Censorship is nothing new in K-pop as several artists have had their dance moves, lyrics, and even full songs limited to private concerts with age restrictions.
But it is still a risk to openly refuse to change a song in order to perform it for fans on TV.
Recently, YG Entertainment released an official statement in response to the network KBS's refusal to allow Big Bang project group GD&TOP to perform their new hip-hop single "Zutter" for their promotions. According to reports, the group plans to keep the song in its original form despite the offer to perform "Zutter" if it was modified.
"The song is banned due to its content and use of obscene language in the lyrics and title. However, we will not be making any revisions in order to maintain the song's meaning," said a YG Entertainment official in a recent statement from the record label.
Big Bang doesn't have a history of censorship, but rap duo G-Dragon and T.O.P do. During the sub-unit's first album release, several of their songs were banned from live performance on TV shows including "Knock Out" and "Don't Go Home." In fact, according to reports, the "Don't Go Home" music video was significantly postponed due to the song being banned several times.
Soompi reports that the KBS review board banned other songs for this review period, including Primary's "Just Like U" and "Mileage."
Despite the censorship, "Zutter" has been successful elsewhere, taking the second spot behind Big Bang's other August "Made" release, "Let's Not Fall in Love," on several music charts. The song's success suggests that the refusal to adapt will cause no problems in terms of record sales.
"Zutter" and "Let's Not Fall In Love" are the final songs for Big Bang's massive monthly "Made" series releases. The group will release their entire "Made" album next month. Meanwhile, Big Bang is currently in the middle of their "Made" World Tour. The group will soon make stops in the U.S. and Canada.
No comments:
Post a Comment