While there has been a long discussion in the music scene about which idol really "paved the way for K-pop," these idols themselves named the true artist who started the "Hallyu Wave" around the world.

Jay, Aron Name BoA as 'Queen' & 'Super Senior' Who 'Paved the Way for K-pop'

On April 21, the YouTube channel, KOREAN COWBOYS uploaded a new video titled, "SHE PAVED THE WAY FOR K-POP."

In the podcast led by 3rd-gen K-pop idols ex-NU'EST Aaron Kwak and former BTL Jay, they dished on various topics about the music scene, circling the topics of AI idols in the first quarter of the show.

Just then, Jay raised the topic of BoA in the second quarter of the show, seemingly defending the icon from the malicious comments she has been getting from newer K-pop fans regarding her skills and visuals.

In the podcast, Jay stood for BoA and said:

"Our beloved 'Super Sunbae' BoA, the 'Queen of K-pop.'

I'm going to be very blunt when I say this, but you know, first and foremost, K-pop, all your faves, everybody, him (Aaron), me (Jay), all of us, we would not exist if it wasn't for BoA."

Aaron agreed, saying:

"She was one of like the trailblazers."

Jay added:

"She's the one that made K-pop international."

ALSO READ: BoA Criticizes Prejudice Against K-pop Idols: 'Respect Them Like Human Beings'

BoA, who hinted at her retirement once her contract with SM Entertainment expires, has been the center of criticism and hateful comments in the past months.

The disrespect to the icon was especially related to her acting skills and the alleged drastic change in her appearance. Even her 20-year experience in the music scene is being questioned by online users.

The former NU'EST member then called out haters, saying:

"I think a lot of it is this new younger generation of K-pop fans. You guys need to watch your tongues. She is literally the 'Queen of K-pop,' the 'Big Sunbae,' and she literally paved the way for her junior groups like us, the groups that are promoting now.

You guys need to put respect on her name. You guys need to stop doing that. So disrespectful."

Jay also pointed out how BoA led the current SM Entertainment to grow as it is now.

"She, for the most part, was one of the biggest reasons why SM became what it became. She went to Japan at the age of 14 and basically pretty much paved the way for Japan, opened up that lane of promotions for all these artists and people are talking about how she's washed up, etc., but you know what, in my opinion, there is nothing that she could do or not do to say that she's washed up because her legacy is in place."

He once again emphasized:

"Everybody in the K-pop world exists because of her. That's coming from two people who are actually in K-pop."

Jay, Aron Emphasize Importance of Respecting Senior Idols

As the topic continues, the two 3rd-gen K-pop idols also added that fans shouldn't just respect BoA, but every senior artist.

Aaron recalled:

"Put respect on any senior's name. When we debuted, like our generation, we had so much respect for the sunbaenims/seniors. They are the ones that made it capable for us to debut and have successful careers.

Stop trashing on like groups like ex-idols, actors, etc., that are older than the people that you guys like."

READ MORE: BoA Sparks Worries After She Unfollowed Everyone Except Late Brother + Idol Deletes IG Posts

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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz