You Are So Beautiful to Me (Minji)

Former SM artist Isak gave an intriguing interview for an MTV Iggy special: K-Pop Uncovered: Making Bubblegum- Part Two. She had performed as part of an unsuccessful SM Entertainment act called Isak N Jiyeon.



Nowadays, Isak works at Ariang Radio, expressing her views and observations about the state of K-pop. And she had interesting things to say about the evolution of the business.

In her day, it was enough to “just look pretty and dance” but now idols must earn hordes of adoring fans by showing a charismatic and endearing personality.

According to Isak , “it seem[s] to be becoming a trend for celebrities to be dating in Korea… a lot of people were coming forward and being honest about their relationships.” The trend is growing toward a star that is more natural and relatable, and Isak says 2NE1 is the embodiment of this trend.



“I don’t think 2NE1 is the typical Korean pretty girl,” said Isak. “I think they’re the most beautiful girls in the world because they don’t have double eyelids; because they don’t have noses that hit the ceiling; because they don’t have that “entertainer” look that people have grown accustomed to.”

It’s good that 2NE1’s presence is encouraging a reevaluation of the industry, of course a good model for girls who don’t want to look like Hyori (though I think Dara is cheating it just a little. She’s undeniably pretty, and receiving much attention for being so). However, I think we should be careful when heaping praise for their rearrangement of the music landscape – the superlatives altogether hit me as complimentary and insulting.

Also, calculation is calculation, even when it is good calculation. Big Bang were considered against the norm when they first debuted also.

But, calculation or no, I’ll be sappy and say all girls are beautiful. Right Minji?



Right.

Credits: Edward Chun of MTV Iggy.com l 21evo.com; Seoulbeats