Posted by Qrybaby2 pts Tuesday, September 29, 2015
1.
Psy - Gangnam Style
Over the years, many K-pop companies have attempted to crossover into the United States. Breaking into the U.S. market is a goal for artists and agencies alike but it has been proven to be very difficult. Psy, who has been the most successful by far — made a global phenomenon with his hit single "Gangnam Style." Psy became the first K-Pop entertainer to successfully penetrate the American music market — accomplishing what many artists and idol groups have aspired to achieve.
Psy's hit single, "Gangnam Style," was a surprising turn of events and took the world by surprise — even Korea. Using his quirky, funny approach and his viral dance moves, the song took off globally. Currently, it has over 2 billion views on Youtube.
Before Psy's breakthrough, there have been many attempts from the Korean music agencies to push their music beyond Asia. And even after the success of Psy, the Korean music industry has not given up in their attempts to spread K-Pop globally — mainly to the United States.
Let's take a look at some of the artists and idol groups that have tried — and at some that are currently attempting to tap into American music market.
2.
BoA - Eat You Up
SM Entertainment was one of the first to send out their most talented superstar, BoA, in hopes to make a strong U.S. debut. While she made her presence known for a brief period, she eventually returned to Korea — unable to make a significant impact in the market.
3.
SE7EN - GIRLS Feat. Lil Kim
During the time BoA was promoting herself in the states, YG Entertainment was busy preparing a soloist of their own — Se7en. Unfortunately his spotlight didn't last long and he eventually returned home as well, empty-handed.
4.
Wonder Girls - Nobody
Almost a year after BoA and Se7en's attempt to make it into the U.S. mainstream, JYP Entertainment sent out their idol group, Wonder Girls. During their promotions in the United States, they went on tour with the Jonas Brothers and even attended a variety of TV shows. During their time in the States, the Wonder Girls even collaborated with Akon and made it on the US Billboard Hot 100 for a brief period of time.
5.
Girls Generation - The Boys
After BoA, SM Entertainment made a second attempt to send out their talent out to the States. Girls Generation, one of Korea's top female idol groups, made their U.S. debut in 2012. Girls Generation left a significant impact on the U.S. media, but it wasn't enough to make it onto the mainstream radio. We can agree that Girls Generation did ultimately soften up the playing field for the rest of the K-Pop world. Because of these girls, America is aware that K-Pop is coming.
6.
Spica - I Did It
Looking to be one of the most promising groups to make a U.S. debut, Spica did not live up to expectations. They're debut song, "I Did It" was said to be the best U.S. debut song ever done by a K-Pop idol group — yet it made a very small impact amongst the American fans. Spica's U.S. debut may have been a serious eye-opener for our fans hoping to see their idols make it on the American stage — it's not that easy.
7.
CL from 2NE1
Originally part of the Korean girl group 2NE1, CL has been making her presence known in the States. CL has been promoting heavily in the United States. Her recent collaborative track with Diplo, RiFF RAFF, and OG Maco for the song Doctor Pepper may have given her the momentum she needs to flourish in the US. Having already accumulating a large number of fans in the US, we are excited to see the outcome when she finally drops her official, US debut album.
Who do you think will succeed next in the United States? Share with us your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below!
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