A New Cultural Geography of East Asia: Imagining A 'Region' through Popular CultureThe success of T-ara, especially in the transnational markets of East Asia proves the idea that popular cultural products are not only able to reach regions separated by geographical boundaries, but also serve as platforms for shared fan consumerism and cultural practices. I would even argue further that because of these markets, T-ara is able to continue their careers despite the controversial bullying scandal that damaged their reputation in Korea more so than anywhere else.
Through a period Otmazgin defines as East Asia’s “cultural renaissance” (2016: 1), both the expansion and localization of cultural products allowed the sharing of interchanging images, ideas, and emotions throughout different parts of East Asia. T-ara, being one of the many idol groups benefiting from this, was then able to launch their success onto various stages outside of Korea, possibly even gaining more fame and fans outside than within Korea. Other than appearing on live music shows and interacting with fans through other Korean media outlets, T-ara has only ever had one official concert in Seoul. However, since 2012, T-ara has performed at concerts in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Penh, Hong Kong, and 5 major cities in China. They have also toured Japan four times, and signed to Japanese agencies at the peak of their success there. Just as fans are to take on a new form of community and identity through the transnational exchanges of popular cultural products (Otzmagin 2016: 2), I believe that this phenomena also contributes to and helps the changing identity of popular girl groups themselves. T-ara’s bullying controversies in 2012 was the start of their downfall in Korea, especially since they postponed their comebacks, was suspended from activities and was the talk of many Korean news media outlets. The circulation of news mainly stayed within Korean boundaries, meaning that transnational fans were not exposed to the situation to the same degree. As T-ara recovers from this, their increasing fame in other regions of East Asia surfaced as a perfect opportunity for them to redefine their identity and fan community in the process. |
AuthorKristy
|
Reference
Otmazgin, Nissim Kadosh. "A New Cultural Geography Of East Asia: Imagining A 'Region' Through Popular Culture.” The Asia-Pacific Journal 14, no. 5 (2016): 1-12.