Toxic masculinity can be a difficult topic for … But now, I feel so stupid to have been embarrassed of my appreciation for an incredibly talented and charismatic group of artists! While the K-pop industry isn’t necessarily perfect, we sure can take a few notes from their modern twist on defining masculinity. Pop culture is full of examples of toxic masculinity — violence, jealousy, bad parenting, and so on. And, as ever, there’s a commercial element to the term’s rise. Their growing popularity means that they are creating new standards of how to be a man, write SHAAZIA EBRAHIM … iKON’s Bobby Shares His Progressive Views On Toxic Masculinity…And You Will Love Him Even More – KpopHit. Here are several ways the men in K-pop have been redefining masculinity. And quite honestly, my love for BTS actually got me through some really difficult times in the past few months — just by admiring their insanely amazing performances. Tender Masculinity. With great power, comes great responsibilities. I wasn’t really that “macho man” type when I was younger. Cultural Studies enthusiast. They are a mix of singers and rappers who all dance (in varied degrees of expertise, but we love them none the less). And this is worth talking about. Therefore, we should be aware that there is not only “one masculinity”. i agree toxic masculinity is unfortunately quite prevalent in kpop. i'm kind of confused about the comparisons to misogyny though. Writer. (Image via Rolling Stone) Thoughts x September 11, 2018 Korea’s Flower Boys Are Breaking Down Masculinity Norms. Fundamentally, “toxic masculinity” is the belief that masculinity can be toxic, not that it inherently is toxic. K-Pop or Korean Pop is a form of music in Korea which consists of different kinds of genre. 3:16 [HOT] NATURE - OOPSIE (My Bad), 네이처 - OOPSIE(My Bad) Show Music core 20191207. For the past few weeks, scandal after scandal in the Kpop industry has thrown an ugly picture of its inner workings in front of thousands. Feb 29, 2020, 2:50 am* Streaming . They hold hands in their choreography, they lie down together in behind-the-scene videos. Nov 10, ... (a term that signifies the first time a K-pop band makes a … Telling people in my circles that I liked BTS was like cracking a self-deprecating joke. What the Kpop Digital Sex Scandal Reveals to Us. Facebook Twitter. How male K-Pop idols are redefining masculinity Beneath the squeals of fans, the men of K-pop are attacking gender roles. I love kimchi fried rice. Toxic masculinity refers to the notion that some people’s idea of “manliness” perpetuates domination, homophobia, and aggression. (Look up skinship, and even if it’s more than that, we’re thrilled.). K-pop stars have proven that they rightfully deserve their title as idols. He released a song on his birthday called Abyss, along with a statement that mentioned he has opted for counseling. Agust D (aka rapper Suga from the Grammy-nominated band, BTS) has released solo music that touches on mental health. Move over machismo, there’s a new type … The men in K-pop, more often than not, tend to use their platforms wisely. Suatu term yang merujuk pada adiksi terhadap penerapan nilai-nilai maskulin laki-laki, melalui pembatasan antara perilaku yang dianggap ‘normal’ dan ‘abnormal’. Hollywood artists, such as Prince or Harry Styles, are no strangers to rebranding masculinity, but it’s deemed as something “different” in the Western hemisphere. With great power, comes great responsibilities. April 24, 2020. toxic masculinity isn't "misandry" or the male form of misogyny, it is misogyny (based in ideas of male superiority and violence against women). i agree toxic masculinity is unfortunately quite prevalent in kpop. Someone remarked that they liked the dance moves but found them freaky. So like, I had a little femininity in me, too. The posters showed an overweight, rosy-cheeked man dressed like a child in suspenders and shorts. Right from when they auditioned for Big Hit Entertainment, the agency that manages them, BTS members have brought in their personal styles to the band’s music and performances — something which is not common in the strictly controlled K-pop industry. The K-pop band BTS or Bangtan Sonyeondan have in recent times grabbed a massive spotlight in the international music scene: they’ve won the Billboard music awards (thrice! Forums allkpop K-POP. You will love it too. ), broken records as the highest viewed music video in 24 hours on YouTube with their song ‘Idol’ and are now busting top spots on worldwide music charts. The K … April 23, 2020 by KoreaBoo. BTS members sport matching outfits in an all-pink theme, The Art Of Healthy Masculinity In Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Effects of Gender Differences In Mental Disorders, Power Of A Ponytail: A Popstar’s Path To Autonomy, How Supernatural Failed The LGBTQ+ Community, “How You Feel Is The Most Important.” Beth McAlpine Talks About TikTok And Queerness, ‘Promising Young Woman’: A Disappointed Feminist’s Review, Killing Eve’s Villanelle Speaks For Female Psychopaths, How Did I End Up Being a Journalist? It’s important to acknowledge K-pop isn’t a cure-all for toxic masculinity, nor do idols represent some kind of liberated Korean sensibility. To define masculinity in Korean culture requires a shift of focus towards one’s inner traits. 3:25 [Comeback Stage] NATURE - OOPSIE (My Bad), 네이처 - OOPSIE(My Bad) Show Music core 20191116. Amid doubt over Got7’s future, Yugyeom, one of K-pop band’s seven members, is said to be switching from its management company to Jay Park’s hip-hop label AOMG MBC Kpop. I had a lot of like girl friends. “Toxic masculinity,” on the other hand, is a loose term that’s used to refer to a subset of those behaviors which are harmful or destructive. South Korea is a conservative country, in which gender roles are still very prominent. And who would have ever thought the second British invasion would involve little to no English? I'm guessing this is because of the H3H3 stuff, which to be fair was kinda shitty, homophobic, and dripping in toxic masculinity. But boygroups still recieve so much hate because of toxic masculinity. They both recieve shits from the society. How Toxic Masculinity Harms Men and Society As A Whole. Suzanne Sangi. Read also:The Art Of Healthy Masculinity In Brooklyn Nine-NineThe Effects of Gender Differences In Mental DisordersPower Of A Ponytail: A Popstar’s Path To Autonomy. Much like Park Hyung, BTS’ Jin has also publicly opened up about the relationship between his work dilemmas and mental health. The Kpop industry has become a behemoth in terms of its influence and overall cultural impact. In the photo, Wonho could be seen stretching his arms over his head, flexing his muscles in … The media, especially movies, shape our societal norms which, in turn, shape our understanding of gender roles and masculinity. Music lover. Kpop Fashion is all the buzz nowadays, and for obvious reasons. 31 likes. But the most interesting thing about kpop boybands is how they are redefining masculinity, with their costumes, perfect make up, smooth skin and colourful hair embracing a softer almost angelic, side. This is proof of how cultural differences do affect the way we behave and what we choose to focus on. However, fear not! This idea that men need to act tough and avoid showing all emotions can be harmful to their mental health and can have serious consequences for society, which is how it became known as “toxic masculinity.” Natasha is a 19 year-old student who writes poetry and is passionate about creating discourse regarding taboo topics in her South East Asian community. Google searches for “toxic masculinity” have climbed steadily since May 2016. But visuals are important, especially to marginalized communities. Toxic masculinity . Here are several ways the men in K-pop have been redefining masculinity. This has largely normalized same-sex intimacy among BTS’s fan-base and even the larger music industry that doesn’t dare throw shade. "Korean … MBC Kpop. How to Get Better Paying, More Interesting Gigs (if You are an Original Rock Band), How (and Why) Solange Channeled Stevie Wonder, Devin the Dude, and D’Angelo on the Same Album, Pikul: The Humble Beginnings of Silversun Pickups, Last Train To Brechtville: Looking Back On “Head”, ‘His ’N’ Hers’ 25 Years Later: The Birth Of “Modern-Day Pulp” | uDiscover. Confident in their masculinity, the men of K-pop never shy away from expressing how much they love their fans and each other. And nearly every man I talked to about BTS made a mockery of them, although reeking of undeniable intrigue. I think it’s because of how society looks at them and all this toxic masculinity that’s in place. The fact that BTS is only getting bigger is testament to how things are changing with how we perceive artistic message and beauty. K-Pop rappers often display a “tough guy” image that is edgy and masculine, and Bobby of iKON is no different…at first glance. This, I believe, has encouraged a lot of people (especially young music consumers) worldwide to appreciate beauty in mainstream music without the filters of dominant gender constructs. Discuss Masculinity and Gender Roles In Classrooms. K-pop Band BTS and The Death of Toxic Masculinity in Mainstream Music. Toxic masculinity harmful for women and really, really bad for me In Boys: What It Means to Become a Man, Toronto journalist and mother Rachel Giese looks at damaging ideals of masculinity … I realized that enjoying art — whatever kind, no matter what others around you think about it, only gives you more reasons to be happy! Most women thought they were good looking, but not “desirable” really. At first, I was embarrassed to admit that I’m a fan of a K-Pop band (specifically ARMY as christened by BTS), because most of my friends either knew nothing about the genre or thought very little of it. So I played along with the clownish vibe I put on each time I gushed about the band and how much I loved to watch them perform. An argument broke out over “flower boy†idols vs “buff†idols. Yet the toxic masculinity that lives in my culturally conditioned bones can’t help but wonder: It’s one thing to imagine Korean idols as ideal romantic partners, and another to imagine them as hook-up material—the sort that drips Ryan Gosling type sexual energy that makes you imagine yourself in a “50 Shades of Grey†scenario with. Look at kpop idols who has committed suicide. The possibility of negative effects of harmful masculinity occurs when negative masculine ideals are upheld. Want a baby onesie that says “I’ve got 99 problems that stem from toxic masculinity”? How Male K-pop stars are challenging gender norms and looking great while doing it. And that’s always a win. iKON’s Bobby Shares His Progressive Views On Toxic Masculinity…And You Will Love Him Even More. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Just try it. Toxic masculinity is often linked to the more negative aggressive traits of men, such as domination and abusive behaviors. This is a type of toxic masculinity present in Hollywood and many other popular media sites that needs to stop. The concept of toxic masculinity is used in academic and media discussions of masculinity to refer to certain cultural norms that are associated with harm to society and to men themselves. They went from high-school hipsters to an undefinable barrage of colours both in music videos and live performances, a cacophony of musical influences (Hip Hop, Pop, RnB, EDM), showcasing complex dance routines often considered the hardest in the industry — all the while writing and producing their own songs unlike most groups in the K-pop scene. Yet the toxic masculinity that lives in my culturally conditioned bones can’t help but wonder: It’s one thing to imagine Korean idols as ideal romantic partners, and another to imagine them as hook-up material—the sort that drips Ryan Gosling type sexual energy that makes you imagine yourself in a 50 Shades of Grey scenario with. Ingrained in societies around the world, toxic masculinity, unfortunately, still exists. SportsGrid. Website. Korea’s Flower Boys Are Breaking Down Masculinity Norms . “Beastly” idols that don’t necessarily fit in to the flower-boy aesthetic, such as Monsta X, still wear makeup. (Toxic masculinity is a global issue.) Keywords: KPop, Masculinity, subculture INTRODUCTION The idea of masculinity has always been constructed socially, cultural and historically. Perhaps we’re finally moving on from sexist notions, not just among niche fan-bases but on a globally massive scale, of what men and women should look and sound like. In 2020, it should be evident: Masculinity is not toxic.What can be toxic is the mainstream culture of masculinity: the rigid set of expectations, perceptions, and definitions of “manly” behavior, aka the man box.. Whereas in South Korean culture, it has always been the norm. A digital sex scandal that police say involves some of K-Pop's biggest stars has rocked the K-Pop world, leaving it facing a reckoning from which some believe it might not recover. Can we finally do away with the phrase “toxic masculinity”? Learn how your comment data is processed. In the future, she hopes to become a published poet. ), I believe that something about BTS’s success is indicative of how the world is changing, for the better. Many idols make mental health-themed music and aren’t afraid to share their personal experiences publicly. Ingrained in societies around the world, toxic masculinity, unfortunately, still exists. The artist expresses the tough realities of depression, anxiety, and coping mechanisms in his music. For example, in the band’s latest movie ‘Bring the Soul’ which broke event cinema record with the widest ever worldwide release, Namjoon, the group leader, told their audience in a concert, “Use us to love yourself.” Previously, at the end of their iconic Wings tour, RM said, “If we helped your dream and your life a bit by our existence, our music, our performance, our pictures or videos, even if it’s not big, if we could reduce your pain from 100 to 99, 98 or 97, that makes our existence worthy.”. Toxic masculinity prohibits men from wearing makeup or taking … And in today’s world of the internet, where sharing your ideas with the world and finding like-minded individuals may be done with a simple click of a button, trends can… Read More »Kpop Fashion – Its Evolution, Trend, & Rise A man wearing make-up on the street may elicit unwelcome glares, questions about his masculinity and even his sexuality. When South Korean police depicted a spy cam voyeur in a public awareness campaign designed to protect women, amid an epidemic of voyeurism and upskirt photography, their typical perpetrator couldn't have looked less like a K-Pop idol. Seo-Taeji and the boys is seen as the pioneers of the K-Pop culture. It’s often used as a sort of shorthand to describe behaviors linked to … Toxic masculinity didn't just crop up yesterday. Primary gender role socialization aims to uphold patriarchal codes by requiring men to achieve dominant and aggressive behaviors (Levant et al., 2003). By Jamie Lovley, University of Maine. People say girlgroups recieve so much hate. The scandal is more than a simple warning that there are perverts in the industry— it’s a reflection of the deeply entrenched culture of toxic masculinity in South Korea. Another way to show respect to those around you is by looking your best. Most find this quite confusing, as their style is still considered unattractive for men to have in most cultures. Binaries are often created when men are expected to be rational, strong and to be the breadwinner of the family whereas women are expected to be emotional, dependent and inferior. These heartthrobs are desired by girls worldwide, all while exhibiting aegyo qualities. They have no inhibition to talk about make-up which is something ALMOST EVERY performer, male or female, puts on before a show; like what kind of lipstick looks best on them. Therefore, masculinity comes with the expectation that men are to take care of themselves just as much as women do. By Yann | July 26, 2019. More than 90,000 news articles and 150,000 videos (and climbing) indexed on Google deploy the term. K-pop stars have proven that they rightfully deserve their title as idols. New scandals in South Korea that cast doubt on K-Pop stars, K-Pop culture and a male chauvinist and sexist South Korean culture in general, could halt the genre's recent hugely. And that includes both positive and negative things. The traditional traits of masculinity do not faze the men in the K-pop industry. South Koreans have clearly been very much ahead of their years in raising their men to be comfortable with expressing themselves. An everyday look for K-idols includes wearing tinted lip balm and crop tops. The ad challenges viewers to confront #MeToo and issues of “toxic masculinity ” that manifest in acts like bullying and catcalling. The real problem with toxic masculinity is that it assumes there is only one way of being a man February 7, 2019 9.31am EST. If we were to look for examples using BTS videos the short film Stigma and I Need U, in where the father is an abusive alcoholic would be placed under the toxic umbrella. The criticisms will continue but that will not stop the fandom from being fans and absolutely loving these artists. Move over machismo, there’s a new type of man in town. toxic masculinity isn't "misandry" or the male form of misogyny, it is misogyny (based in ideas of male superiority and violence against women). but anyway overall i agree it's an issue that needs to be talked about more, not just in kpop but also in general. What really stands out with BTS members Kim Namjoon (Rapmonster/RM), Kim Seokjin (Jin), Min Yoongi (Suga), Jung Hoseok (J-Hope), Park Jimin (Jimin), Kim Taehyung (V) and Jeon Jungkook (Jungkook), is their palpable sense of freedom despite the K-pop world’s straitjacketed culture. Clinicians might, in addition, assist men “cope with the repercussions of challenging toxic masculinity in favor of adopting more positive masculinity” (145-146). In K-drama She Would Never Know, toxic masculinity overlays regressive office romance despite bright, colourful set-up K-pop star Rowoon plays a … How is it misogyny then? Upon being asked about his own experiences with toxic masculinity, BM then revealed that he believes most men feel the pressure of being “macho mean”, but since he was never one as a kid, his experience back then was a little different. Of course wearing pink or carrying a handkerchief ain't going to eliminate something that's centuries old … While the Korean dramas and artists work towards destructing toxic masculinity, which is something that is strongly needed globally as well, it is also criticised extensively for it. However, fear not! Affectionately referred to as ‘flower boys’. It suggests that … For those who don’t know much about BTS, here’s a briefing of why I think they’re a phenomenon today: The all-male band has seven members aged between 21 and 26; the youngest was 15 when they debuted (a term that signifies the first time a K-pop band makes a public appearance, until which time they remain ‘trainees’). MONSTA X Stands As “Destroyer” Of Toxic Masculinity In GQ Interview As First-Ever Featured Korean Group. 3:23 [HOT] NATURE - OOPSIE (My Bad), 네이처 - OOPSIE(My Bad) Show Music core 20191123 . I like it the way it is. Toxic masculinity is a term often used to describe the negative aspects of exaggerated masculine traits. Toxic masculinity isn't doing anyone any good. (Sure takes the pressure off of us too!). Likes Received: 44,557 Currency: 19,700 Location: Your ♡ I don't feel like kpop needs more masculinity. Knowing that K-Pop has long been raising eyebrows on the international (especially Western) scene for its defiance of the world’s traditional idea of masculinity… K-Pop rappers often display a “tough guy” image that is edgy and masculine, and Bobby of iKON is no different…at first glance. Member of Block B, Park Hyung, has opened up on BBC Korea about how the pressures of being an idol take a toll on his mental health. From Huawei to the Hong Kong protests, via toxic masculinity in K-pop and the continued mistreatment of domestic workers, here are the most-read stories of the year. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. When you hear “toxic masculinity”, what comes to mind? Instead, several masculinities can evolve, change, and even coexist depending on different external influences. On Reddit, a heated debate about Asian masculinity broke out when a Redditor posted a photo of Monsta X‘s Wonho. My Life Story, Divorce Is Not A Bad Word – Let’s Destigmatize It. K-pop groups have long drawn a stark contrast with Western boy bands, but are increasingly challenging what many brand as “traditional masculinity” by … well there is, toxic masculinity is hurting many people and among those people also men themselves I was talking about the fact people are concerned that the … KPop Kimchi. YG has shitted both their girlgroups & boygroups. 244. Their wardrobe is varied — from a Hip-Hop style which largely dominated their early scene, to the chic look in Blood Sweat Tears which marked the rise of BTS’s global success. In South Korea the themes of music were mainly nationalistic before the birth of the K-Pop era we know now. Colette Bennett. Makeup & fashion is a must in the K-pop industry i'm kind of confused about the comparisons to misogyny though. Toxic masculinity. well there is, toxic masculinity is hurting many people and among those people also men themselves #6 ThisGuy , May 11, 2019 Korainism , Menean , BridgesIBurned and 2 others like this. Male K-pop figures are trademarked to have beautiful skin, delicate features, being well dressed, wearing makeup and even getting plastic surgery. "I don't think K-pop has a toxic masculinity problem, I think Korean society does," said Michael Hurt, a sociologist at the University of Seoul. Toxic. As K-pop continues to blaze a path through countries outside South Korea, its male idols also carve a trail: Broadcasting a new form of masculinity that … While their style and music could largely be a product of their industry, nothing is more thrilling than their self-awareness, their message of love, and the courage with which they express themselves. Namjoon summed it up at his speech at the UN General Assembly, “No matter who you are, where you’re from, your skin colour, gender identity: speak yourself.”. Both male and female idols suicide. Ashley Morgan, Cardiff Metropolitan University. For example, using respectful language or having a good work ethic. For now, she intends to use her voice and given platforms to fight for the rights of minority groups (POC, women, the LGBTQ+ community, etc) as well as to advocate for mental health. In an age where constructions of masculinity are stifling and destructive, Asian musicians are breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be “manly.” The K-pop group Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS) in particular is reimagining masculinity – and it’s about way more than how they dress. The Latest Gillette Commercial About Toxic Masculinity | Frenzy Ep. Thoughts x September 11, 2018. Perlakuan diskriminatif yang dialami boyband KPop dan penggemarnya, jadi bukti yang cukup jelas untuk mengurai sengkarutnya permasalah yang timbul karena adanya toxic masculinity. It’s important to acknowledge K-pop isn’t a cure-all for toxic masculinity, nor do idols represent some kind of liberated Korean sensibility. Continue reading Kpop News - Bias Wrecker. The style of manliness, dubbed “soft masculinity” in Korea, is completely contrary to the rugged often narrow-minded concept of what it is to be a man in the United States. They are allowed to experiment with different makeup and fashion looks, making them place importance on their inner beauty, such as staying respectful and humble. Very broadly speaking, masculinity is a set of behaviors and practices that have traditionally been associated with men and manhood in our culture. The ManKind Project: How programmes, politics and pop culture are addressing toxic masculinity. Although I’m no stranger to the dark side of the Korean entertainment industry (plastic surgery, 300 calorie-per-day diets, cruel trainers, oppressive agency rules, etc. They are open about finding both men and women attractive; RM once told the media how Shawn Mendes was the most handsome man he’d ever seen in 2018 (while blushing).