We must explain to you how all seds this mistakens idea off denouncing pleasures and praising pain was born and I will give you a completed accounts..
Consultation
There is much to say about how K-pop has influenced many across the world. I used to listen to some of the songs by South Korean boyband Big Bang as well as the Canadian-born singer-songwriter G.NA. Even then, I don’t consider myself a fan. I remember there was a particular period of time when a number of channels on pay-TV would have timeslots for K-pop-related programmes. Whether they were to do with the dance moves or singalong-type programmes, you can’t deny that there’s something striking about K-pop – even if you aren’t too fond of it. Needless to say, the number of K-pop-related TV programmes has grown over the years.
Of course, now, with social media channels and streaming platforms, K-pop fans have more access points to the music and latest updates – from wherever they are. Recently, through an interview with an Indonesia-based girlgroup, I found out that the K-pop scene in Indonesia is huge! This spurred me to find out what’s the scene like in New Zealand, so I got in touch with a K-pop fan, Bernadine Gittings (pictured).
What got you interested in K-pop?
My friend in high school found (the South Korean girlgroup) Girls’ Generation online in 2010. She showed me and we started to listen to K-pop from that moment onwards. My friend now lives in Japan and goes to all the K-pop showcases and it makes me really jealous!
I have kept my interest in K-pop as the visuals are so appealing and well-thought out and the songs are really catchy and fun. There are so many different moods and it is always good to listen to. Music videos are always so fun and look very expensive.
How do you get access to the music?
Spotify mainly. I pay for Spotify Premium through my phone plan and it is the life and soul of my day. I have a K-pop playlist and lots of podcasts I listen to when I walk to work or have the time to listen.
Also YouTube for music videos and all that but the adverts are getting intense so it is really putting me off using it. But I mainly use it to watch music videos.
Any group or performer in particular that you like?
Wah, so many!
Ultimate favourite is Blackpink. I flew to Australia in 2019 to go watch them live and I bought a super expensive concert ticket as well as flights and accommodation.
Other people I like:
How many groups/performers have come over to New Zealand? (In case you don’t know the exact number, a rough estimate will do). Do you go to many of their concerts/fanmeetings? With whom do you attend these?
Jay Park is the most recent one to come to New Zealand. He came to Auckland in January 2020 and he had a small concert but it was packed and was sold out and it had a good vibe!
Other than that, G-Dragon came a couple of years ago but due to the timing, I could not go.
I usually go to these alone as none of my friends are into K-pop.
Could you talk to me about the language barrier? Like, in terms of understanding the song lyrics? Or, even if you think that doesn’t bother you that much, you could explain.
It does not bother me, I don’t listen to K-pop for the lyrics, I listen for the sounds, visuals, voices and styles. Sometimes when they have a couple of English words in the song it is nice, but it does not make me like a song more or less. However, the latest BTS song, which is fully in English is infectious and really appeals to the American market. This song is also doing really well in New Zealand.
What sort of merchandise have you bought? How affordable are they in New Zealand? (if applicable).
I bought a Blackpink light stick at their concert along with other merchandise. I don’t buy albums as I use Spotify.
I also recently bought the BTS limited edition Samsung earpods which are really cool, especially because they are in my favourite colour, purple. But apart from that, I don’t have a lot of merchandise (as I only buy them if they are within my budget).
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done as a K-pop fan?
Currently I am 24 years old, and I have an entire wall in my (bed)room with K-pop posters. This is pretty crazy but I do love it.
Also going overseas for a concert was a pretty big deal, but it was all worth it.
What about K-pop dance classes? Have you heard of them? Do you plan to take up these? (The link is just for your information). https://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2017/08/24/k-pop-dance-classes-are-booming-new-zealand
I am not a dancer so I don’t do dance covers, but I do watch them. There is a group here in Wellington called Friends of Korea who hosts dance classes all the time which look really fun!
There was a group from Auckland who were finalists at the Changwon K-pop World Festival in 2019 and got flown over to (South) Korea and competed on live TV. I watched the stream and it was pretty cool to see New Zealand (represented) on the show.
Anything interesting about the K-pop scene in New Zealand?
The K-pop scene is very hidden here – however there is a MASSIVE presence online. There are so many groups to join which run online events and all kinds of stuff which is really crazy but satisfying!!
What about following these groups on social networks like Instagram, Facebook, etc? Do you think social media has a role in boosting a group’s popularity and the overall K-pop scene in New Zealand? How?
Social media plays a massive part in popularity. I like all the pages on Facebook and Instagram and it’s really good to keep up to date with new releases and all. It does boost their popularity but it is also down to the songs and the music videos. If these two things are average, the song won’t do as well. Collaborations are also key to break into the American market which a lot of the groups are doing at the moment.
Would you have anything else to add?
In recent years, it has been interesting in New Zealand seeing the K-pop scene grow from a very small part of society, to so many knowing what K-pop is and what it’s about. People don’t need to be fans, but they know what it is. BTS especially has done so much work on making K-pop become global. I can mention BTS to almost anyone, and they will know who I am talking about “they are that K-pop group, aren’t they” is the most common response I’d get.
Note: The interviewee, who is now attached to New Zealand’s Ministry of Education, is based in the city of Wellington.
Jo Leen now spends her days crafting compelling content for Inkscribehub. She was previously attached to a business intelligence firm.
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