[NEWS] Will KBS be able to keep their promise to JYJ?

It is ironic that Park Yoochun will be appearing in MBC’s drama ‘Miss Ripley’ though he is being barred from appearing on MBC’s variety programs at the same time. Add on the controversy surrounding KBS’s restrictions on JYJ’s televised appearances and one can easily conclude that there are no Korean idols swept up in as much controversy and rumors as JYJ are.

Not a single music program will put JYJ on their stage and though they say that there are no restrictions placed on the group, there isn’t a single broadcasting company that is willing to allow them to appear on its shows.

There isn’t a single piece of physical evidence that shows that SM Entertainment, JYJ’s former agency, is applying external pressure on the broadcasting industry. It is also true that it would be hard for broadcasting companies to place JYJ on stage without a hint of hesitation as the group is currently swept up in controversy.

But some say that JYJ have brought forth a new type of idol groups. Contrary to other idols who place importance upon good looks and beauty, JYJ have grounded vocal talent as their foundation and are advancing as they have found the perfect balance between songs and their performances. Also, as the musical talents of each member are extraordinary, they are showcasing their talents by composing and writing lyrics while Kim Jaejoong was even chosen to direct JYJ’s world tour. Nowadays, they are being recognized, not as idol singers, but as true artistes.

Recently, Kim Junsu’s version of ‘That Man’ became a hot topic due to the unique color that only Kim Junsu has, which differentiated him from the original singer Baek Ji Young and actor Hyun Bin from ‘Secret Garden’, regardless of the fact that he was using the instrumental from a karaoke machine.

But strangely, we can’t see these singers, some of Korea’s most vocally talented idols, on music programs and the only people who are hurt by this are the viewers. The viewers believe that JYJ should at least be given the chance to compete on music programs.

Just in time, however, came KBS’ official statement regarding the controversy surrounding JYJ’s lack of appearances on ‘Music Bank’. KBS stated, “According to the regulations and guidelines set by the staff of ‘Music Bank’, which state that singers are given the opportunity to appear only when they have released an album, JYJ did not meet the given requirements as they have not released an album since February 17th,” and “The choice to allow a singer to appear on the show is solely up to the staff and JYJ’s appearance on the show will be determined by their future activities and album releases.”

This means that JYJ have won an opportunity to silence the controversies surrounding the restrictions placed upon them. JYJ are currently touring the North American continent with four new songs, and will be ending their world tour in Busan in June. If JYJ release a new album with new songs around that time, KBS will have to decide on whether to allow JYJ to appear on the show or not, based on the guidelines they have just stated.

It is difficult to determine whether JYJ have succeeded or failed, based only on the activities they have pursued till now since leaving their former agency, SM Entertainment. It would be ludicrous to say that JYJ have failed, when they have not even been given the opportunity to stand on stage.

If JYJ’s music is sub par, there will be no need to place special restrictions on their TV appearances. The strongest restrictions that can be placed on any singer is the public turning their back on the singer’s music.

Therefore, the public should not be stripped of their right to judge the quality and worth of JYJ’s songs. And the broadcasting industry should realize that the impediment on the growth of the cultural industry does not come from JYJ’s televised appearances, but from the unjust practices being exercised against JYJ.

Source: [my daily]

Translated & Shared by: dongbangdata.net