Kpop Predictions - Tumblr Posts
Do you think bts has used the love yourself concept to gain popularity or do you think they actually care?
Probably cared a bit more in the beginning, but at the end of the day, it’s just a way to make money and to gain popularity. Some members may care more than others, but really the company just cares about profits. Being a celebrity is a job, meaning that like an employee who is expected to make money for the company, celebrities are also expected to make money for the label. The concept of loving yourself was a good business move and a good boost to their image--setting themselves apart from other groups. Then it became a good political move.
Actually, I don’t know if people have noticed, but BTS is beginning more and more like a political pawn--the image of 1 country aka Korea relies on them. Moon Jaein giving them cultural orders, boosting BTS’ image as a leader of kpop/representatives of the country. When you think of Kpop, you immediately think of BTS. When you think of Korea, you often think of Kpop/Kdramas too. You get “pleasant” feelings from those associations, meaning good branding for the country which attracts tourism and foreign direct investment. These also then lead to increased spending towards that country like through buying Korean snacks or skincare etc. Korea is really good at “marketing”, creating a fantasy image of themselves. Korea like all other countries face other issues too like social inequality, issues with oligopolies/chaebols/monopolies, corruption, etc. However, Korea generally gives off that “good” image through Kpop/Kdramas. When you think of other countries, you get different “images” too like with Switzerland the general public immediately thinks of it being neutral or Canada as peace loving or France as fashionable. UN is very politically charged by the way. Countries have to “campaign” to get a seat on the UN Security Council and campaigning involves gifting and probably foreign aid. We used to think propaganda came from war posters, but it’s coming from music/entertainment too in a much subtler way.