The Eurovision Asia Song Contest is on the horizon. At some point in 2018 up to twenty countries will send artists to sing-it-out in front of a massive television audience stretching from Australia up to Japan and potentially over to Dubai. Among the many nations we expect to see is South Korea — a nation of 51 million that punches well above its weight when it comes to exporting culture. Korean pop — that’s K-pop — is an audio-visual feast. Slick dance moves, infectious hooks, telegenic stars — the Korean pop music factory churns out idol after idol and the world laps them up. It’s no wonder fans are already predicting that South Korea will become the Sweden of Eurovision Asia.
With that in mind we thought we’d have a think about who Seoul might consider for the musical extravaganza. Here are five names that spring to mind immediately. Don’t see your favourite? Don’t worry. South Korea has enough artists that we’ll be writing a few more of these lists in the months ahead…
South Korea: Dream acts for Eurovision Asia 2018
TWICE
It’s not yet clear whether the producers of Eurovision Asia will adopt the Eurovision rule of allowing just six people on stage. And if they do nine-piece girl group TWICE is going to have to lose a few of its starlets.
The group, which formed on the reality series Sixteen in 2015, hit it big in 2016 with “Cheer Up”. The bubble gum track oozes cute as the girls tells a boy with a crush to cheer up. “He says I take his breath away, I get him all frustrated,” they sing. “I make his heart race.” And they make those singles fly off the shelves too. The song was the most-played of the year and topped the ultra-competitive Gaon Digital Chart. They followed that up with “TT”, which sat on top of the charts for four straight weeks. It’s no wonder that Forbes ranked the group #3 on its Korean Power Celebrity List for 2017. They were the highest-ranking musical act.
TWICE have already won hearts in Japan, which could bode well for their efforts at Eurovision Asia. In June they charted at #2 in Japan with their first compilation album #Twice and went platinum in less than two months, pushing around 260,000 copies. Ka-ching!
BTS
Their name translates as the Bulletproof Boy Scouts. And the members of this seven-member band definitely know how to survive the wilds of the pop music scene, having pushed more than four million records globally.
They announced their arrival in 2013 with the song “No More Dream”, winning plenty of accolades at home. And they proved they had global appeal when they released a series of tracks that made it into the Billboard 200 in the United States. In 2016 their second album, Wings, even hit #26 on that chart — the highest position ever for a K-pop album in the U.S.
“Blood, Sweat & Tears” — the lead single — came with a cinematic music video that gave life to their fierce trap beats and urban sound. Its fresh-faced singers turned a mansion into their playground as they threw down R&B-inspired moves, grabbed their crotches and generally ran riot. They’re the boy band that Eurovision has dreamed of…but never quite found.
PSY
Psy — real name Park Jae-sang — earned MTV’s “Viral Star of 2012” award for his international breakout hit “Gangnam Style”. His 18th single, it debuted on top of South Korea’s Gaon Chart (a feat he had already accomplished half a dozen times in his career). But “Gangam Style” — an ear worm of the first order — managed to get attention outside of his homeland owing to its rowdy, over-the-top music video, which includes that horsey dance. He went giddy-up and the world went click, click, click — it became the very first YouTube video to reach one billion views. By 2014 it had become the first video to reach two billion views.
The video captures Psy’s wit and flair. It seems him working a variety of geek-chic looks as he dances in the subway, in a barnyard and at the club. His propensity for hilarity and outré looks are also on show in videos for “Gentleman M/V” and “Hangover” (featuring Snoop Dogg).
He’s made the entire world move before. Why not do it again at Eurovision Asia?
EXO
In 2012 their EP Mama topped the charts in Korea. Fast forward to July 2017 and their fourth studio album The War did it again, promptly becoming the fastest-selling album ever in Korea. All four of their albums have sold more than one million copies.
The album’s lead single “Ko Ko Bop” melds reggae, bass guitar and some hard-to-describe digital sounds. Strip away the Korean lyrics and you could hear it looping on Spotify charts around the world. The video features plenty of synchronised swagger with the guys popping and locking on a road, at a tropical beach party and in a parking garage.
Need further proof of their popularity? The video clocked a million views in one hour and nearly nine million in a day. That’s star power, y’all.
Girls Generation
In recent days fans of Girls’ Generation have wondered aloud whether its members will disband following their tenth anniversary celebrations, which took place earlier this month. The idols — among the biggest in Korea — are said to be renegotiating their contracts. But Tiffany — one of the best-known members, who is Korean-American — has said that she plans to return to the United States to study acting. K-Pop fans are worried and anxious. But surely they can listen to the group’s countless singles, which span electropop, hip hop, R&B and dance, during the agonising wait for news.
The eight-piece girl group formed in 2007, but they didn’t rise to national prominence until their 2009 single “Gee”. The bubblegum pop song became one of the most-loved of the decade and paved the way for future hits including “I Got A Boy”, “The Boys”, “Mr Taxi” and “Oh!” They were the very first girl group from Asia to have five music videos with 100 million views each (for the aforementioned songs).
They’re national treasures. Perhaps they’ll go out in style by representing their country at Eurovision Asia next year?
What do you make of these five acts? Do you think any of them have what it takes to win Eurovision Asia? Do you think that Korea should go for a lesser known act? Let us know what you’re thinking down below!
Nothing like seeing Wiwibloggs cover K-Pop. My two interests have clashed.
BTS or BigBang! Amazing!
I want to see only fully independent UN member sovereign countries of Asia and Oceania participating, just like in Eurovision. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sovereign_states_and_dependent_territories_in_Asia#UN_member_states https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sovereign_states_and_dependent_territories_in_Oceania#United_Nations_member_states) That would be a maximum of 63 countries participating, wich would ofcourse be way to much but if, it becomes too much in the future Oceania should than break away from Eurovision Asia and start their own contest, that would be a new maximum of 63-14=49 real Asian (and transcontinental Asian) countries left participating. NO Hong Kong, Norfolk Island or Niue etc. in the contest please! Because they should be represented by the sovereign states in wich they… Read more »
south korea is amazing when it comes to music ! i would like to hear Twice or Red Velvet !!!
for japan, Perfume! the only group that looks like electr-euro pop band and which top japanese charts each year!
Oh my God! Thank you for suggesting Perfume! I love them and would love to see them in Asiavision.
My bets for EAsiaSC
For Japan, NEWS or Tegomass will represent!
For Indonesia, AgnezMo or Afgan
For Malaysia, Ziana Zain or Siti Nurhaliza
For Korea, plenty acts to choose from
For Philippines, Darren Espanto 🙂
For Thailand… well.. Lookpong ???
For Vietnam… My Tam please??
well that’s all what I think.
I hope #SonTungMTP will be representative for VietNam in 2018, #EurovisionAsia
Yes!!
From this List, I think Girls’ Generation would be by far the best choice (okay, I’m biased af but still) (Other than some people in the comments said)They are vocally strong group, and have probably one of the biggest fandom in asia since they are known by the general public in some other countries. I would like something in the style of their latest comebacks, Lion Heart and Holiday. From the groups/artists that are missing, I think Red Velvet, Seventeen, Big Bang, Ailee or IU would be good choices. Espacially the later ones seem realistic, since they are both big… Read more »
I wonder if North Korea going to participate…who knows?
North Korea will likely never participate because they do not broadcast any material of the outside world especially South Korea and Japan are absolutely not done. But the Moranbong Band would be the best choice for them I think.
Oh come on, you forgot Bigbang! They are my favorite! 🙂
Y’all should make a wish list for India too! Or just make wednesday wish lists for eurovision Asia like you do for eurovision Europe!
Big Bang are way too big for a contest like this.
What about that girl who used to be in 2NE1 who can actually sing and rap? She’d be a great choice.
Also the type of acts they send depends on if Asia’s gonna see Eurovision Asia the same way Europe sees ESC, or if they’re all gonna be extra and be like “we’ll send our BIGGEST STAR to the World Cup of music”
9Muses are one of the best option for this! Really pretty girls, amazing singers with strong vocals and perfect dance skills! and of course, they have too amazings songs! like Remember, Hurt Locker, Glue or Wild! and only are 5 members so they are perfect for this!!
I’m Asian but I don’t like KPOP. South Korea is like a pop groups factory, rolling out well-trained dancers and singers with strong team behind them, including western producers. However, their songs are nothing but western music sung in Korean. The only difference is they can dance in sync like a pro. Besides, those anti-fans are stupidest and craziest as hell, basing the stars as best as they can. But I do love watching Korea dramas though.
BLACKPINK – recent fresh girl group, they’ve also reached over 100 million views for views on their singles, had their first number 1 on the chart this with ????? (Majimancherom).
They would be a good send for South Korea.
Why is everyone assuming they will slay? The UK has the best singers and they always end up bottom. Dont judge until it see it…Philippines might surprise you.
Philippines can really slay with their divas but you’re gonna have a good song first.
I listened to the songs and…it reminds me of Eduard Romanyutas entry from Romania in 2015…not a good sign.
Romanyuta sang for Moldova.
And yes, they’re going to have to take a different approach if they want to compete in a song contest.
Yeah well, if they’re gonna have the same rules as Esc and if we look at typical k pop groups it’s not gonna work. These are groups that are chosen for their looks, dancing abilities and the singing comes last, that’s why on the live performances they use the original backing track to cover their voices. Sure, sometimes you have one amazing singer in the group but most of them are on the same level. The focus is always on the dance and visuals. It’ll be interesting to watch though, specially cause they can’t have more than 6 people and… Read more »
I’m not really familiar with the Korean music scene, but I know they have other things on offer than K-pop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUtzgznmslY
I don’t listen to K-pop nearly as much as I listen to other world music, but I’d throw in a sentimental entry for this venture: Ladies’ Code. This 5-girl group made their debut in 2012, and their first 5 singles were big hits…
…But then, late in 2014, a car crash killed 2 of them. Their manager was speeding and it was raining.
They’re a trio now, and for the last 2 years they’ve been on the comeback trail, and they’ve done considerably well.
If they cant sing live then forget it.
Believe me, they’re all amazing singers. They trained and practiced a lot before they were allowed to debut ^^
They can all sing live? What a joke. Twice can’t sing acapella without going offtune or even a ballad.
You need an ear cleansing
lol cedric…amazing singers im a huge kpop fan but come on, most of them aren’t. They are chosen for their dance skills and beautiful looks. If you doubt me, go watch the live performances where it’s mostly the original song playing.
No let Ailee pull a Dami Im and actually win the contest with a stunning dress and a powerfull ballad. No need for your overrated idols.
Hm, I’m afraid I don’t quite understand what you mean exactly by “YOUR idols”? As far as I’m concearned Ailee is an idol, as well? What makes her different or better than all the other artists mentioned in the comments.? There is plenty of K-Pop artists who are capable of singing, not just Ailee.
I said your overrated idols. All these people named are extremely overrated. Ailee is an idol but she’s not overrated. I love how you took my comment out of context. Yes other idols can sing there is Mamamoo who isn’t overrated. All these people minus Psy can’t all sing live and are produced by major companies who tell them what to do and what to sing. Mamamoo as an idol group is an excellent choice since they know how to put on a stage on their own not only what their company scripted them to do.
The “music” here is so annoying. If they insist on Eurovision rules about live vocals, most Korean artists are going to really struggle.
For all the K-Pop fans who are thinking that they are going to get some disposable girl-group/boy-group with a bubblegum dance track with choreographed dance routines, bear in mind that the majority of Korean chart successes remain over-the-top sentimental ballads. Think more Omar Naber than FO&O. 😉
BLACKPINK please!
or maybe Taeyeon from SNSD as a soloist
EXO EXO EXO EXO EXO EXO
F(x), Miss A or Vixx.
F(x) is the only girl group to have a transgender member.
Amber is tomboyish, not transgender. Stop spreading false information, please.
Imagine Dami Im for South Korea!
Dami will never do it again she has nothing to prove anymore, but its an interesting thought.
Where is Blackpink? They could slay the Asia Vision easilly! 🙂
None of these choices are good for Eurovision Asia. It works for korean tv, but not esc. Hyorin with a powerful ballad would be a good option.
Hyorin, yes, please. Soyou might be a good choice, as well
and 9Muses, they have a more international profile and her songs are really AMAZING!
Considering that Asias’ version will follow the same rules as the original we can expect the acts to have to sing live. In that case we can cross out Twice, and Girls Generation. As well as the fact that these groups all have more than six members.
If we are going with a group I’d suggest vocal goddesses MAMAMOO.
As for a solo act I can imagine, (although she’s my least favorite of the group) Taeyeon from Girls Generation.
or, dare I hope, Queen Park Bom from 2NE1.
Honestly I think jessica would be an amazing choice. She has a great voice and writes her own songs and a bilingual English/Korean song would be perfect for her ?
Jessica is my favorite solo artist and I LOVE her solo work, she has an amazing and unique voice, but singing live is not her strength.
K.A.R.D should go tbh. They can sing live and dance. They’re also less known and are just getting started. Dont know if it’d help their career but not sure how this contest is gonna work either, so im curious.
They’re also touring in Europe rn, William you should go see them in London and ask them about Eurovision.
Keeping in mind that this will be a ‘song contest’ they will probably have professional juries involved in it so its best if Korea sends some talented soloists first. I’ve got these in mind: IU, PSY, Lee Hyori, Ailee BoA, Hyunah and Rain.
Oh! also TaeYang and GDragon. I stand for the BIG BANG boys’ solos 😉
Hyunah?? what have you been smoking lol
Why soloist? Why still soloists? Why are ESC fans so obsessed with soloists? For South Korea are typicall K-Pop bands, so they must send any of them. Your opinions are destroying whole Eurovision and now you want to destroy Asiavision LOL. Your dreams will never come true. You will never see any competition, when all participants will be female solo with pop/ballad songs. Nobody would watch it. People want to see different interesting projects, different music styles, diversity, to have fun during watching. It’s not Miss or pop competition, it’s music contest. Music is colourful art with many different sides.… Read more »
nocomment- If you think sound korea is just kpop then you know NOTHING about south korea. Koreaboos like you are destroying the korean music scene, there are so many talented korean rappers, indie, even rockers who could represent Korea. It’s funny that you mention Lady Gaga or Rihanna because many kpop artists get inspired by them and specially african-american music. So shut your mouth before judging South Korea and generalizing europeans. Not everyone wants a solo female and if they want, there’s nothing wrong with it, it’s called PREFERENCE.
But…all these kpop stars cant really sing live, mostly using a background music, their dancing skills is great tho. How are they gonna do it?
Except if they’re from YG Entertainment
escphbelgium Lmao, Yg is no different. We’re talking about solid vocals live where background music aint needed. People can just go watch their live performances to know it’s true anyway.
no way they’re gonna get into the show, that’s like saying one direction, the beatles or adele would represent the uk.
girl/guy groups are so stereotypically Korean tho
Tbh they would be better off with a solo singer like IU that gives off like a clear K-pop vibe while not going overkill with the group thing (I don’t think most ABU members outside East and SE Asia, of which there are many, would get it)
BlackPink or Park Bom for South Korea
one of the reasons i’m not so excited for asiavision as an aussie- i don’t enjoy kpop or asian music culture 😐 I don’t think australia will get into it as much as the big esc because most people in australia have a european connection. Also people here expect fun crazy 2008 stuff from esc and from the get go I don’t think the asian version will have that
why dont you enjoy kpop music?just curious
cause i’m not asian XD dont speak korean
I guess we already found Asiavision’s Sweden. How do you say “melfest” in Korean?
Would they call Christer Björkman for advice on how to set up an MF-style contest? I hope they don’t get any ideas! :-O
haha they don’t need him. Have you seen K-Pop music videos?
they’re highly expensive with many effects and high-tech.
Also SK is a big music market, much bigger than the Swedish one.
Jo, are you clueless?? ive been a huge kpop fan for years and most of these kpop bands dont(and some can’t) sing live, they rely on background music and their amazing dancing skills. They move too much to even sing it well. Don’t call it asianvisions sweden, cuz its not.
So just go watch their live performances, playback and background music hiding most of their voices and them dancing a great choreography.
I don’t follow K-Pop, but I believe South Korea has a lot of artists that can sing live. It’s a quite big country.
When I compared to Sweden, I meant about production, buzz, etc. People are already talking about K-Pop, like when Eurovision season starts they talk about Melfest.
sending twice to eurovision would be like when germany sent no angels. literally have the singing skills of rock.
arock*
comething like this, and South Corea Wins!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fbrjY1S73E
I prefer Korea’s solo acts more than their popbands.
You’re gonna put this article up but not put on Blackpink when they’ve literally been dominating with every one of their songs they could kill Eurovision Asia.
Blackpink? they’re little girls lol they dont have the strength, this aint junior eurovision hun.
I mean, at least they can sing live (while dancing) while twice spend most of their time lip syncing, no shade just the truth
BTS and Exo are waaaay too strong for EASC. Think about how gigantic the fan base of those 2 boybands are!
I like to see Twice to compete but they’ll cut off 3 members IF the current ESC rule is applied to EASC.
PSY and SNSD are great choices but I doubt if they’ll do well in the competition.
Aside from those Kpop superstars (which they are too strong for the competition), they should send Red Velvet, IU, AKMU, Turbo, Koyote, and Wonder Girls over the artists that were mentioned on the article.
Kpop is annoying :/
You’re pathetic.
IU is also an artist who could really slay in my opinion.
https://youtu.be/d9IxdwEFk1c
https://youtu.be/d9IxdwEFk1c
Altough those artists are kinda unrealisticle thinking unfortunately
4 MINUTE?????
oh they disbanded last year
Crap why?
to sum it up, apparently they were gonna all leave their company CUBE Ent. but the company wanted Hyuna so they basicall cornered her by saying that if she didnt renew she would lose all the work that she had done on her upcoming solo album so Hyuna stayed the other 4 left
Wowzers. Korea is going to run away with this thing! I predict Korea vs. Japan vs. Australia (maaaaybe…if they send someone amazing like Delta, but please NOT Tina Arena).