist/singer/musician/group make it in the US, especially our girls, I don’t want them to be ridiculed like other artists have been. Far East Movement were the closest ones for an Asian artist to make it in the US, but that’s because they’re from here, made trendy, mainstream songs, and most importantly, got recognized in the underground world for many years first. Also, they’re not really a kpop group.
But I think SM is being wise and careful about this too. The whole SMTown facebook page, SHINee during a showcase thing in England a few days ago, and the SM Town concert in Paris, the SM Town publicity/journalism convention thing, incuding Tiffany there, maybe getting Teddy Riley involved (despite some controversy that he’s involved in. he better not mess with the girls!!)…they’re slowly but surely taking baby steps and testing the waters before going further. For once, SM is being smart and hitting up Europe before taking on the US right now. We’ll have to wait and see what happens in the years to come.
Anyways, long story short, I wish the girls the best in achieving their dreams, and I hope both them and SM prudently plan their steps before diving into uncharted waters.
*doing
I totally agree with RagingXL…. especially this line… ‘Be careful what you wish for because it may not be as rosy as it sounds.’ Soshi should consider any potential moves for global domination very, very carefully. As it stands at the moment, their music is unique and immediately identifiable as SNSD. I would hate to see them change and have their musical style ‘corrupted’ by western influences.
The Nine are a sweet, hard working group of talented girls.
Lets keep them that way, eh?
This is just my opinion.
Totally would have to agree with the article. Instead of just jumping right into the American market and hoping for the best, start out in England where the market is smaller and see how that works first. Also good because you can test out the waters in that smaller market and make adjustments as needed for a bigger market. It’s sad to see these superstars from Asia come over and try to take the US market by storm only to not have much success. I’d love to see SNSD come over to the US one day and just destroy this market like they have in Japan. But it has to be done right. I don’t want them to end up just another kpop group that tried to enter the US market and have little success!
I agree with most of the comments that the U.S. is not ready for them. When i tried to show my friends girls generation they hated them because they were too cute in all their songs and after gee they would not listen to the girls anymore. sm should take the time in Europe for now and work on the markets of Korea and Japan that they are currently in. Although i would prefer that the have an english song for japan
wow ! such a GREAT IDEA, i really agree with that, about the uk, it’s really interesting.
our girls is not ready for us, i know that and all of us know that, but, if the girls take an attention from europe (uk) it will be good image in america, then after a successful career in the uk, with good images, they can approach america easily !
and one more thing, if they’re ready for the uk, they must be ready with their english, kekeke.
can anyone give this article to the SM ? (?) hahaha
interesting…..
SNSD, fighting! ^^
Great article and great comments from all of you fellow SONEs!
I’m agree with what RagingXL said. Things of Global Domination (or US Domination?) is not as rosy as it sounds.
I will be very disappointed if our girls have to get off of their pure, cute, lovely, and dorky off-stage image just trying to fit with American celebrity stereotype. I’m afraid the market will drive them towards (sorry) some sort of Sex Symbol image as many American artists does.
I’m sure we don’t want this to be happen. That will be a very great loss for us. It will ruin everything they have been built so far. We love them because of what they are now.
So, in my opinion, Global Domination is not automatically means US Domination. Instead of rushing into the US, just trying to please the market demand, I will be glad if they prefer to maintain their image and go to other market first. There are a lot of other markets they have to consider, like here in Indonesia. K-Pop has tons of devoted fans here.
I’m also agree with Terrez: “When it gets too hairy, SNSD can bail out of there and return to South Korea, where they’re appreciated and loved.” US IS NOT the ultimate of everything, despite it IS the largest market. They may try to get there, but they must not consider it as their ultimate destination.
I think we all know or have gotten the hint that sm is taking world domination slowly and im fine with that. The only girls groups who i think will do it right at the moment are snsd and 2ne1. But for some of us who like snsds current image its gonna change because it will have to in order to sell but im sure that they will stay somewhat true to themselves. Jyp wasted the time of the wonder girls they need to comeback to korea and fill that void because i get enough of 2pm and miss a hasnt been hitting the spot lately. Why is jyp considered one of the big 3 again? While he was riding the tailcoats of the famous one minute bogus brothers and forgotten the next eh should have probably been trying to get a contract with disney because lil girls would have definitely been into their sound. Who knows a way to a parents pocket better than a lil girl. I look forward to the day snsd goes into the us market btu its not somthing sm can just reuse a song for their coming itno the market will have to be an eye opener.
Just because some Americans may not like snsd, does not at all mean they are small-minded and unwilling to accept foreign culture. The fact is that actual most south koreans/ other asians are the one who are intolerant of other cultures outside of asia. Whenever a white person goes to korea, they are bombarded will all kinds of racism etc. And you can’t arbitrarily predict that China and Japan will overtake United States. We are fighting two wars right now, which causing the high deficit. Once the troops start pulling out, the economy will get better and I am sure we will reduce imports from China. Once our economy improves, everything will shift towards the west as it always has….
The growing economic powers in the West are India, China, and Japan. and for starters, people in India have no idea who the hell snsd are. lol.
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