how k-pop ended the reign of the disney star

this is a little deep dive into the way k-pop picked up from where disney left off in the 2010's and now the 2020's.

[@avainspired]

IM SO EXCITED TO WATCH THIS, i've been thinking about how disney kids like don't really exist anymore and how disney channels relevance has died down so much.

[@jisooinyourarea6751]

it has nothing to do with kpop. its because cable has died. thats why no one cares about disney kids.

[@aliensuperstarss]

disney channels has been replaced (VERY FASTLY) By Disney+ WHY? (for many obvious reasons) Theres literally all the PAST shows disney doesn’t do re runs for (also the face that amot of content is from disney)

[@dannydanny4704]

this video makes no sense. disney simply just moved on to things like the MCU. k-pop had no link to the fall of disney stars

[@aliensuperstarss]

@@dannydanny4704 truthfully so 😭 during the peak of disney stars in the early 2010s kpop idols were HUUGEE

[@Rlrlrl1962]

What about Olivia rodrigo?? She’s a Disney star. We are just older now so we don’t care about Disney the younger kids still do

[@kimlip_tree2009]

I also feel like most people can find extra intrests in kpop other than the music. If you like dancing you can learn dances, if you like photography you can learn more with concept photos, etc etc

[@lipasketch]

So true! I love the fashion, be it in the mvs, on the stage or even in the airport! I love the editing and the set design on the mvs and I also love the creative album designs! Since I'm a designer myself, I find a lot of value and inspiration on all of these fronts! Plus, the variety content is SO MUCH FUN!

[@kimlip_tree2009]

@@lipasketch YESSSS the fashion is sooo cool!!!! idk how i forgot to mention that lol

[@notmyname3556]

True, I'm a design graduate who has so much passion for music and languages. This is right up my lane.

[@kimlip_tree2009]

@@notmyname3556 omg can you tell me any tips for learning korean?? i've been studying for 2 years and still can only say like 15 words 😭😭

[@casiahi7864]

lol yes

[@HopeeInk]

2nd Gen was groundbreaking and I need more people to acknowledge this.

[@annieothername]

Set the precedent and the standard

[@rinririnrieee]

I understand when people say '2nd gen is superior'. I'm only 18 but I found myself going to 2nd gen groups like tvxq, suju, bigbang, snsd etc. (well probably because I grew up with an 'og kpop fan' older sister). There's just something about 2nd gen groups. Newer gen aren't just as interesting as them 😭

[@HopeeInk]

@@rinririnrieee she raised you right 😂💗

[@dwoods8686]

Literally

[@notmyname3556]

New gens stans cant seem to understand this unfortunately

[@cinnamontea8545]

kpop idols kind of reminds me of that era of hollywood where agencies would own actors in a similar way kpop idols are owned by their companies, like how they would only act in media made by said company, another similarity is the star system where companies would give actors certain roles to cultivate a certain image for them, just like how kpop idols are almost always given a persona before they debut

[@cinnamontea8545]

morality clauses where also very common at the time which is incredibly similar to kpop contracts

[@clorindatine2610]

They still remind me of that era everytime

[@like.clarkwork]

@jc While yes, that's true, Disney added a little twist to the studio system with their pop star pipeline. Going as far back as the 80s and 90s, children who appeared on Disney Channel ended up becoming pop culture icons of the era. More recently in the late 00s and early 2010s, children who appeared on shows would be chosen to become pop stars. (K-Pop does the reverse by debuting idols as pop stars before they become actors, just to point out a difference.) Their system slowly became irrelevant and the last star of the Disney-to-pop timeline is Olivia Rodrigo because of her time on Bizaardvark and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. That's as close as we have to the pipeline existing. Nickelodeon had their own system too, but would pick a side character from a popular show before the actor had their own show (ex: Miranda Cosgrove was on Drake and Josh and Drake Bell and Josh Peck were on a reboot of All That.) However, this system was an attempt of copying Disney's formula that didn't last as long as Disney's. (Nickelodeon's star vehicle projects were from the 90s to mid-2010s and Disney's is still chugging along.)

[@muunprince1992]

They're similar because the Koreans saw the influence of popular culture in America such as celebrities. During the late 90's there was a financial crisis in asia so their government invested in things that supports film and media and rest is history ~ here in the Philippines K - Wave (Korean Wave) is really popular atm due to kdrama, kpop, beauty products, and food.

[@PinksInMyArea]

it's exactly the same. Kpop has huge human rights problems

[@Jiniechuu]

Starting listening to Kpop at 11 and now I’m 24. Totally agree with your points, k-pop grew with me but I stopped watching Disney soon after

[@TaylorLeeKnow]

I'm 24 as well. I started listening to kpop since 2010. Back then I was a huge Hannah Montana fan but now I don't follow Disney anymore.

[@zacharikurbah6358]

I'd started listening to Kpop since I was 8 years old, now I'm 23 years old, I stop watching Disney ever since

[@Azarath_Metrion_Zinthos]

@@TaylorLeeKnow that's because Disney don't make shows like that anymore... I think Hannah Montana, Suite Life, Wizards of Waverly Place, Sonny With a Chance, Jonas Brothers show, Good Luck Charlie etc... Were the last good Disney shows that they made... Everything else went downhill from there.

[@allinworldwillfadeawaysome4245]

me too. i started to stan kpop simce wonder girls lol. now im 24 still into kpop

[@velky_reeds]

the same thing is happening, but now in kpop, as i grow older its now getting difficult to stan the newer kpop groups as they are suuuuuper young and im no longer part of the demographic so this does not only apply towards disney but to the industry as a whole

[@Ari-to3qm]

this makes so much sense. I also think the systems of vlive, weverse, and just groups being so interactive with their fans also contributes a lot to why people like kpop so much.

[@TaylorLeeKnow]

Facts

[@m.g.5073]

Going from a chronically online teenager (I started getting into kpop in 2008) to a chronically online 30-yr old, analysis videos about the music/entertainment industry are always interesting to me. Probably because I've seen the trends change throughout the years myself (from the prevalence of jpop and visual kei music to them sort of fading out because of lack of accessibility to the rise of kpop). This comparison of kpop with the Disney star's decline is such a fresh perspective though and I appreciate it a lot.

[@xerilaun]

What kpop artists did u listen to back in 2008? :o

[@EverythingxYourexNot]

@@xerilaun my guess: SNSD, SuJu, TVXQ?

[@K1TTYBR4T]

@@xerilaun wonder girls and 2ne1 maybe? idk i’m a 3rd gen stan

[@rdb9673]

Jpop has no interest in expanding out of Japan. How many fans try to sub Johnny's Entertainment idols official videos here on KZbin then they get removed lol

[@aspidiske]

Lol same i am a 2008 kpop fan, started listening to wg and big bang back then but i stanned after school 2009 and was on hiatus but still listening to kpop here and there. Came back and stanned TWICE in 2016 until their Summer Nights album but I was also stanning LOONA predebut that time. I had my ins ans outs and the hiatus was inevitable since I was living my life (lmao) and had school and then work. I'm now only an Orbit but i still listen to the music of other groups. Ngl but i think Disney never was an interest for me. I just really liked Kpop as it sounded way better than anything for me since 2008. Also liked the 2nd gen variety shows. Although now, it seems that I like the songs more perhaps? But I still listen to the old gen songs ofc

[@Redorgreenful]

My family couldn’t afford the Disney channel, so I was never part of the fan base in the first place. But I can watch K-pop on KZbin for free. Accessibility is a real thing.

[@vitadude5004]

Isn't internet is expensive than a TV channel??

[@sparkle2848]

@@vitadude5004 Tv license exists sadly

[@sparkle2848]

@@vitadude5004 Disney channel wasnt accessible to everyone as well

[@vitadude5004]

@@sparkle2848 in my country we have package system in why u can choose your channels.. Which is cheaper than a $9 monthly.. 500 channels will be available in that package

[@sparkle2848]

@@vitadude5004 that’s so cool wish we had that lol

[@clorindatine2610]

I feel Disney lost their touch and their writers And people stop watching Disney because alot of people don't watch TV anymore and everybody even a seven year old has phone Making kpop more popular. Because more international fans had more of a chance to discover them, than Disney compare to people using their phones more than anything

[@lalisaandtzuyubiased5494]

And they overuse the laughing effect 💀

[@wonderingheights]

I first heard of kpop while studying abroad in 2011: 2NE1 came on the computer screen and I was hooked. The hair, the clothes, the quality of music, everything was so good. I went to my first concert when Big Bang came to my city in 2012. Cut to 2022, I can now have a conversation with a classmate about the latest TXT album and Hongjoong’s latest hairstyle. It really is a global movement now.

[@germanher7528]

I first watched Kpop in 2002, BabyVOX was on ArirangTV between shows and hooked me immediately, one of the first "legendary" GGs they won the Chinese market and were named the Group of Asia in 2002-2003; at the end of that first video I knew whatever that was it will became a global trend in music; Kdramas were already the rage in east Asia and the Hallyu was already been named and recognized by the SK gov as a cultural export

[@namu4380]

6:52 That's Minji .She was born in 2004 so she is definitely not 14 yr old .She is the oldest member. Hyein is the one who is 14 (born 2008)

[@namanh8439]

Reign of teen media 1995-2005: MTV 2005-2015: Disney Channel 2015 onwards: kpop

[@dearhyeri]

Disney and Nickelodeon definitely ruled together though

[@Noname-nz8nl]

Both Nickelodeon and Disney!

[@namanh8439]

@@dearhyeri im not exactly sure about Nickeledon cause it was available only in certain countries. Disney and MTV r more international and thatz how we knew these idols

[@hala6052]

According to this I am curious what 2025 will bring

[@germanher7528]

@@hala6052 probably some kind of another level of death of music industry

[@neb.9489]

I feel like the downfall of Disney is 100% social media or just fans connecting with idols more bc of fan service. Before IG, tiktok, or Twitter, it was hard to connect with your favorite star and see into their lives outside of official media and interviews. Even today, western celebs don’t interact with fans as much as idols do unless they post something on IG. Kpop has always been centered on fan service. If I want to know what BTS or Twice are doing I can check weverse and bubble. They do fansigns and FaceTime calls and now there are apps(like bubble) where you can direct say things to your idol. In my opinion, that causes a lot of parasocial relationships with kpop idols, but my point is that fans can connect and interact more which draws alot of people in to kpop.

[@esgay7512]

saw the title and IMMEDIATELY clicked. i never thought of it like this…we really did grow out of disney.

[@SacredSacral]

Really enjoyed this video! One day, I hope you touch on Jpop and how Jpop/rock was a major thing before Kpop took over!

[@HopeeInk]

This one because a good anime opening ruled my playlist way more than a Disney song.

[@PeteZaroll551]

Truuuu! Visual kei, anime openings, vocaloids.. the memories 😅❤

[@mijaroprime9509]

Jpop is still a major thing just because you're into Kpop don't mean Jpop ain't doing anything especially anime that is still much bigger than Kpop.

[@PeteZaroll551]

@@mijaroprime9509 they are doing things but they are being severely outshined by kpop and the culture surrounding it. Most people only really listen to anime openings and the artists who make them now versus before kpop was as big and mainstream as it is now.

[@mijaroprime9509]

@@PeteZaroll551 They aren't being outshined by Kpop just because Kpop is in the west don't mean they're outshining them. Japan has the second biggest music market after USA. Step out of your bubble now. Kpop got it's culture from Jpop all that idol culture thing came from Jpop.

[@theonlyreallovelyzstan]

Woah another great video and that last part about how kpop groups can sell albums like hot cakes is so true. I feel like the western music/entertainment industry can learn a lot from (and steal back from) the kpop industry instead of belittling how successful it is. Like the way music and artists are promoted in Korea with music shows and tons of chances to promote their songs vs how in the west they can only hope to go viral, performe in music festivals or to go on late night shows which is inconvenient for their younger fans

[@katgreer6113]

FOR REAL. Western artists don't even have a promotion how-to manual. Big label or not. They just hope to go viral on tiktok and rely on the ever so changing tastes of gen-z to propel their artists into stardom. They can also learn a lot from building para social relationships with the fans (as bad as it sounds). they KNOW that they need to bring the physical albums push back, but they won't admit it. Ok, let them keep hoping to get that 10m like tiktok post of their artists' songs. 🙄

[@missserenity1090]

Kpop was kinda made off of American boy bands like *NSYNC and The Backstreet Boys. I don’t know why they ditched that. I think bands and groups really work because there usually people that fit what different people like.

[@gina-zb9ye]

@@missserenity1090 that’s a lie, but I see where you’re coming from. Kpop is mainly influenced from the black girl groups and boy groups from the 90s and early 2000s such as TLC, or Destiny’s Child (With Beyoncé) and also have elements of jpop groups from Japan. Nsync and them were definitely not first, and were definitely also influenced by those black groups from the 90s. Also black pop and r&b groups have been around since the 60s and even earlier with groups like the Supremes (with Diana Ross)

[@omgbuffy2276]

@@gina-zb9ye sm entertainment was formed after the Motown model

[@talysharawlins94]

I'm 32 and still love Kpop lol. I love watching dance practice videos. I find good choreography extremely satisfying. The music is good too. I've long since grown out of the whole crush on a celebrity thing and I don't bother learning every name, nor do I care about trying to relate to distant strangers I don't know. That's a kid thing. But if there's a group I like the music amd choreography of I tend to listen and watch them more. I don't think anyone has to grow out of enjoying music and dancing. The narrator of this video isn't wrong when she says how in Kpop there's so much variety that there's something for everyone.

[@Eris_Norregard]

Preach. I just got into Kpop few months ago, at the age of 25, and what drew me in was the dancing. I didn't even really like the music at first, but it kinda grew on me after watching the MVs and the lives performances so many times, because I love watching the choreographies and try to learn some of them. I do make the effort of learning the names and a bit of backstory of the artists behind it, but I don't really bother with following them on social media or anything. I don't really see a point. The music and the dancing is enough for me.

[@stacie1595]

So interesting! I've been a kpop fan for 10 years now and it's definitely a genre and hobby that can grow with you. It's just crazy to see the impact it's had. From being completely niche in 2011 to pretty much mainstream in 2022 is wild and I've been there every step of that journey.

[@germanher7528]

I actually were surprised to find Girls Generation in youtube at around 2008 since I had stopped listening to kpop by 2004 when my TV cable cut ArirangTV

[@stacie1595]

@@germanher7528 I was a competitive dancer and at one of my conventions, we danced to a remixed version of The Boys by GG. I had no idea it was kpop until a few months later when SHINee snached me by the neck and drug me into the community.

[@linozoaur]

This is so interesting. Kpop also is more focused on fan service such as lives, photocards, bubble, music show interviews they seem more approachable because that’s how they are marketed and it’s way more entertaining than what disney used to be

[@draculena]

ugh you did not just come for “TTYLXOX” 😤 jokes aside, this was an excellent analysis, and really accurate to my experience as a gen Z kid :D also, the hannah montana singing transitions were soooo fitting and perfect

[@thewayifelt]

oh don't worry i love ttylxox more than something to dance for, but you can see how disney was trying sooo hard to appeal to gen z through the lyrics ahaha

[@saranguyen2788]

Here's some additional info: Kpop also does a good job branching out outside of Korea. Disney Channel focuses on western countries. Jpops influence on Kpop & Jpop sells more CD's than anybody. Japan's music industry doesn't feel the need to branch out internationally like Kpop does, simply because Jpop's economy can sustain itself in Japan. The average kpop group makes more money promoting in Japan than Korea, which is why every Kpop idol has Japanese singles & albums. Kpop does an amazing job being a melting pot mixing different genres of music

[@residentevil4life]

this is....an interesting take. I have been a K-pop fan now for 13 years and originally got into the genre from my obsession with J-pop and I always told myself I loved K-pop because it reminded me of the Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys but now I wonder if my love for Disney stars played a bigger influence. In regards to you saying "K-pop fans don't grow out of the genre" I beg to differ since I know many people who refuse to like new groups especially if the members are young. Idk what actual teenagers would say but personally I noticed a huge shift towards K-pop the day ONE DIRECTION broke up and millions of fans didn't have a boy group to droll over anymore, and I know many 1D fans were well aware of K-pop since the fans infamously got into an internet fight with EXO fans.

[@mr.beater2064]

Yes for many people k-pop was their new obsession.

[@vanille]

I personally feel like I've grown out of following KPOP. I was a huge fan of Girls Generation in the 2nd gen of KPOP. But I think there's a level dedication that's expected of a KPOP fan that I couldn't commit to anymore and I fell out of the loop of keeping up with the comebacks etc. It didn't help that KPOP wasn't that huge back then yet too so there wasn't a lot of people I knew personally who I could share this with so that made falling out of the loop even easier. I consider myself a casual fan still though. I might like a really popular single or two, but I don't follow or keep up with any KPOP acts anymore.

[@kidhypez]

I love your last statement. The executives blocked Asians from acting and singing. No need for them nowadays when Asian media is overtaking the world.

[@Mei-wm3xb]

I completely relate to this commentary, I remember when I was like 6 to 10 years old I was a huge Disney fan, until the internet came and it completely slapped me with so many incredible shit for a child and I guess that was the time when Disney's relevance for me completely died.

[@itsblingblingpop8636]

being a teen through disney's peak (starting at HSM) and a kpop fan since 2010 ish, I will now quote an old jonas brothers video: "Oh how the tables have turned"

[@laylammorais]

I was one of those kids who grew up with Disney 2000s and it was interesting how I felt bored out of my mind trying to find new artists to listen to. When I branched out on KZbin, I was completely hooked by K-pop, there's just so much content and diversity of tastes that the Western industry just couldn't keep up. I was mind-blowned by then, and now if I see non-Asian artists performing I just get disappointed because I'm used to the grandiose and dedicated work of K-artists performing their all. The American industry was doing the bare minimum, so they took a lot for granted with the mindset that they'll always be the best

[@anyone1111]

Omggg yes! It’s so interesting looking at kpop then watching American performances. It’s just I’ll never look at the U.S. performances the same!

[@roslolian11]

The problem is the music. Kpop Idols focus on music, and as they age their music also gets more mature so they keep their fanbase. For example Black Pink debuted with "Whistle" and "Boombayah" but their latest songs "Pink Venom" and "Shut down" are obviously more mature. OTH Disney idols treat music as a side project and their bread and butter are the Disney shows since they are actors who can sing. Once the audience ages they lose interest in the Disney star as well.

[@stolas2240]

blackpink is honestly the LAST example i would use for kpop idols maturing with their music

[@crystalsnow1138]

@@stolas2240 I was thinking the same thing.

[@dearhyeri]

@@stolas2240 right 😭 a better example would be girls day maybe since they debuted with a more fun and futuristic concept, and ending with a sexier more r rated concept

[@lunam.9640]

Blackpink? They make music for 12 years old.

[@maniafigures3472]

@@lunam.9640 Did you listen to their album??? It has a parental advisory!

[@sabrinaleedance]

I got into Kpop when I was 23 and still obsessed at 27

[@espltd978]

I've been a Kpop fans since 2010, and I just wanted to say, this really was one of the sweetest Kpop related videos I've seen in such a long time. And I'm so happy to see Kpop taking over, especially here in the US. I remember back then, nobody in the mainstream wanted to take a chance on Kpop, except Wendy Williams when she put Wonder Girls on her show. But Wonder Girls really were fighting an uphill battle. So I'd enjoy Kpop taking more of a hold in the US a bit more if they made a comeback and were a part of it!! 😅😅

[@davidfrischknecht8261]

I still purchase non-K-pop CDs. I tend to listen to a lot of independent artists who don't have the backing of a major label, so buying the CD instead of streaming it helps the artist out more.

[@avainspired]

the hannah montana transitions ate

[@-megaera9628]

Love your commentary about this! I haven't really linked kpop and disney before, so this is interesting to watch!

[@jeness]

Another hit! But seriously this was an amazing analysis. Disney Channel has become out dated in service of the idol system which makes high uqality content that at lesat feels authentic and it's done at a much faster rate.

[@mijaroprime9509]

Kpop isn't the reason Disney channel became outded this video is stupid and has no basis in reality just kpop fans trying to put themselves on a pedestal. Kpop isn't as big as you may think it is so get out of your bubble. A lot of people my country don't know kpop some only know bts and BlackPink and that's it. Unlike with Disney, everbody knew Hannah Montana, everyone know Selena Gomez, Everyone knows Demi Lovato and everyone know Dove Cameron, Raven-Symone and more. I like kpop but it's nowhere near as popular as you people think.

[@danaestradford9083]

I wish these companies would debut groups with older idols because not everyone in K-pop is in their teens or early 20s. I mean I’m 26 and granted I just got into K-pop for a lil over a year so it hasn’t been that long but I don’t see what the problem is having older aged groups who are talented and can do everything that the younger groups can do. That’s just my opinion though.

[@user-je6io6cv5d]

Yeah I’m the same I’m 22 and I’ve just started working and now I have realised it’s just to weird to watch 15 or 16 years old perform? Like new jeans is so young, it’s just listening to music and stanning solo artists like sunmi or taemin for me now. Can’t wait for exo comeback

[@jaehyunslefttoe_]

no one buys a physical cd unless it's for a kpop idol,,,, HATE HOW TREW THIS IS😭😭😭BC i did that too

[@Sorayax073]

The “14-year-old kpop idol” you used in your example, Minji from NewJeans, is actually 18 (and the oldest). The maknae of that group is Hyein.

[@wslaysn]

and hyein is 14. was an honest mistake and isnt that serious

[@anyone1111]

But aren’t they all minors except that she turned 18 recently.

[@storm6245]

first of all, please please give me the link of where you got your profile picture. secondly, might i just add that the millions of physical album sales that K-pop constantly collects is due to the fact that these albums are innovative and jam-packed with items like photocards, posters, photobooks, polaroids, and other goodies that makes the album special and fan-centered. compared to how western artists do their common albums where they just put a cd inside a clear case and call it a day.

[@zyoteesunuwar4825]

Thats their market strategy. Western sales were just fine without any photobooks or stickers and that's how it has always been. The west's audience looks for the music's quality, not the goodies that come with the album. But since mid-2015 the stan culture has ruined it. They focus on artists rather than their content.

[@MsRoxygirl333]

As a former Disney kid who was obsessed with Selena Gomez/Demi Lovato and immediately hopped on the K-pop train right around the time they were transitioning out of making Disney content, I can attest that everything said in this video is 110% true 😂 Also, I see what you did there with that clip from Juliette by SHINee! Very clever lol

[@neekachui]

i don’t think they’re exactly too comparable bc kpop does have a greater focus on the musical performance, while disney channel showcased the stars’ personalities through their acting on amazing shows with music being more of a side thing while still a great way to highlight and promote them, but i think it’s interesting how you tried to connect the two! i personally think it’s a matter of your preferences since i am personally still into both. in terms of disney channel, nostalgia can play a big role bc if you grew up with it, you would definitely attached to it, but kpop can be a little more different in the sense that it’s more current and real-time especially with all the social media updates and posts through platforms like universe, weverse, and ofc vlive for the livestreams. that’s what allows us to feel more of a connection because we get to see kpop artists more often, while disney channel stars from at least what i remember in the older generations didn’t necessarily have those opportunities? i did grow up as a kpop fan too, so this could most likely apply to international fans more since not everyone got that exposure until now where social media plays such a big role in how we find interests and fandoms to get into. additionally, kpop is a pretty complex system depending on how the specific companies handle a group or artist as well as the whole training process, while disney channel would be like a single company hiring and managing them all, so there are some lines that can be drawn in the comparison, but i can see the whole public personality idea being connecting them in a way. honestly there is no problem if you grow out of something and move onto another bc that’s a part of life and our tastes can always change when we least expect it, but i hope everyone can find something they like and enjoy it because it is fun for them :) either way, this was a very interesting video once again that i did enjoy so thank you for this commentary!

[@maymaecat5149]

I mean you could use this arguement with fourth gen. I've seen some new groups have social media presence way before they become a group,to get ppl hooked onto thier personalities and who they are right before you hear them sing a single note or dance a single move! Trainee A comes to mind and I've heard that other groups have done it but I'll be honest and say I havent really kept up with 4th gen news besides like the couple groups I like. I think 4th gen has a major focus on semi disney channel esc things as most of them are very personality and visual focused. You see it abit more with Hybe artists, basically every group (boy groups at least) have a show for fans to watch to get hooked onto thier personalities. TXT has To Do, Enhypen has a show, SVT has a show I believe, and do we need to mention BTS?? I'd argue it's one if the selling points of the generation since there is a major focus on performance now rather than vocal ability like the previous generations. I hope this make sense to you,sorry about this long reply.

[@neekachui]

@@maymaecat5149 sorry i just saw your reply but ofc, no problem and i appreciate the response, it wasn’t too long at all :) again this stuff is usually case by case or dependent on the company / whatever management is in charge of an artist, so i agree like when you mentioned some of the hybe groups and how they highlight their members through their shows, while i don’t exactly like the company for other reasons. if anything i definitely love getting to see their personalities through whatever variety type shows they get on or make since that’s what has made kpop as a whole so fun for me. and in terms of social media presence, sure i’d understand putting the members out there early to make it easier for fans to get into them, so it isn’t necessarily a bad thing as long as they can have some fun with it and backing themselves up with their music and performances, but they also shouldn’t have to worry about putting out a perfect image for the public. i think it’s heartwarming enough to see them put their efforts into whatever they put out for the fans. the way fourth gen has kind of changed the way artists put themselves out there can be a little hard to get used to i completely understand that too, but it isn’t necessarily a bad thing either since it’s become more competitive like with the rise of girl group rookies in the past year or so. i’m not too big a fan of how more younger trainees are becoming artists because it can definitely be hard for them to deal with some things in the industry at such a young age. in the end what matters is that they can all have fun and enjoy what they’re doing while fans also are more accepting and not toxic with unnecessary fanwars, so people can just enjoy whatever they’re into :) whether kpop or disney channel or even other things that may produce celebrities or artists,, sorry if i kind of went on a tangent but i just think these kind of discussions are so interesting

[@germanher7528]

@@maymaecat5149 the 4th gen is following on the example that helped make BTS so successfull, active social media involvement

[@kmck25]

I would add to this as someone who aged out of Disney and found kpop in 2011-2012- is the that I also got into kdrama’s and their more in-depth story lines for teen dramas.

[@reckonerwheel5336]

I'm 34 so it's been a wild journey to see how much the environment has changed. I'm actually a new Kpop fan (got into it 2 years ago) and from my POV as someone who's aged out of idolizing, it's so still so effective in getting fans because 1) all that dancing, 2) all you need is to take interest in 1/multiple members to be invested in a group, 3) the content per group is virtually endless. Like, Jonas Brothers may have been a group, but it's only so interesting to see them goof around on stage with instruments, and you could get through all their media (mvs, interviews, movies) in a few months. Stanning a Western artist to a Kpop group is like going from smoking weed to using heroin lmao. There's just so much more to explore most aspects -- they churn out more music videos, more interviews, and behind-the-scenes videos, variety shows... they don't need to be on scripted shows like Disney stars do either, because people love Kpop idols for being themselves, in real situations, not for acting.

[@isiaadiel3468]

As someone who was a Hannah Montana fan at the same time being a SNSD Sone, I think the things that got me out of it was how fake it all felt. Not saying Kpop is the most realistic media out there, but the celebrities from Disney felt like they were in an unobtainable world. They didn't interact too directly, didn't have a flavor to their music that felt theirs, or couldn't escape the awful writing and age regression of the Disney system. The songs all had the same message, theme, and watered down instruments; many songs blur together in my brain because it just felt cookie cutter even as a kid. Kpop has fan names, sites, lightsticks, chants, etc. Members had personality and their own separate fandoms. Mostly, they were real people that grew with you and didn't feel scripted, able to relate to people by just being a human being with real life experiences. Also the elephant in the room is the lack of color. We got maybe 3 or 4 POC to blow up out of how many Disney stars? And they were all black, which was great for me, but not my friends of the myriad of other races excluded from even being hired at Disney.

[@staycsprinkles3777]

I mean you just described most nugu kpop groups

[@jabaekhun3608]

I don’t think K-pop was the reason why Disney couldn’t produce or won’t produce stars like Bridget,Selena,Demi,and Miley because I think it was these stars themselves that brought a stigma and because of the stigma it turned them away from trying it again so not to stain their brand they created and as you said the internet I think I also don’t think K-pop portrayed youth better than Disney did I feel the reason it stuck with teenagers who scoured the internet was because it was close to the pop and sort of friendlyness of Disney but a lot more mature a good bridge or transition between childhood and late teenage years.

[@ailiaone]

OH I LOVE THAT YOU CALLED OUT THE AMERICAN COMPANIES BEGGING AT THE DOORMATS OF KOREAN COMPANIES TO SAVE THEM WHEN THEY HAVE DENIED THEM FOR SO LONG the lack Asian artist in western music is appalling, I’m glad that Asian artist in the diaspora can have an outlet through the Korean music industry, it’s so heartbreaking hearing their stories about wanting to be an artist but not growing up seeing anyone like them

[@vanessameow1902]

Dont know if it was intentional or not but at 6:50 it should be Hyein not Minji cuz hyein's the 14 year old, minji is 17/18.

[@serenitysubs933]

When 2021 rolled over I started to see way more kpop girlies that were the same age as me. I would keep being like "hold up, she's my age too?" And that then turned to "she's so much younger than me!" And it feels weird to stan groups that literally were 12 two years ago and got their childhood robbed. HYBE, Starship I'm looking at you.

[@awclia]

literally every company then

[@anyone1111]

Amen! Like. Why are 14-16 year olds debuting?! Like y’all are children…. (18 year olds are legal adults by law i terms of age, but are still children but I digress) what are these companies doing!!?

[@bravegirlsbestgg]

another amazing video as always! I liked that point about aging out. I just realized that there are so many youtubers that I still watch when I was 12…the power of youtube

[@Boonies]

Yes omg before kpop it was Disney channel and Disney stars being the IT girls and IT boys now it’s kpop idols… I wonder what will take over next 🤔

[@pratyushpavansaikia8161]

Olivia isn't a Disney star. Almost no one knows about her involvement in Bizzardvark and her success in music industry has nothing to do with Disney. Sure being in Disney show gave her links, experience and exposure she needs but she succeeded in her own terms. She got so big that now Disney needs her and not the other way around

[@disappointment3090]

Most people knew her from Highschool musical:The musical. A song she wrote for that show is what blew her name up the first time around.

[@grandesponytail5664]

@@disappointment3090 yea I only found out about her Disney past AFTER her getting into her music.

[@winwinner6674]

In Romania Bizzardvark is still on air but the same episodes. I was surprised when i saw her debut growing so fast.

[@hajeralgudarey]

Not really. I only knew her as paige from bizzardvark and was surprised to see her debut as an artist. And some knew her from High School Musical

[@mikimishisa]

I mean High School Musical is still.....disney soooo......

[@sandyabalu1296]

I loved your commentary it definitely gave me more perspective on why I gravitated to K-pop. I do keep hearing ab this “7 year curse” and I find it off putting. I feel that if a group does well within that time period they have better chances of renewing. They can also choose not to renew even if they did well. If they built a fandom and were successful and they do end up disbanding, I would still appreciate all they accomplished. It would be sad but if they are meant ti be in the spot light I’m sure members will find a way. But this curse thing makes it sound like disbanding is unexpected, it’s what they sign up for, and the chances of disbanding are there.

[@davidfrischknecht8261]

Apink, Twice, and Mamamoo are three groups who are still together after 7 years.

[@AllycatlovesAG]

Hannah Montana transitions were gold! Great video.

[@HappileeHarvest]

The Miley “yeaaahs” are killing me 😂

[@alina-rx3uv]

this was actually so interesting, I've never thought about this connection so I really enjoyed watching it!

[@johnmarvinakira1721]

I love this analysis. Plus I also love how you showcased so many clips on different disney shows and kpop songs. It shows diversity, I love it

[@heyalexisleigh]

this was a fantastic idea to cover, really enjoyed this video

[@winwinner6674]

I was instroduced to kpop by my mom when i was 11(2013) and until today is still my main music genre to listen.

[@morelka1872]

this topic is so interesting, how have you came up with this😳 this video give me motivation to do all of my plans for today so I can watch it in the evening, love your commentary💜

[@mijaroprime9509]

She came up with it based on a dumb mind and opinion. Kpop has nothing to do with disney stars not being popular anymore that has to do with disney itself. This is a stupid baseless analysis.

[@thyiff2219]

Enjoyed this comparison and all of your videos really! Well done!

[@kittycatsy]

I loove how you include every generations of k pop and you know your stuff well too. Incredible insight, I've never thought that the two really connected but you proof me wrong!

[@Z0MB13R0T]

love every video you upload

[@LayeredGamer]

I love your videos so much. Sometimes you start a point and I come up with a counterpoint in my head, but in the next sentence you already address that point. Amazing!!

[@msj0015]

I literally don't watch TV at all nowdays. I used to be a big fan of disney stars and popstars but after discovering kpop in 2017, I lost my connection to disney and pop. Kpop has become a regular listening music genre for me now. And I enjoy it much more than other genres.

[@clor9732]

i became a kpop fan in 2012/13 when i was 13 (due to youtube - my family never had cable so i never watched much tv and spent most of my time on youtube) and this is so interesting to me

[@aeri_taylors-version]

I first started listening to kpop in 2010 (SNSD) when I was a highschooler and now that i’m working I still follow the members’ individual activities and can sometimes even buy their albums, magazines they appear in, etc. 😂

[@briarpatchlogic]

This was a fascinating look at a pop culture subject of great intrest to me...wonderful job! Bridget Mendler and Lemonade Mouth will always hold a special place in my heart.

[@nana-iv3si]

I really loved this video, you are so good at articulating your thoughts and opinions, thanks for sharing ❤️

[@allinonechrista]

You mentioned about how most of the Disney actors want to leave Disney once they get older. While that is true for the most part, there are still those like Miranda May, who currently plays the main character Lou on Disney's Bunk'd and she's 26 years old. There's also the actor that played Jaget on Nickelodeon's Side Hustle up until this year and he is 26 too! Then there's Trevor Tordjman who plays Bucky on Disney's Zombies and Parker from Bunk'd and he's 26 as well. I just wanted to point out that there are a few actors on Disney (and Nickelodeon) that are older and seem to be quite happy still being on the network. Perhaps it's because with the exception of Bucky, they are playing characters around their own ages (for example Lou and Parker are 21 in the show while the actors are 26). Also, Miranda who plays Lou on Bunk'd also has directed, produced, and written the newer episodes of the show. So perhaps that's why she still seems to be happy being the main character on a Disney show even though she's 26. Also, I will say that while most people grow out of Disney once they are teens, some people don't. There's a KZbinr named Caitlin Mckillop that has over 200,000 subscribers who is 24 years old and is still a huge fan of Disney Channel shows (and her channel is mainly about Disney). To be honest, there are some Disney and Nickelodeon shows that are still funny to watch even when you get older. As a matter of fact, one of the most popular shows today - The Owl House - IS a Disney Channel show! That show even has a lot of fans that are young adults. Just because a show is G-rated doesn't mean that adults can't enjoy it. Some of my favorite shows like The Penguins of Madagascar and All Hail King Julien are things that people of all ages can enjoy. And even though Side Hustle is more for a younger audience, it is probably Nick's best sitcom in recent years and it is quite funny, mainly thanks to Jaget's character because he is absolutely hilarious. (By the way, you can stream the first 13 episodes of Side Hustle on Paramount Plus, but honestly, the show gets so much better in the second half of season 1 and ESPECIALLY season 2.) ANYWAYS, I enjoy family friendly shows the most actually, since I find most of the shows that I'm supposed to be the target audience for are either too sad/dark or too graphic/explicit for me. I honestly wish some of those shows would take notes from Disney shows and make their stuff more happy and lighthearted. Like reality is already so hard and stressful, I just want happy TV shows, preferably happy shows about female characters that are older than 20. Anyways, to talk about the Kpop part of things, I will say that I think I started liking Kpop because it actually did remind me of Disney Channel. The colorful music videos and the fun concepts of Kpop really reminds me of the colorful sets and fashion from some Disney shows. Also, some of Kpop does have that squeaky clean image to it, similar to the squeaky clean persona that Disney stars had to have (but there are some exceptions and that's totally okay, there's nothing wrong with Kpop artists having a more mature concept as long as they're adults). Overall, Kpop is just very fun and happy - when you ignore all of drama, fan arguments, and scandals - and that's why I enjoy Kpop now. I definitely do enjoy Kpop more than Disney shows, mainly because I'm more of a music person and again, most TV shows are not enjoyable for me to watch. However, I think that Kpop took a lot of things I loved about Disney and used that as inspiration, but did it in a way to where I can still enjoy Kpop as I get older. Thank you for making this video, I hope you are happy and healthy and will have a great day!❤️

[@beomkyutie1112]

what an interesting video, i loved it actually ive always wanted to watch deep dives concerning kpop topics and now ive subscribed so looking forward to more you post . ps love the shinee inclusions in the video

[@saravmaldegem]

Thank you for making this video! I enjoyed it :)

[@kim9126]

Your channel is refreshing xx

[@ironheart5830]

As some one grown up in 2000's there are no Asian artists in western media :(

[@annejia5382]

and then there's me who grew up both with 2000s disney and 2nd gen 💛💛💛 you could say i grew up with both the golden eras 💛

[@untitled1464]

So before watching this video I’d like to point out that Disney sort of attempted to introduce kpop to kids when the Wonder Girls toured with the Jonas Brothers in 2009. Radio Disney would raffle off tickets to their concert dates and mention this new pop group from Korea as one of the opening acts, the other was Honor Society lol I am showing my age. Also the tween/kids clothing store Justice (renamed but the store was formerly known as The Limited Too in the early 00s) sold a ton of Wonder Girls merch to promote this. My mom randomly bought me a Wonder Girls notebook from Justice since I needed a notebook for 7th grade lol. I definitely think the era of Disney was meant to end once social media became popular, and I’d probably argue that the rise of social media is what also contributed, and perhaps introduced, the rise of kpop into the mainstream. But again that’s just my opinion as a 25 year old before watching the vid. I def plan on watching this vid tomorrow when I am not packing last minute for my flight lol.

[@profscarlett]

Disney is trying to get Kpop idols. They have the BTS concert on Disney++ and Snowdrop with Jisoo.

[@pseudopulk3478]

Amazing video! So many specific references!

[@michaelmayo]

This is another very interesting essay on Kpop's rise, and I'll add a bit about the differences and that's one of focus. Dizzy's focus was always on the domestic market. International markets were never considered important. By contrast, since Korea is a relatively tiny market (if passionate) Kpop had almost from the beginning designs on pushing into international markets, starting with Japan, China, and SE Asia. Once KZbin came along and became the defacto World network, Kpop also started molding its stars and music into broader forms and concepts that could appeal to western audiences. They also started grooming the girls and boys into sophisticated looks so that if and when they became stars, fashion and jewelery houses could adopt them as brand ambassadors, which in turn fed back into increasing their fanbases. Although we all know the BP girls normally wear knockabout street clothes offduty, they have no problem slipping into Celline, Channel, or Dior and looking as natural and beautiful wearing high fashion as their hoodies and sweats. Another item she touched on is that Kpop management is smarter about their artists. In the west, artists are pretty pidgeonholed into one thing or one concept, where Kpoppers are given more leeway. Solo projects are not only a smart way to generate more content, but also a way to let artists get out of the main concept rut and do something different and also explore areas for them to grow into as they age out. I think the two best examples of this are IU and Lisa. IU started as a poppy little girl, then established herself as a serious actress and softer, sensitive singer/songwriter (as well as a killer talkshow host). I think IU is establishing the pattern of how to transitiion into an adult Korean entertainment figure. Lisa has shown a lot of grit and brains, not only in BP, but also in that military training show where she wasn't afraid to look miserable and stressed (although she now knows how to handle a full-auto rifle, which is something she's probably proud of - she's definitely ready for the zombie apocalypse) and in the "Youth With You" program where any doubt about her knowledge fundementals about dance were quickly erased by her tough, eagle-eyed mentoring of rookie trainees. It really looks like Lisa, more than the other BPers (no knock on them) has consciously decided to take on any challenge and incorporate it into her CV so there will never be any doubt she's capable of handling anything thrown at her, and of course it just makes her fans love her more, and she's only 25! She's clearly establishing herself into becoming a dominant entertainment figure both in front of and behind the scenes like IU. Both of them project sweet, girlly images, but god help you if you decide to cross them, because they'll flatten you before you know what hit you. One more thing while I'm at it. Kpoppers project a family friendly image. Everyone knows IU's devotion to her family, and likewise with BP. We know not only Lisa and Rose's stories, but the stories of how their families supported them and are regularlly treated to photos of Lisa with her mom, dad, and extended family. As opposed to the anti-family orientation of many western artists, Kpoppers embrace their families and show they're still important to them. There's a hunger for that in people, and shows you don't have to leave your friends and family behind to be successful.

[@erikad0511]

Great video... Really love the ending remarks too ;)

[@asjsk8286]

the comparison makes so much sense

[@annieothername]

Excellent job on this!

[@YoureMyCherryOnTop143]

Dang nice vid as someone who had grew up in the 2010s I can agree with you & plus I had decided to listen to Kpop around 2020

[@jeness]

Now this sounds interesting. I cant wait to finish this

[@ratfrazier7024]

Right now Disney really is focused on its animated tv shows as the quality is way better

[@satorumybeloved]

im so glad this came up on my recommendations

[@RICODAGOAT06.]

I don’t have any problem with ages in kpop, it’s just that people think they others aren’t able to do what they want to do. I think it’s just that people forget being an idol is a job. If a person under 18 think they are able to handle all the pressure and everything they have to go through. Then others don’t have a reason to talk about them. But at the end of the day if the can dance, and sing good. Then they are able to be an idol. Nobody should choose and pick who gets to debut but their label!

[@valtaep1ece796]

I would have never thought of this 💀💀💀

[@moniquejohnson4029]

I am new to your channel - I love your deep dive style. Looking forward to more content

[@azaheljimenez957]

I think after the glorious Disney channel era we all know (Miley, Selena, Demi, the JB, HSM) Disney just couldnt debut new artist of the same level anymore. (Until Olivia Rodrigo today) even some of the new tv shows were awful, so kids moved to what was "new" and "trending" back then, which is kpop.

[@michelleonmars]

i love this video your content is so good and interesting.

[@the2minwol]

So many shinee clips❤️

[@Faith-vg9ox]

I got into kpop when I was 20. It was like stumbling upon a pot of gold. I honestly enjoyed the fuck out if myself and STILL do even now at 28. Kpop is something you can definitely grow old with. I have learned many choreos from different groups with different musical style and concepts. Disney can never beat kpop and whatever they had going on is forever lost. There will have to be something way bigger that can replace kpop.

[@brooKlynKiteflyer]

Hanna Montana becoming a stripper once the final nail in the coffin for Disney 🤣 oh and Lindsey and spears both didn’t help Disney brand after they branched out as well 😂

[@qsxsqsxs]

Great video! Very introspective :)

[@goose_goose_ducks]

So interesting and informative video! Especially for the person who grew up in South Korea and moved to the US as an adult to work, I was wondering how those fans can exist in the western world on this level which I would not imagine back than I was a teen age girl. I still a fan of Kpop (not all koreans are Kpop fans, but I was a bit hardcore fan) and thankful that I can attend Kpop idol's concert in here too.

[@mariokart9227]

I'm not even in the rabbit hole of k-pop I only listen to one group but this video was great and very fascinating. I never really thought of the lack of Disney pop stars until this video came up

[@sabrinaleedance]

Olivia Rodrigo is a high school star turned teen/young adult pop idol

[@GOBLlN]

i think same thing will happen to kpop mainly because of the over production of new kpop groups every year and the extravagant appearance that once catched the first kpop stans that spreaded it out to the world I do think they will lose the hype over a new wave of smth

[@bubblylibra3635]

What do you mean Disney stars are not thriving? Selena, Demi, Miley, and the Jonas Brothers are perfectly successful and are still selling records up until now.

[@dimensionalmagic]

not as much as before, which may be a result of the evolution brought on by the internet and social media impacts. Disney isn't as important as it once was; the alumni still exist, but their fame won't reach its previous heights. That is the industry cycle. The alums from previous generations, such as the soul train generation, little rascals cast, Mickey Mouse Club generation, 90s boy band era, MTV era, etc., also demonstrated this. The stars are still producing new work, selling songs, or succeeding as actors, but it's not as successful as it once was since things have cooled down. Just be glad they found stability within all this since not many of the child stars stay much in the industry, as long as they're ok and happy.

[@actionchaplain1]

Very well done video with valid points and analysis. Additionally, I get what you're saying about k-pop's wider appeal as I might be the oldest person in this comment section (by far) and I still like it.

[@goddess2611]

y’all do know you can stan groups w younger members without being creepy or weird about it right…? the fact that y’all are making a problem w it is quite suspicious…

[@josiahhatch7027]

Yea. I agree, it isn’t weird at all to me. I think what makes it weird is calling it weird. My favorite group is twice who are all around my age (25), but I don’t feel different comparing them to Ive for example.

[@g.ale21]

Actually a korean person said they see kpop idols just like we see Disney Channel stars so yeah 😅😅

[@AliciaChan]

Do you write your scripts as well? Your essays are sooo well written and on point!! you got a new subscriber in me! Loving your videos so far! keep it up and looking forward to more!