Two weeks ago, Korean representative rock group ‘YB BAND’ performed at ‘Whisky a Go Go’ located in West Hollywood. They played their songs for the first time at the American rock club, which is known for having legendary rock bands such as The Doors and Guns ‘N Roses. They sang their songs in English for a crowd of 300, and it was quite successful. It was their first experience where the band performed as an American artist for their fans. Another Korean group named ‘Vibe’ had also recently greeted American fans with new genre ‘K-soul’ and it was a fresh challenge of Korean singers of various genres since ‘K-pop’ is the only genre of Korean music that is known internationally.
Meanwhile, a singer that goes by the name ‘MIII’ recently filmed a music video for their upcoming mini album titled ‘Not-Boyfriend’ with famous director Ray Yeom, who actively works between Korea and the U.S. The means for Korean singers’ overseas expansion connects to production technique’s exchange. Not only does the contents and the traveling experience for singers itself create a bridge, but it also creates a concept of producers who interact and develop together towards the direction of the future of increasing the hallyu cultural industry and create a bigger ‘hallyu market’.
Min Ryu
Producer, RYU Entertainment