Over the years, K-pop has evolved into a global phenomenon, attracting a massive fanbase worldwide. And now, Blackswan, the first K-pop girl group with no Korean members, has entered the scene, sparking a debate about the definition of K-pop itself and challenging the traditional norms of the industry. Donning vibrant sari-inspired clothing and showcasing their unique cultural backgrounds, the members of Blackswan are breaking barriers and paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive K-pop landscape.
The formation of Blackswan was not a deliberate strategy but rather a natural progression in the development of K-pop. The group emerged from its predecessor, Rania, which originally comprised six Koreans and one Thai member. However, DR Music decided to rebrand the group in 2020, with Fatou being the sole member retained from the original lineup. This ambitious move was driven by the rapidly expanding global market for K-pop, presenting an opportunity for non-Korean talents to leave their mark on the industry.
Nevertheless, Blackswan’s journey is not without its challenges. Language, in particular, poses a significant barrier for the members, as K-pop idols are expected to sing and speak predominantly in Korean. Korean language nuances, such as honorifics and social hierarchy, can be daunting for non-native speakers. Gabi, a Brazilian-German member, shares her struggles, stating, “You shouldn’t use the name of a person or say ‘you’ in Korean. But in Portuguese and English, you always use it in a sentence. So, it was really hard for my brain to process.” Despite these obstacles, the members are determined to overcome them through rigorous training and perseverance.
The intense training regimen for K-pop idols is well-known, and Blackswan members are no exception. They spend long hours honing their dance skills, with training sessions often lasting the entire day. Nvee, who studied musical theatre and acting, recounts the frustrations of constant correction from trainers, stating, “When they constantly say, ‘No, it’s wrong. Do it again.’ It was frustrating.” The physical demands are accompanied by strict rules regarding personal lives, with restrictions on dating, weight management, and maintaining a flawless public image.
The hyper-competitive nature of the K-pop industry, coupled with the rigorous training and harsh scrutiny placed on idols, has led to a mental health crisis. Moonbin’s sudden death and the tragic losses of Sulli and Goo Hara have shed light on the immense pressures faced by K-pop stars. Fatou, a member of Blackswan, bravely shares her struggles with mental health, highlighting the challenges of dealing with the stress and insecurities that come with the industry. She emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help and acknowledges the support provided by her agency.
To address some of these concerns, entertainment companies have begun to implement changes, allowing trainees and idols to have more personal time and easing certain rules. While the industry still has a long way to go, Blackswan members are hopeful about the future of K-pop. Gabi confidently states, “K-pop will become more globalised, so that there are more global groups being trained and making debut in the global market.” Sriya simplifies the notion by emphasizing that talent knows no bounds and should not be limited by skin color or nationality.
Blackswan’s emergence as the first non-Korean K-pop girl group undoubtedly challenges the conventional perception of K-pop. While some fans argue that their affiliation with a Korean entertainment company and ability to sing in Korean categorize them as K-pop, others contend that being Korean is an essential aspect of the genre. As K-pop continues to evolve and globalize, the debate surrounding its definition is likely to persist. Ultimately, Blackswan’s unprecedented success emphasizes the need for inclusivity and diversity within the industry, paving the way for future international talents to shine in the K-pop spotlight.
