Theories for English Usage
Band Names
It may be possible that some English acronyms are simply easier to say. For a band such as BTS, using the acronym instead of the full “Bangtan Sonyeondan” is much faster and easier. KPop artists often like to say the name of their band within their songs, and a short acronym fits better with quick beats than a long Korean phrase. For artists like SNSD and DBSK, the full Korean names are used more often. When they introduce themselves on stage, for example, they tend to use the Korean phrase rather than the acronym. One reason for this may be the extreme popularity of these two groups within Korea. SNSD is known as Korea’s ‘National Girl Group’, and DBSK has one of the largest fan clubs in the world. This popularity and spread to the rest of the globe may prompt them to keep the original Korean phrase as a sort of identity marker, reminding the rest of the world that – while they may be internationally popular – they still have roots in their home country. When they say their band names within song lyrics, however, the acronym is used more frequently, which can point to the theory of English acronyms fitting well with song beats.
General
English as a lingua franca in the KPop community
In a sense, English is used as a lingua franca within the KPop community. KPop has become extremely popular, with fans ranging from Asia to Europe, North America, and nearly everywhere in between. This popularity makes it impossible to communicate with fans from every country in their native language. It is possible that the use of English as a global lingua franca has also taken root in the worldwide community of KPop fans. Using English is a quick and fairly simple way for KPop celebrities to reach out to their fans across the globe. Many KPop music videos and TV shows come with English subtitles. Code mixing and code switching appeal to Koreans while also piquing the interest of international fans. Specific English lyrics and phrases said by celebrities become a way for many KPop fans to recognize each other and connect. Through the internet, I have met many KPop fans from all around the world. I have spoken with fans from South America, Germany, and the Czech Republic, and everyone always communicates in English even if it isn’t their first language. It is the easiest way for fans to connect with each other, and also gives them an opportunity to connect with their favorite artists.
I have been to several KPop concerts in America, and it is always interesting to see the crowd singing together to lyrics they may not understand. Some know more Korean than others, so it is usually disjointed and rather quiet for a concert crowd. When the English lyrics hit, however, the entire crowd shouts along with the music for several seconds. At fan meetings, the interview questions are asked in English and Korean, the band members then respond in Korean, and the answers are then translated back into English. Members who speak English fluently often respond in English and help the other members formulate English answers. Artists usually also sign autographs in English or include small English messages for their fans. Whenever KPop artists and their companies take the time to add English subtitles or give out English messages, international fans always comment on their consideration, or discuss how happy it makes them to see their favorite artists recognizing fans outside of Korea. Although the artists can’t possibly reach every fan in his or her native language, the extra effort that is put forth to use English as a lingua franca in the international KPop community is always appreciated by every fan.
I have been to several KPop concerts in America, and it is always interesting to see the crowd singing together to lyrics they may not understand. Some know more Korean than others, so it is usually disjointed and rather quiet for a concert crowd. When the English lyrics hit, however, the entire crowd shouts along with the music for several seconds. At fan meetings, the interview questions are asked in English and Korean, the band members then respond in Korean, and the answers are then translated back into English. Members who speak English fluently often respond in English and help the other members formulate English answers. Artists usually also sign autographs in English or include small English messages for their fans. Whenever KPop artists and their companies take the time to add English subtitles or give out English messages, international fans always comment on their consideration, or discuss how happy it makes them to see their favorite artists recognizing fans outside of Korea. Although the artists can’t possibly reach every fan in his or her native language, the extra effort that is put forth to use English as a lingua franca in the international KPop community is always appreciated by every fan.