Ex-NCT member sees opportunity in K-pop music for kids
K-pop songs have long rung out across Korean kindergartens and elementary school classrooms, but few of them were ever written with children in mind. Former NCT member Mark Lee says he wants to fill that gap himself with what he calls "kids-pop." The idea has taken shape through "Mark Lee & Kids-POP," a YouTube series launched in September on the channel for Upper Room, the label he founded after…
Former NCT member Mark Lee envisions a new approach to K-pop music designed specifically for children. The concept, known as "kids-pop," is being pursued through his YouTube series "Mark Lee & Kids-POP," which debuted on the Upper Room label he established after departing from boy band NCT and SM Entertainment in April. Each episode of the series features Lee engaging with children, hearing their stories, and seeking musical inspiration from them.
Lee identifies a common issue within the industry: popular K-pop songs, like iKON's 2018 hit "Love Scenario" and the Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper from Netflix's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," were written as adult-oriented pop anthems rather than as straightforward children's songs. Consequently, the industry has thus far relied on collaborations with children's brands to accommodate young audiences, rather than creating original children-specific content.
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- Ex-NCT member sees opportunity in K-pop music for kids koreatimes.co.kr
