Online Discussions Surround ILLIT’s Participation in This Year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen
On December 1, the keyword “ILLIT Kōhaku” gained significant traction on major Japanese social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Yahoo Japan. Scheduled to take place on December 31, this year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen will showcase a lineup of six K-pop groups, comprising notable acts such as ILLIT, TWICE, and LE SSERAFIM, which represents approximately one-seventh of the total 41 performances.
Controversy Surrounding K-Pop Representation
Despite the excitement, a vigorous debate has emerged regarding ILLIT’s inclusion in this prestigious event. Critics have raised concerns, questioning, “Why are there so many K-pop artists performing at a Japanese festival?” and expressing frustration over the perceived overrepresentation of K-pop this year. ILLIT, having made their debut merely eight months ago with the track “Magnetic,” has particularly been scrutinized, with some pondering the appropriateness of a rookie group being featured at such a renowned occasion. Since its inception in the 1960s, Kōhaku Uta Gassen has been a hallmark of Japanese television, once boasting over 80% viewership, and is traditionally viewed as a platform reserved for the industry’s elite.
Netizens have voiced their disappointment with the rising presence of Korean artists, especially in the case of a group without an established presence in the Japanese market.
Younger Fans Rally Behind ILLIT
On the other hand, young Japanese K-pop fans, particularly those in their teens and twenties, have taken to social media to defend ILLIT. They argue, “It is unfair to judge them without understanding their popularity,” and assert that outdated sentiments against K-pop artists do not reflect today’s music landscape. For many younger listeners, ILLIT has already emerged as a popular K-pop idol, indicating a shift in consumer preferences.
Expert Opinions on Kōhaku’s Evolution
As the discussions unfold, music critic Higara Tetsuo shared insights on social media, emphasizing that Kōhaku Uta Gassen has historically featured numerous Korean performers, including the likes of TVXQ, BoA, and Cho Yong-pil. He suggests that the program is not an exclusive platform for Japanese talent, reshaping the narrative surrounding its artist roster.
A Milestone Edition of Kōhaku Uta Gassen
This year’s event marks the 75th edition of Kōhaku Uta Gassen, a celebrated singing competition format that pits the Red Team (comprising female artists) against the White Team (male artists). This year, TWICE is set to make their fifth appearance, while LE SSERAFIM takes the stage for the third time. Notably, both ILLIT and TXT will be making their inaugural appearances. The lineup also includes ME:I (Red Team) and JO1 (White Team), both spawned from CJ ENM’s PRODUCE 101 series, further highlighting K-pop’s influence in this significant Japanese cultural event.
Source: Naver
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