J-POP or K-POP? The ambiguity of JK-POP groups, advantage and dilemma from questionable identity, Case study from JO1

Abstract

This research aimed to explore the reasons behind the formation of a new, hybridized, and localized version of K-POP and J-POP: JK-POP groups. This term refers to groups with mainly Japanese members, who are based in Japan but release music in a K-POP style produced by Korean production teams and occasionally conduct promotional activities in South Korea. The primary research aimed to investigate about what factors drive companies to decide to debut these hybrid groups despite ongoing conflicts between Korea and Japan. A qualitative method was used, analyzing press coverage, public opinion, fan comments, relevant academic papers, and content released by JO1, as the first well-known group in both Japan and South Korea to use this hybridization strategy, was selected as a case study. The results indicated that the advantages of debuting Japanese-localized K-POP groups include the opportunity to be recognized as legitimate Japanese artists, which allows these groups to access a broader range of the Japanese entertainment industry more easily than most K-POP groups. This facilitates significant financial success, given Japan’s position as the world’s second-largest music market. At the same time, such groups can also pursue more overseas activities, especially in Korea, and attract global fans by leveraging their Korean company’s infrastructure and the high-quality performances and production values characteristic of K-POP. However, the existence of these groups may generate backlash or anti-sentiments from conservative Korean and Japanese audiences, as observed in hate comments or complaints directed at public media. Nevertheless, since most idol fans tend to separate themselves from political issues, and as the K-POP industry has become more open, diverse, and tolerant toward foreign performers, such backlash is not so severe as to hinder the groups’ activities. It is also expected to decrease overtime.