A Cultural Shift
Girls’ Generation’s Hyoyeon has ignited a significant debate about the declining greeting culture in K-pop. During her recent appearance on SBS PowerFM’s Cultwo Show, she openly expressed her concerns about junior idols’ changing attitudes. The veteran idol shared compelling memories of how she and her peers maintained strict greeting protocols during their early days in the industry. This revelation has sparked discussions about the evolution of respect culture in Korean entertainment.
Traditional Values and the 90-Degree Bow Legacy
The cornerstone of Korean entertainment’s respect culture has long been symbolized by the 90-degree bow. During her rookie days, Hyoyeon and her group members would demonstrate this deep respect, even to food delivery staff. This gesture wasn’t merely a formality; it represented a deeper understanding of Korean cultural values.
Beyond simple greetings, Hyoyeon revealed how she would meticulously clean up after meals to show appreciation for daily food deliveries. These actions weren’t just about maintaining cleanliness – they reflected the deep-rooted respect culture that was once fundamental to Korean entertainment. The practice extended to all aspects of idol life, from music show appearances to casual encounters in broadcasting stations.
The Modern Shift: Senior Idols Voice Their Concerns
The discussion has gained momentum as other veteran artists join the conversation. Koyote’s Baekga and H.O.T’s Jaewon echoed Hyoyeon’s sentiments, expressing their disappointment with current trends. They noted how modern idols rarely maintain eye contact in hallways, let alone offer proper greetings.
Broadcasting stations have adapted to this cultural shift, with producers now visiting senior artists’ waiting rooms instead of maintaining the traditional greeting culture. This change represents a significant departure from the industry’s long-standing practices, where junior artists would actively seek out their seniors to pay respects.
Impact on Industry Dynamics and Relationships
The evolving greeting culture has created a noticeable impact on industry relationships. Baekga shared how the traditional practice of juniors lining up to greet seniors has largely disappeared. This change has led to what many veterans describe as an uncomfortable new normal in the industry.
The shift extends beyond simple greetings – it reflects a broader change in how different generations of artists interact within the industry. Some argue this represents a modernization of Korean entertainment culture, while others see it as a concerning departure from valuable traditions.
The Future of K-pop Greeting Culture
The changing dynamics in K-pop’s greeting culture reflect a broader shift in industry practices. While some may view traditional greeting customs as old-fashioned, many veterans believe these basic courtesies form the foundation of professional relationships in the industry. The debate continues about whether this evolution represents progress or the loss of important cultural values.
What are your thoughts on this evolving aspect of K-pop culture? Do you think the traditional greeting culture should be preserved, or is this change a natural progression? Share your perspective in the comments below!
