For a while, the music industry has been debating about which idol truly “paved the way for K-pop.”However, these idols have identified the real artist who initiated the “Hallyu Wave”globally.
Jay, Aron Praise BoA as ‘Queen’ & ‘Super Senior’ Who ‘Paved the Way for K-pop’
On April 21, KOREAN COWBOYS, the YouTube channel, posted a new video called “SHE PAVED THE WAY FOR K-POP.”
During the podcast, hosted by 3rd-generation K-pop idols Aaron Kwak from ex-NU’EST and former BTL member Jay, they discussed a range of topics related to the music industry. One of the main topics that they focused on in the first quarter of the show was the emergence of AI idols.
At that moment, Jay brought up BoA during the second quarter of the show, appearing to stand up for the icon against the negative remarks she has been receiving from newer K-pop fans about her talents and appearance.
During the podcast, Jay represented BoA and stated:
“Our beloved ‘Super Sunbae’ BoA, the ‘Queen of K-pop.’
I’m going to be very blunt when I say this, but you know, first and foremost, K-pop, all your faves, everybody, him (Aaron), me (Jay), all of us, we would not exist if it wasn’t for BoA.”
Aaron concurred, stating:
“She was one of like the trailblazers.”
Jay stated:
“She’s the one that made K-pop international.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo65kIULV7k
Despite hinting at her retirement once her contract with SM Entertainment expires, BoA has faced a barrage of criticism and hateful comments in recent months.
The criticism towards the icon was largely directed at her acting abilities and perceived significant alteration in her appearance. Even her extensive 20-year career in the music industry is being called into question by internet users.
After that, the ex-NU’EST member proceeded to address his detractors, stating:
“I think a lot of it is this new younger generation of K-pop fans. You guys need to watch your tongues. She is literally the ‘Queen of K-pop,’ the ‘Big Sunbae,’ and she literally paved the way for her junior groups like us, the groups that are promoting now.
You guys need to put respect on her name. You guys need to stop doing that. So disrespectful.”
Additionally, Jay noted the role BoA played in the growth of SM Entertainment to its current success.
“She, for the most part, was one of the biggest reasons why SM became what it became. She went to Japan at the age of 14 and basically pretty much paved the way for Japan, opened up that lane of promotions for all these artists and people are talking about how she’s washed up, etc., but you know what, in my opinion, there is nothing that she could do or not do to say that she’s washed up because her legacy is in place.”
He reiterated his point by saying once more:
“Everybody in the K-pop world exists because of her. That’s coming from two people who are actually in K-pop.”
Jay and Aron Discuss the Importance of Respecting Senior Idols
Continuing on the topic, the two 3rd-gen K-pop idols emphasized the importance of not only showing respect to BoA, but also to all senior artists.
Aaron remembered:
“Put respect on any senior’s name. When we debuted, like our generation, we had so much respect for the sunbaenims/seniors. They are the ones that made it capable for us to debut and have successful careers.
Stop trashing on like groups like ex-idols, actors, etc., that are older than the people that you guys like.”
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