The Korean Pop Music Industry
Before you read: Some questions to help you to think about the topic.
What is your opinion about the pop music industry in Korea?
What problems do you know about?
Rainbow is a seven-member girl-band, with each member being named after a different color. And if any group could lead to a pot of gold, you would think they would. But Rainbow - currently in a seven-year contract with their management company, DSP - say that, despite working long hours for almost two years, their parents were "heartbroken" at how little they were getting paid. Until now the price for success was to take a restrictive contract, but now bands are taking their management companies to court. Two years ago one of Korea’s most successful groups, Dong Bang Shin took its management company to court on the grounds that a 13-year-contract was too restrictive and that it gave them almost no profits from their success. The court came down on the side of the artists.
The management companies in Korea have a dilemma. They spend a tremendous amount of money to manufacture and support these bands. What is the future when it seems that nobody pays for music and money is almost only made from touring and merchandise sales? And how can the industry continue to survive in Korea when pop groups can make more from one week in Japan than in a year in Korea?
On the flip side, the government has an interest in protecting this industry which has become a new modern cultural identity and helps to promote Korea’s image in the world and become a new export industry. In the end, what image will be left?
Guessing meaning from context
Try to guess the meaning of the words in bold and match them with their closest meaning from the choices in the right. The answers are below the table.
|
a pot of gold |
A |
1 |
What you have to give up to reach your dream/goal |
|
heartbroken |
B |
2 |
Very big/huge |
|
price for success |
C |
3 |
A problem where we have to decide between different options, but each option is not an easy choice |
|
came down on the side of |
D |
4 |
The other view/thinking. Another way of looking at something. Opposing idea |
|
tremendous |
E |
5 |
Based on…decision made from some facts/ideas |
|
dilemma |
F |
6 |
Something like a treasure, a lot of money that is found somewhere |
|
the flip side |
G |
7 |
A decision made and in the favor or agreement for one person/group. |
|
on the grounds |
H |
8 |
Very sad |
A=6, B=8, C=1, D=7, E=2, F=3, G=4, H=5
Some example sentences using the new words to help you to better understand their meaning.
Many companies are investing in Vietnam, they believe it is a pot of gold for cheap manufacturing.
We were heartbroken when we heard that our team failed to make the finals.
The price for success in the advertising industry is working tremendously long hours.
The referee came down on our side and gave us the penalty goal.
I had a dilemma, should I help my depressed friend or visit my parents this Chuseok national holiday.
Stock prices in good companies like Samsung have decreased too much, but on the flip side, it is a good opportunity to buy part of their company at a cheap price.
I could not invest in ABC company on the grounds that they owed too much money.
Some discussion questions using the new words to help you better understand the word meaning and how to use them correctly. Try to use the words in your answer.
Who do you think sees a pot of gold in the Korean entertainment industry? Why?
Do you agree that the artists in the story should feel heartbroken when they should know that this is the price for success and to be famous in this industry.
price for success
Do you agree with the judge’s decision to come down on the side of the artists? On what grounds do you agree or disagree?
Do you agree that K-pop is tremendous for increasing Korea’s image abroad? Why or why not?
If you were an entertainment company how would you solve this dilemma?
Can you see a good flip side to this discussion in the media?
ECK Education
