K-pop, as we know it today, has manifested from decades of evolution. Korean music industry ran parallel to the various rising and tumultuous periods of its history–
The Imperial Japanese rule from 1910-1945 influenced the music, including traditional Korean music (“Gugak”) and Japanese traditional music.
But the post-liberation period was followed by the cold war (1950-1953) that split the country into North and South Korea. Since then, the South Korean music scene was gradually integrating Western style.
However, during the turbulent times between 1970-1980, the South Korean government regulated the music industry with strict censorship. Folk songs, trot music, and ballads reigned the era. But the stagnancy in the music style was apparent due to incessant censorship.
Then came the 90s, when the South Korean legislature changed, and so was the music industry liberated. Western influence, especially hip-hop and electric music, became prominent in this time period. But the music revolution began with Seo Taiji And Boys, who inspired generations even today, including BTS. Come Back Home is still an iconic piece of music history.
Seo Taiji led the first generation of Korean Pop culture; and opened a floodgate for other artists to experiment with different genres of music.
Among these rising stars was a solo artist who made a name for himself on his own accord, even after being rejected by major record labels. His songs even competed with Seo Taiji at music shows. He was the first male artist who imbibed the sexy image, like eye candy, even though he was rejected because of his looks. He was also one of the most sought-after producers in the 90s. He is none other than–
Park Jin Young JYP
By 1997, Park Jinyoung, known as JYP, started his record label company and signed his first solo artist Pearl. But the company reached a new milestone with the debut of boy group G.O.D (groove overdose), also considered “Nation’s Boy Group” of the 1.5th generation of K-pop.
Park then signed solo artist “Rain” after training him personally. Rain was considered one of the hottest male idols in the early 2000s.
The JYP Entertainment company was now climbing the global markets after the debut of Wonder Girls. JYPE established itself as one of the Big-3 companies, including SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment (founded by one of the members of “Seo Taiji And Boys”). Park kept debuting new boy groups, such as 2 AM and 2 PM, dominating the 2nd generation K-Pop scene. Park’s vision of JYPE was to ride the new Hallyu wave and put his artists on the global map.
And he achieved his goal with the debut of GOT7 and TWICE. These two groups brought JYPE to Japan– a country that widely consumes K-Pop music. TWICE, in particular, became one of the most famous bands in Japan, soaring on the Oricon music charts. JYPE was still reigning as one of the Big-3 companies for the 3rd-generation K-pop.
What Happened to JYP Entertainment Artists?
TWICE was gaining immense popularity in South Korea, considered Nation’s girl group.
In contrast, GOT7 was slowly fading in popularity due to mismanagement. Park Jinyoung made several modifications to the new management for artists, but somewhere it lacked in strategy for promotions of the groups.
Soon, many artists started leaving the company for better opportunities and proper attention. By this time, the 4th generation of K-pop had already begun. And so JYPE started bulk-debut of groups. The new generation included Stray Kids, ITZY, NMIXX, and Xdinary Heroes.
At the same time, the independent artists in JYPE, like DAY6, did not get proper promotions for their comeback. These artists started leaving the company as well.
Did JYP Artists Fade Away?
Stray Kids and ITZY are gradually gaining global popularity and recognition.
ITZY was supposed to be the frontrunner for JYPE in the 4th gen. But their recent comebacks were criticized for the production quality and for inserting too many genres in one song. But they still managed to grab attention due to their superior choreographies.
NMIXX is still new in K-Pop but is a force to be reckoned with.
Stray Kids are also breaking records with their self-produced albums.
So, it might be unfair to say that the JYPE artists are fading. Although, they are also not breaking any ceilings in the current scene yet.
JYP must reevaluate its music style, production, promotion, artist management, and more to regain its popularity. But the company and the artists are sure to stay.
What is your take? Do you think JYPE artists are not making the same impact as they used to in earlier generations? Let us know in the comments section below.
