[abandonliberty]

Isn't the problem here that the talent is fungible? The rewards are so high that there's no shortage of sufficient talent to make another Bieber or Taemin. People personally connect with the performer, but the performer's popularity is dependent on the whims of the industry and their managers. It would be naïve to expect a different outcome when the underlying drivers are the same.

Both Japan and Korea are notable for their talent development pipeline. Did the West fall behind somehow, or is the market for these types of performances simply not as lucrative in the West? Or maybe it's simply easier/more predictable to manage solo acts?

[1] Places k-pop behind pop, rock, oldies, hip-hop/rap, dance/electronic and indie/alternative.

[1] https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8531464/k-...