Rated K-Pop:The 19+ Rating And Why Is K-Pop Becoming Filled With More Violence And Sex

Audiences shuddered last week when YG Entertainment announced that 2NE1's leader CL would appear naked in the music video for Missing You. Contrary to initial expectations, the nudity was artistically executed and the video itself maintained a 12 rating. However, male group VIXX released the music video VOODOO DOLL whose scenes were slasher film worthy. To address growing concerns by networks regarding the choreography for the live performance of VOODOO DOLL and to support their album, VIXX released a sanitized version of the video. K-Pop videos and performances are trending towards more mature audiences which can lead to fewer choices emerging for fans who are younger than 19.

As consistent with the growing trend, male group HISTORY has released a 19 plus teaser for their upcoming release What Am I To You. HISTORY debuted earlier this year with the vintage tinged track, Dreamer. While Dreamer captures the innocence of first love, What Am I To You is a statement of rebellion. In the video teaser, the guys can be seen smoking, drinking, and engaging in other acts of rebellion.

While some performers continue to push the censors with violence, other artists continue to show that they can produce more sexually explicit work. Although not within the K-Pop genre, Korean hip-hop trio Phantom released an exotic dancer themed video. The naked version of the video, as it is appropriately named, features a pole dancer who progressively removes her clothing. Phantom has been known to test the boundaries of Korean censorship, while effectively mocking it. In 2011, Phantom released a medley of songs entitled 19 Song (Love Songs That Teens Cannot Listen To). The medley contained aspects of popular songs like 2PM's Hand's Up, which were banned by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.

As more K-Pop and Korean entertainment acts push the envelope of violence and sexuality in their performances, audiences have started to become dismayed with acts who refrain from such displays. Fans on social media during the 2013 MAMA seemed more amused by Trouble Maker's stage which featured hand guns, a butt slap, and a full-on kiss than offended. However, many of the same audiences thought that Crayon Pop was exhibiting cute overkill with their outfits. What is the balance between the two extremes and is there another force that is driving these changes in K-Pop?

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