These Are The Main Differences Between K-Pop and American Pop

1. The Selection Process

In American pop, labels generally choose stars based on their natural talent. Singers are expected to already have the training and skill level required to be professional performers at the time of their audition or contract signing. Any training they received prior to signing was on their own time, with their own money.

Idols, on the other hand, can be chosen for a number of reasons. Many, like BTS‘s Jin, were scouted on the street for their striking visuals.

Others, like were chosen strategically, based on their nationality. To appeal to global audiences, K-Pop groups often include members from China…

…Japan…

…Thailand…

…and North America.

Would-be idols are not required to have professional-level skills from the get-go because each one undergoes years of rigorous training prior to debut.

2. Trainee System

In American pop, there is no standard trainee system. Popular 1990s girl and boy groups like The Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys were formed through open auditions and debuted within 1-2 years. Once a group is formed, there is rarely a question of whether or not the group will debut.