- Overview
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Everyone talks about idol music, but nobody has said what I wanted to hear. The sophisticated and insightful discussion on idol music we all have been waiting for
- Book Intro
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Idolism
“Everyone talks about idol music, but nobody has said what I wanted to hear.”
The sophisticated and insightful discussion on idol music we all have been waiting for.
The fifth volume in the A-Flat Series. Everything about popular culture that is hiding a half pitch below A.
Idolism by Mimyo is a collection of reviews on K-pop and idols that the author, as the Chief Editor for the idol music webzine Idology and as one of the more progressive pop music critics in the business, has discussed countless times on various media and magazines specializing in pop music. In Idolism, the author goes beyond looking at idols as a mere vessel of an industry or through the lens of that is known as the “fandom” for idols. Mimyo stresses the value of idol pop as genuine cultural content. The author explains that he couldn’t find a satisfying piece of information of what K-pop is made of, apart from how it has affected the music industry, what “fandom” is, and the economic impact of its fans doing the marketing work for agencies voluntarily. That spurred him to analyze K-pop and idol music by carefully examining the meaningful changes in history. The author’s insightful analysis on the topic include the way the idol groups such as HOT, BTS, and TWICE have enchanted the world with their vitality, the creation of the great K-pop trend, and the public perception of idol pop.
As a critic and musician, the author looks at almost all facets of the idol universe, including the idol industry, fandom, history, composition or concept of individual albums, lyrics, and stage setups. This book, which explores both bright and dark sides of idols, is a perfect reference guide for not only K-pop fans but also readers who want to learn how the industry has become overtly competitive, as well as many others who are involved with the industry.
- About the Author
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Mimyo
(English) The author is a musician, pop music critic, selection committee member for the Korea Music Awards, and the Chief Editor for the idol music webzine Idology. The author earned a B.A. and M.A. in musicology at the University of Paris VIII. Currently, he writes columns on K-pop idols for a variety of publication companies including GQ Korea.
(Japanese) 音楽家、大衆音楽評論家、アイドル音楽ウェブジン『アイドルロジー』編集長、韓国大衆音楽賞選考委員。フランス出身
パリ8大学および大学院で音楽学を専攻。2012年音楽ウェブマガジン『weiv』のライターを始め、『GQコリア』、『Wコリア』、『週刊東亜』、『時事IN』、『IZE』、『ジニミュージック』など多数のメディアやサービスにK-POPアイドル関連コラムを寄稿している。
- Recommendation
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Kim Young-Dae (music critic, author of BTS: The Review) Despite the popular consensus that K-pop in the 21st century is led by idol music, I have yet to come across a discussion that delves as deeply into idol music as we all should. Most columns and opinions amount to flattery and adulation as is typical of the times, or a reluctant commentary from the older generation lamenting along the lines of, “this too shall pass.” Given this current landscape surrounding K-pop critiques, the work of Mimyo over the past few years has carved out a special place in my mind thanks to his writing that finds new meaning in idol music. I also make my own living as a critic, but his perspective on pop music has something that feels utterly refreshing, something that older critics do not have as they try to rely on flaunting their knowledge. Mimyo’s writing feels lively because as a person who creates music himself his understanding of musical scenes and systems seems deeper. Of course, his writing style, which is devoid of clichés, is beautiful. But most of all, his columns on idols have a tone of certainty that ends up convincing the reader. This book will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration and reference for those unsure of what and how they should shape their discourse on K-pop.
- Bestseller Rank
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#1 bestselling book of January 2019 in the Ridibooks Art and Culture Category
