English: A Must-have Skill for K-pop Idols
Assessing the English Proficiency of Korean Girl Groups
LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, aespa…
Unlike in the past, when Korean artists gained substantial popularity at home before attempting to break into international markets, the success of K-pop has led many idols to receive global attention even before their debut.
Fourth-generation girl groups have been making significant waves in the global market, so it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they debuted with an international expansion in mind.
Many fourth-generation girl groups have recently been on world tours, appearing in numerous foreign media interviews and even on American morning live shows, making English communication skills necessary for idols.
A YouTube channel recently caught attention by uploading a video comparing the English proficiency of different fourth-generation girl groups.
YouTube Channel’s Analysis
On the 21st, Daily Soul English uploaded a video titled “How to handle an English interview on American morning live shows? LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, aespa, (G)I-DLE, aespa, and STAYC.”
The video examined various English interviews of fourth-generation girl groups.
Firstly, it discussed LE SSERAFIM, who recently released a new song and made a significant entry into the U.S. market. LE SSERAFIM appeared in English interviews on live broadcasts such as MTV’s Fresh Out Live, NBC’s Today Show, and the Grammy Museum’s Global Spin Live.
Most of the group’s members have excellent English communication skills, with member Huh Yunjin, who immigrated to the U.S. at eight months old and grew up in New York, leading the interviews.
Next, aespa, with Giselle, who is of Korean and Japanese descent and attended an international school in Japan, and NewJeans, with Australian-born Hanni and Danielle, participated in English interviews. Notably, all members of NewJeans showcased fluent English skills.
Next, (G)I-DLE, despite not having a native English-speaking member, balanced their English interviews with Thai-born Minnie and Chinese-born Yuqi taking the lead.
Also, STAYC, a group composed entirely of Korean members without any foreign-born members, has been leading interviews with member Sieun’s proficient and confident English skills.
Fan Reactions
Fans who watched the video commented, “They are all young but still impressive,” “Yoonjin’s intonation is truly sophisticated,” “It’s so proud that StayC members, who are all Koreans, can communicate abroad,” “All of them are cool,” and “NewJeans have the advantage of having all members proficient in English, making interviews more engaging.”
By. Choi Eun Young
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