Bang Si Hyuk's words regarding star factor and skills have stirred the K-pop community during an episode of Netflix's "Popstar Academy."
On August 21, Netflix released the anticipated "Popstar Academy," a docu-series following the formation of the international girl group KASTSEYE. The program focused on the group's emergence, showing their casting, evaluation, and many more.
Since KATSEYE was formed under the collaboration of HYBE and Geffen Records, HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk was one of the officials involved in the venture.
During the first episode, the show reveals various label officials reviewing potential trainees. The HYBE chairman then shared his thoughts on the requirements of idols and elaborated on the aspect of star power.
When the casting crew was searching for more trainees, Bang Si Hyuk discussed the concept of star power once more. According to the founder, many people believe that skill is the most crucial factor for idols. However, he disagreed, saying that star power is the most important trait.
"Usually, people believe that skill is the most important part. But for me, it's star power," Bang Si Hyuk remarked.
On social media platform X (Twitter), netizens were frustrated upon learning the chairman's insights.
Everyone knew exactly what this guy is about and yet, it's still shocking.... dude you really advertise your company under the slogan "we believe in music" 💀 https://t.co/OVg3R6WbOOpic.twitter.com/8MdKeu4iKS
i’m sorry but they need to stop being this guy on a pedestal just cuz he got lucky ONCE. it’s so obvious he cannot recreate what he did again. https://t.co/4THw8R8pUx
However, some internet users gave a different perspective regarding Bang Si Hyuk's remarks.
i strongly dislike bang pd but seeing people misinterpret this to fit their “hybe artists are talentless” narrative is crazy😭 he means that skill can be trained, star power cannot! it’s something you’ve got to have in you already https://t.co/Wck0aycZGk
star power can be manufactured. this type of fame doesn't always correlate with talent or any achievements, just being sustained by the media and it doesn't produce authenticity. this is a type of manipulation, essentially. https://t.co/O62cl5h5T8
girl anyone in this world can dance if they train for it, star power means you catch peoples eyes when you dance, people look at you for the mere fact that youre simply walking in the roomㅡthats why we have the term "born to be a star" 😅 https://t.co/sCqstDokNL
In other news, Bang Si Hyuk went under fire for his comments about K-pop. On November 7, 2023, Bang Si Hyuk discussed how a crisis can affect K-pop's success, despite it peaking to a global audience.
The HYBE chairman claimed that the letter "K," which means "Korean" in K-pop, should be removed. Bang Si Hyuk believed that by doing this, the genre would grow more effectively and reach more consumers in the music scene.
The remarks instantly caused outrage among fans, as many expressed that removing the "K" would also shrug off K-pop's uniqueness and identity.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below!
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