With the once-invincible TVXQ dissolved, what are the odds that another Korean boy group will hit it big in the Japanese entertainment market?


Korean idol pop group 2PM is set to make their formal debut in Japan, boosting expectations about their success, especially at a time when numerous Japanese fans have been charmed by Korean girl groups led by Kara and Girls’ Generation.

JYP, a management agency representing 2PM, aims to bring a new sensation to the Japanese pop scene, highlighting the group’s hip and sexy image.

2PM’s move coincides with a particularly peculiar situation in Japan where Korean girl groups are showing up on major TV programs on the back of their unique dancing style and differentiated music.

In the past months, Japanese fans were disappointed in Korean men groups, particularly concerning the contract squabbles between TVXQ members and its Japanese management agency. TVXQ, which once dominated the music scene in Korea, Japan and other regions in Asia, has been officially dissolved.
JYP said 2PM’s first DVD will go on sale on Nov. 24, and their first performance is slated for Dec. 8. JYP said it will work closely with Japan’s Sony Music Entertainment and two other local agencies.

It was about six months ago that JYP began to work with the Japanese counterparts to prepare for the debut of 2PM in Japan.

JYP’s overall strategy for the Japanese market doesn’t seem different from other Korean agencies which handle the operations for their members such as Girls’ Generation and Kara. What matters, therefore, is how and whether 2PM’s artistic appeal can pull off another success in Japan, whose musical preference is different from Korea.

The Japanese media recently paid much attention to the Korean girl musicians, calling it “another Korean Wave,” in reflection of the huge popularity Girls’ Generation and Kara are commanding there.

Source: Herald Online