Mongolians' Perspective on K-pop: A Unique Cultural Insight

Like many other Southeast Asian countries, Mongolia has a unique perspective on K-pop. The general population of Mongolia is divided in its opinions about this genre of music, with many expressing disdain for it due to its electronic, noisy music, and flashy outfits of its artists. However, as an individual who has personal insights, I neither love nor hate K-pop as a genre or industry. Instead, I admire its growth, creativity, and professionalism.

The K-pop Industry: A Rigorous Pursuit

K-pop idols are trained like athletes; they are scouted early and commit their lives to this pursuit. In stark contrast, in Mongolia, aspiring singers, dancers, and entertainers often rely on natural talent or some form of motivation. Even American stars usually do not undergo such rigorous training; they are typically scouted based on talent and a bit of luck. The K-pop industry, however, resembles an invisible gladiator fight—90% of trainees fail even before they debut, meaning hundreds of thousands of young kids each year. Only about 9% manage to stay in the industry, with some getting jobs as backup dancers or in production teams simply because they may not meet the industry's beauty standards. This harsh reality sometimes makes me truly appreciate K-pop, as it showcases some of the best artists who have gone through such a rigorous process.

Personal Reflections on K-pop

While I admire the K-pop industry, I still don’t particularly enjoy K-pop as a genre. I find it too flashy and the music often caters primarily to teenage audiences. As a grown man, I don’t listen to it anymore. A decade ago, I used to enjoy some of the original groups like Big Bang, 2NE1, T-ara, 2PM, and Girls Generation, especially Big Bang, who were my favorites. Occasionally, I still revisit their old songs, but I no longer listen to it on a regular basis.

General Perception of K-pop in Mongolia

Mongolians, in general, are not accustomed to K-pop. Perhaps my generation and those younger are more familiar with K-pop, but the older generation has a limited understanding of it. The electronic nature of K-pop and the cultural differences often make it less relatable to Mongolian audiences. However, there are signs of increased interest as more people start to appreciate the global appeal of K-pop and its cultural influence.

Conclusion

Mongolia's unique perspective on K-pop reflects the cultural differences and personal experiences of the Mongolian people. While some may despise its electronic and noisy music as well as flashy outfits, others appreciate the rigorous training and professionalism that goes into the K-pop industry. Regardless of one's personal feelings, K-pop continues to grow in popularity worldwide, and its influence can be felt in many aspects of Mongolian culture.