Crystal S. Anderson, PhD Longwood University Infinite consistently produces electronic pop. While they have their share of fans, their releases receive few reviews. However, “Amazing” and “The Chaser” have received a positive reception. Arnold notes: “This song is spot on when it comes to fusing Infinite’s voices and a flawless pop arrangement. It’s got a…
Author: Crystal S. Anderson
3 Useful Things To Know About Cultural Appropriation and K-pop
It was great to be a part of the “Black Popular Music and K-pop” panel at #KCON17LA. The session was lively! In light of that discussion, here are three things that may be useful as people continue to think about the session or for those who could not attend. The session was important, not…
Panelist at KCON 2017 LA!
Crystal S. Anderson (PhD), Director of KPK: Kpop Kollective will be a panelist at KCON 2017 LA! Panel 502B, “Black American Music and K-pop”, will be on Sunday, August 20, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Hope to see you there! In the meantime, check out some of my work on Black American Music and K-pop….
S.E.S: Remember
By Crystal S. Anderson, PhD Research Scholar, Longwood University Formed in 1997 by SM Entertainment, S.E.S debuted the same year as Baby V.O.X, Jinusean and Sechs Kies and became the first successful female group in the Hallyu K-pop era. Arriving on the burgeoning K-pop scene in the wake of H.O.T’s success, S.E.S represents the beginning of…
Infinite: Nothing’s Over
by Crystal S. Anderson, PhD Research Scholar of Cultural Studies Longwood University Infinite debuted in 2010, the same year as CN Blue, Teen Top and ZE:A. The group is known for their synchronized and complex choreography, Dong-woo wants the group to be known for its music as well: “Although ‘Come Back Again’ is an old song,…
The Music of 2PM
by Crystal S. Anderson, PhD 2PM’s albums consistently blend R&B-inspired tracks and party songs. Reviewers do not have consensus on 01:59PM (2009), 2PM’s first album, and Go Crazy (2014). Critical response to the first album suggests that the group was still looking to establish its sound and make use of the individual talents of its members. Reviewers liked the…
Shinhwa: Music and Video
By Crystal S. Anderson, PhD Associate Professor of English, Longwood University Shinhwa’s longevity is in part due to the quality and consistency of their music production seen in their comeback releases. The Return is Shinhwa’s highly anticipated release following a four-year hiatus. Overall, critics note a dual nature to the album, juxtaposing the classic sound of the…
Global Promotional Strategies in K-pop
by Crystal S. Anderson, PhD Globalization remains key to K-pop’s spread around the world, but it is not one size fits all. As time goes on, Korean agencies adopt a range of promotional strategies to spread K-pop throughout the world. It is not secret that K-pop utilizes globalization. Writers have sought to identify singular strategies…
Data Drop: Preliminary Results for Study on Longtime and Adult K-pop Fans
Crystal S. Anderson, PhD Associate Professor of English, Longwood University Preliminary results from an academic study on individuals who have been fans of K-pop five years or longer reveals the appeal of both new and veteran groups and a focus on vocals and choreography. 192 responses collected between September 9, 2016 and November 7, 2016 are…
Sechs Kies: Com’Back
Crystal S. Anderson, PhD Associate Professor of English, Longwood University Sechs Kies is one of most popular 1st-generation male K-pop “idol” groups and contemporaries of H.O.T.Sechs Kies, means “six pebbles” in German. Original group members include leader Eun Ji Won, Lee Jae Jin, Kim Jae Duk, Kang Sung Hoon and maknae Jang Su Won. Former group members…
KPK: Kpop Kollective 