Why Isn't Thai Pop Music as Popular as Korean Pop Music?

The prevalence of Korean pop music (K-pop) has captured global attention, especially in North America and other regions, leading to the question: why isn't Thai pop music as popular as K-pop? There are several factors to consider when examining the global success of different music genres.

Few Reasons for the Difference in Popularity

One of the primary reasons is the post-World War II economic strategy of Japan and South Korea. These countries shifted towards a highly export-oriented economy, including the cultural sector. In contrast, Thailand, along with many other Asian nations, prioritizes internal markets over international exports. This distinction highlights the cultural and economic differences that contribute to the varying levels of international popularity.

Another factor is the level of government support. South Korea goes a step further, actively promoting K-pop globally, even designating idols like BTS as special envoys. This level of governmental involvement is relatively unique and has played a significant role in the international success of K-pop. Unlike Thailand, which has never been heavily colonized or occupied to the extent that it directly influences modern music and entertainment formats, Thai pop music takes on a more traditional and internal focus.

In addition, the origin of pop music in these regions is distinct. South Korea and Japan adopted pop culture from the West, particularly after World War II and the Korean War, when American troops brought their cultural products with them, including pop music. This introduced a Western influence on entertainment, which seamlessly integrated into the local contexts. In Thailand, the country's history of minimal Western influence, due to not being colonized to the same extent, means that pop music did not seamlessly integrate into the cultural fabric. Instead, it remains somewhat of a separate industry rather than an intrinsic part of daily life.

Cultural Attitudes and Preferences

Furthermore, the cultural attitudes towards pop music in these regions also differ. Thai pop music often focuses on mature themes such as sad love songs or funny/catchy tunes performed by artists who are at least 25 years old and do not specialize in dancing. This contrasts with the younger idols in South Korea who specialize in both singing and dancing. The Thai music industry's general lack of focus on dance and acrobatics skills means that the performances may not be as visually appealing or entertaining for the general audience.

A recent YouTube video on Thai girl groups highlighted this point. These groups might not meet the same beauty standards as K-pop girl groups, further affecting their appeal. The dancers' skills and age also play a crucial role in the overall entertainment value of the performances. While Thai pop music may have a dedicated fanbase, its international appeal is still significantly less than that of K-pop.

Globalization and Future Trends

Despite these differences, cultural dynamics are constantly evolving. There is a possibility that K-pop and Thai pop could shift in popularity or merge into different genres. As globalization continues to integrate different cultural elements, the music industries in these countries may also undergo changes, potentially leading to a more unified global music landscape.

Whether K-pop loses its popularity or Thai pop experiences a surge in international appeal remains to be seen. The music industry is a dynamic field, and with technological advancements and changing cultural preferences, the future of music genres like these is undoubtedly shaped by complex and evolving factors.