Bang Si Hyuk Claims 'Star Power' Is Most Important Trait For Idols — Here's Why It's Receiving Mixed Reactions

Bang Si Hyuk's words regarding star factor and skills have stirred the K-pop community during an episode of Netflix's "Popstar Academy."  

On August 21, Netflix released the anticipated "Popstar Academy," a docu-series following the formation of the international girl group KASTSEYE. The program focused on the group's emergence, showing their casting, evaluation, and many more.

Since KATSEYE was formed under the collaboration of HYBE and Geffen Records, HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk was one of the officials involved in the venture.

 

During the first episode, the show reveals various label officials reviewing potential trainees. The HYBE chairman then shared his thoughts on the requirements of idols and elaborated on the aspect of star power. 

When the casting crew was searching for more trainees, Bang Si Hyuk discussed the concept of star power once more. According to the founder, many people believe that skill is the most crucial factor for idols. However, he disagreed, saying that star power is the most important trait.

"Usually, people believe that skill is the most important part. But for me, it's star power," Bang Si Hyuk remarked.

This explains a lot about the company pic.twitter.com/qnAyQCtH38

— sunoojzg (@sunoocvnt) August 21, 2024

On social media platform X (Twitter), netizens were frustrated upon learning the chairman's insights.

Everyone knew exactly what this guy is about and yet, it's still shocking.... dude you really advertise your company under the slogan "we believe in music" 💀 https://t.co/OVg3R6WbOO pic.twitter.com/8MdKeu4iKS

— G-Dragon of EXO (@SUJI96808) August 21, 2024

i agree in terms marketability.
for longevity? not so much. https://t.co/6kfD8xLGpu

— 🍉 stream Cosmic 💫💐🌸 (@themilkuyu) August 21, 2024

Fatman’s biggest nightmare https://t.co/aPjtC3uMJS pic.twitter.com/jFK6AVhoSJ

— im @vivisbowandtie backup (@vivisbowandtie2) August 21, 2024

i’m sorry but they need to stop being this guy on a pedestal just cuz he got lucky ONCE. it’s so obvious he cannot recreate what he did again. https://t.co/4THw8R8pUx

— ❦ #katseyeville (@IoveonIocked) August 21, 2024

you can’t have star power without skill… https://t.co/St3R2YJYZ2

— kam ♡ (@hanniesangels) August 21, 2024

Thats why hybe is in their downfall era i fear https://t.co/6NUwNP85Ui

— Taylor (@sunooenyah) August 21, 2024

i’m so disgusted i’ve never wanted to 🤜🏼 someone in the face so badly in my whole life https://t.co/zA1drNCTEI

— 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚 ᡣ𐭩 (@gieyeomiii) August 21, 2024

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However, some internet users gave a different perspective regarding Bang Si Hyuk's remarks.

i strongly dislike bang pd but seeing people misinterpret this to fit their “hybe artists are talentless” narrative is crazy😭 he means that skill can be trained, star power cannot! it’s something you’ve got to have in you already https://t.co/Wck0aycZGk

— ☾ (@nkzhh) August 21, 2024

star power can be manufactured. this type of fame doesn't always correlate with talent or any achievements, just being sustained by the media and it doesn't produce authenticity. this is a type of manipulation, essentially. https://t.co/O62cl5h5T8

— soph (@sophiverses) August 22, 2024

If Starpower could be taught, companies would be focused more on that rather than making their idols have the same face and same personalities. https://t.co/ikS4hXJQz1

— MoMo's left cheek⁷⁺⁹ (@cheek_momo) August 22, 2024

Literally there’s hella singers and dancers on this earth but not everyone of them can keep your attention long enough https://t.co/gxBn9Ce9m9

— hilly⁷ 💜 (@nxx___28) August 21, 2024 — mika | jun's lǎo pó 🐰 (@mikacarbonilla) August 21, 2024

In other news, Bang Si Hyuk went under fire for his comments about K-pop. On November 7, 2023, Bang Si Hyuk discussed how a crisis can affect K-pop's success, despite it peaking to a global audience.

The HYBE chairman claimed that the letter "K," which means "Korean" in K-pop, should be removed. Bang Si Hyuk believed that by doing this, the genre would grow more effectively and reach more consumers in the music scene.

The remarks instantly caused outrage among fans, as many expressed that removing the "K" would also shrug off K-pop's uniqueness and identity.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below!

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: HYBE Founder Bang Si Hyuk Criticized for Saying THIS About K-pop: 'We need to remove...' 

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Written by Israel Monte