K-pop has come a long way in the past two decades, and no one has felt that change more directly than YG Entertainment CEO and founder Yang Hyun Suk.
In addition to being the head honcho at K-pop's biggest record label, Yang was also a member of the seminal 1990s South Korean pop act Seo Taiji and Boys.
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In an interview published earlier this week by the publication Maeil Economy, Yang reflected on the difference between his country's current entertainment landscape and the way it was during his days as a pop star.
"It's completely changed," he said.
"Seo Taiji and Boys tried entering the Japanese market, but at the time it was culturally impossible. But the market has absolutely changed."
"Park Jin Young [the CEO of JYP Entertainment] made a bold attempt at entering Wonder Girls into the American market, while I did with Se7en, and SM Entertainment did with BoA. And YouTube helped, too. It helped artists like Big Bang and Psy become popular among Asian fans living in the US."
Yang, who was originally recruited by Seo Taiji because of his legendary status as a dancer in the Itaewon district of Seoul, is not even sure his old band would be popular today.
"Different times require different artists," he said.
"Our time back then needed Seo Taeji and Boys. I can't say with 100 percent assurance, but I think the current time needs Big Bang."
Yet, the YG CEO believes the future looks brighter than ever for K-pop artists.
"Now is the time with most opportunities for the K-Pop market--Seotaeji and Boys would not have dreamt of it," Yang said.
And the music mogul intends to seize the moment.
"This year is a turning point for YG," he said.
"Psy and Big Bang will make a long-awaited comeback, and four new groups will debut. YG takes time creating content. We take it seriously. Fans don't believe four groups are going to debut. They think we're lying! I don't know if it's because it's only January, but we are more determined than ever. Our producers are under a lot of pressure and we're cheering them on. We have four functioning recording rooms and we're building two more."
But Yang believes the most important thing is to have fun.
"YG's power comes from doing things we love," he said.
"I am a friend to Big Bang. I don't force them to do things. We don't do music for money. It's what we want to do. 'Gangnam Style' was created with pure will. Nothing was forced. The public loves it when we love it. If you say 'I love you' and you don't mean it, the person hearing it will know."
Source : kpopstarz[dot]com
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