tech
'People are exhausted by Blackpink and BTS': the DIY Chinese bands redefining corporate ‘idol’ pop
Since the regime quashed China’s version of the K-pop industry in 2021, an underground ‘alt-idol’ culture has emerged, championing freedom and experimentation
TL;DR
- China's government banned idol development shows in 2021, impacting the mainstream idol industry.
- The government also unofficially banned Korean pop idols from performing in mainland China for a decade.
- Many idol-show participants have moved to fields like acting or the livestream industry.
- Grassroots 'alt-idol' groups are forming, prioritizing sincerity and artistic freedom over corporate standards.
- These alt-idol groups are more experimental sonically and stylistically than mainstream groups.
- Alt-idol work is often not a full-time gig due to a lack of supportive commercial structures.
- The future impact of potential thawing in China's freeze on Korean pop culture on alt-idol groups is uncertain.