Why is the argument “BTS isn’t K-pop” being raised and who is raising it? To what degree is this argument “Western” in origin? What is the role of the media in this discussion?
From my observation, it was mostly the U.S. and European fan bases feeling the need for an explanation of “BTS isn’t K-pop” to protect BTS from the media and general public’s highly racist stereotype. Following is my assumption, but I feel it is mostly Western fans who are more eager to have the approval of the Western mainstream music industry. Of course BTS and BigHit would be glad to have the recognition, but not so much as to change their way of producing their music and contents. The role of the “Western” media in this is the same old white-male-capitalism dominated way, scrutinizing BTS as if they are just a fad to make their own wish a reality. I agreed with most of the points in the transcript.