Producer and music mogul Simon Cowell has caused some backlash when he announced that he wants to create a rival to K-pop with a “UK-pop” group.
K-pop fans were upset at the news with many of them taking to social media to express their dissatisfaction.
Cowell posted a video online to scout for the next stars of his UK-pop group through reality TV series ‘The X Factor’.
In the video, Simon Cowell says, “Right now K-Pop you could argue is ruling the world. Now it’s time for UK-Pop.”
This is embarrassing. Simon Cowell take it from a Brit herself, kpop is incomparable. UK pop will flop hard even before it makes its debut as the new 'kpop' TRUST ME on this one. pic.twitter.com/jsIBPKt2vc
— sanaa (@devourmin) November 6, 2019
Netizens said that Cowell is whitewashing a cultural phenomenon and is taking away credit from K-Pop groups such as BTS and BLACKPINK for their achievements.
X Factor: The Band is hunting for the ‘best boy group in the world’ or the ‘best girl group in the world.’
Simon Cowell's new UK-Pop group debuts with their song "Make It White"
— bry (@goodtimeyoongi) November 6, 2019
beatles were uk pop. spice girls were uk pop. take that was uk pop. girls aloud was uk pop. one direction was uk pop. little mix is uk pop. its literally the most overdone music genre out there simon. EVERYONE has seen uk pop.
— lars (@jinscurves) November 6, 2019
What saddens me the most, is that cos this new "UKpop" group is gonna be british, speak english, and on UK television, itll probably be a blatant copy of Kpop videos, dance, style, but because its not asian and "foreign" itll be wildly accepted, hyped, recognised and praised
— Ria ?⚪ (slow) (@__gaciria) November 6, 2019
Originating from the United Kingdom, The X Factor is a reality TV series music competition franchise that was created by British producer Simon Cowell and his company SYCOtv.
The X Factor is a replacement for Pop Idol (2001-2003) and it has been adapted in various country.
The meaning of the title refers to “something” about star quality. The winner of X Factor gets a recording contract, publicity in the later stages of the show which is also for other highly ranked contestants, not just the winner.
In Idols, judges comment on the contestants’ performance but on The X Factor, the judges mentors the finalists, guiding them in song selection and styling.
Other reality television music competitions like The Voice and All Together Now are rivals to The X Factor.
Cowell, 60 wears many hats as an English television music and talent show judge, businessman, A&R executive, talent manager, television producer, and entrepreneur.
He is the principal, founder and chief executive of Syco, a British entertainment company.
Previously Cowell have been a judge for Pop Idol, The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, American Idol and America’s Got Talent. /TISG