Cuteness by the numbers

[rooster59]

Cuteness by the numbers

By Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul 
THE NATION 

 

BNK48 is now the hottest idol girl group shaking up the country's music circle.

 

Idol girl groups become all the rage in Thailand and the boys are not far behind

 

Manufactured stars and starlets – idols as they are known – have been around since pop culture started, with Japan leading the way in turning young and cute adolescents into idol groups – think Morning Musume and AKB48.

 

Now Thailand has got into the act, shaping teens into singers and marketing them as role models for their peers. And the youngsters are loving it, turning out en masse for their shows and public appearances and hanging on to their every word. 

 

“It really came into the spotlight here a couple of years ago when the Japanese government started pushing Japanese content in Asia in an attempt to reclaim the throne from South Korea, which had captured the Thai market through TV series and K-pop for more than a decade,” says Wim Manopimok, chief executive of Yoshimoto Entertainment Thailand, a joint venture with Yoshimoto Kogyo, one of Japan’s biggest entertainment conglomerates.

 

“Being an idol in former times meant being untouchable or unreachable and only being seen TV and in magazines. But after the launch of AKB48 in Akihabara, Tokyo, in 2005, the concept changed and became much more down to earth, with the members becoming approachable – kind of the ‘girl next door’.”

Indeed AKB48 did much to pull Japan’s music industry out of the doldrums in the early 2010s. In 2011, the increase of CD sales in Japan was a sharp contrast to the decline in the world. Fired up by its popularity, the group expanded into sister projects, which were similar to AKB48 but in different locations, such as Nagoya’s SKE48, Okayama’s STU48, Niigata’s NGT48, and Osaka’s NMB48. Soon AKB48 had become popular all over Japan and spawned other sister groups abroad, among them JKT48 in Jakarta, SNH48 in Shanghai, BNK48 in Bangkok, TPE48 in Taipei, and MNL48 in Manila.

 

 

AKB48 became one of the highest-earning musical performers in Japan and was characterised as a social phenomenon.

 

Like other national and international sister groups, Thailand’s BNK48 follows the same format. Launched in early 2017 by Jirat Bawornwatana, executive chairman of Rose Artist Management, the Thai idol girl group, which is made up of 26 carefully selected members, has helped the local music scene recover after several years of stagnation.

 

 

The public can’t get enough of BNK48. The girls are constantly in the media, at events and attending product launches. The group has so far been the presenters for True Move H, Fuji Film, AP Honda, Jele Beautie, and Yayoi as well as being shown as a major supporter of Thailand’s National Football Team Changsuek.

 

“The platform of AKB48 is ‘idols you can meet’ and merchandise – usually a free ticket for a handshake or concert event – is given along with their CDs to boost total sales. In fact, AKB48 was initially created to be the presenter of various Japanese products including cars, motorcycles and drinks,” says Wim, who has made Sweat 16 into his talent agency’s first idol group.

 

 

 

“The idol is a role model that people can follow and dream about being equally as successful. Each role model must have her – or his – own path. No one was born perfect. We all have to fight for our dreams. Being an idol isn’t only showing off an ability to sing, dance and perform. It’s also about attitude, thoughts and goals in life. It’s about encouraging each other. That’s why fans are passionate about BNK48 and follow them so closely,” explains Pongchuk “Ae” Pissathaporn, who is responsible for BNK48. 

 

“Idols and artists are not the same. An artist can prove himself with his work, but an idol proves him or herself through his/her efforts. Not every member is perfect at singing and dancing but all of them work to overcome obstacles.”

 

Wim considers AKB48 and BNK48 as platforms, pointing out that they sell themselves through CDs and performances. 

 

“While BNK48 follows the same bible as AKB48, Sweat 16 is freer. We don’t want our 13 members to dedicate themselves to the band 120 per cent because they have their different daily lives. I want to see the best worker, the best student, the best daughter, or even the best member in order to inspire other girls. I need Sweat 16 to build this platform.”

 

 

Musically, BNK48 and Sweat 16 cover Japanese singles. BNK48’s songs are from AKB48, with the lyrics translated into Thai and the music rearranged to suit their style. 

 

For example, BNK48’s song “Cookie Siangthai”, which is taken from AKB48’s “Koisuru Fortune Cookie”, quickly became popular, with just about every teenager in the land knowing the line “aeb mong ther yoo na ja”, meaning “I’m secretly watching you”.

 

“This song is about myth and prophecy. The first step is to translate the lyrics in an essay format then adjust them so that they conform to our grammar, adding Thai idioms and tone marks. ‘Aeb mong ther yoo na ja’ quickly caught on. The words are optimistic and the touch the heart. And we’ve worked on the choreography too,” says Ae, who has team up with other songwriters such as Boy Trai Bhumirat, Stamp, Lipta, Pe Mind, Golf Superbaker, and Waan Thanakrit.

 

“Sweat 16’s first two songs are ‘Wing’ (‘Run’) and ‘Moongming’ (‘Love Attention’), which are covers of Japanese songs. The next singles will be penned and composed by Boyd Kosiyabong and Suthee Sangsereechon before being arranged by a Japanese engineer in the idol style. I would like Thailand to have Thai songs for Thai idols,” says Wim.

 

Like AKB48, BNK48 has a campus. The idol group has taken over part of the fourth floor of The Mall Bang Kapi and turned it into a theatre for their shows, rehearsals, instruction and recreation. Both BNK48 and Sweat 16 will go on a nationwide tour soon and Sweat 16 has already been booked to perform at the 2018 Okinawa International Movie Festival 2018 in Okinawa from April 19 to 22.

 

And now boy idols groups are making an appearance. 4Nologue’s chief executive Anuwat “Wutt” Wichiennarat has recruited nine boys – Thanapob “Tor” Leeratanakajorn, Teeradon “James” Supapunpinyo, Chonlathorn “Captain” Kongyingyong, Lapas “Third” Ngamchaweng, Sivakorn “Porche” Adulsuttikul, Jakrin “Jackie” Kangwankiertichai, Kritsanapoom “JJ Pibulsonggram, Pharis “Ice” Intharakomal, and Chisanucha “Mew” Tantimedh, for his group, Nine by Nine, or 9x9.

 

“I’m very excited to see the popularity of BNK48,” he says.

 

“We would like to build an idol group that can perform to international standards – good singing, good dancing and good performance. 

 

“Nine by Nine is a pilot crossover project in cooperation with Nadao Bangkok and GMM Grammy’s MBO and we will be taking the lads to perform across the Asean countries when they are ready.”

 

So Who's Your Idol?

 

- Keep updated on BNK48’s movements at www.Bnk48.com/#/home

 

- Follow updates on Sweat 16 at http://Sweat16official.com/

 

- To find out more about Nine by Nine, check out Facebook.com/4NOLOGUE/

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/music/30342103

 

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-03-31

[leeneeds]

Add  some of these people to  the list of More people who can not sing, 

the amount of talent shows around show the quality is headed downwards, 

and acceptance of substandard performers, 

Kylie Minogue is a classic example, of this, great bum, but sure can not sing, never been able to , 

 

[NCC1701A]

Caption for first photo:

 

"...and then I woke up."

Edited March 31, 2018 by NCC1701A

[cornishcarlos]

To date, Minogue has sold more than 80 million records worldwide. 

5 minutes ago, leeneeds said:

Kylie Minogue is a classic example, of this, great bum, but sure can not sing, never been able to

 

How very dare you :)

 

She has sold over 10.1 million singles in the United Kingdom alone, making her the 12th best-selling singles artist and the 3rd best-selling female artist in UK history

[Samui Bodoh]

I just had an ugly, nightmarish vision of those young women touring Thailand reciting Prayut's twelve 'values'.

 

[shudder]

 

[Anak Nakal]

I like the girl groups!

Good for Thailand!

[Bluespunk]

3 hours ago, rooster59 said:

We would like to build an idol group that can perform to international standards – good singing, good dancing and good performance. 

I’ll take the blues over this elevator muzak  any day. 

 

Shows like X factor and American idolatry are killing music with their bland, manufactured trite. 

 

Music without passion is pointless. 

 

Bessie knew that

 

 

Edited March 31, 2018 by Bluespunk

[Samui Bodoh]

1 hour ago, Bluespunk said:

I’ll take the blues over this elevator muzak  any day. 

 

Shows like X factor and American idolatry are killing music with their bland, manufactured trite. 

 

Music without passion is pointless. 

 

Bessie knew that

 

 

Amen!

 

Clearly you are my brother from another mother!

 

 

[Tilacme]

Seeing the pic thought this story was about Rainbow 4

[leeneeds]

20 hours ago, cornishcarlos said:

How very dare you :)

 

She has sold over 10.1 million singles in the United Kingdom alone, making her the 12th best-selling singles artist and the 3rd best-selling female artist in UK history

Dare, as I have heard her natural voice, 

can not sing, 

I don't doubt your numbers, quoted , digitally enhanced sounds good , in real life not so, 

you are  one of the hoodwinked,

[kannot]

18 hours ago, Bluespunk said:

I’ll take the blues over this elevator muzak  any day. 

 

Shows like X factor and American idolatry are killing music with their bland, manufactured trite. 

 

Music without passion is pointless. 

 

Bessie knew that

 

 

I prefer 

 

[kannot]

All looks  (debateable) no substance as are most of the manufactured "bands", I dont rate any unless they write  their stuff  play their own instruments etc

[cornishcarlos]

2 hours ago, leeneeds said:

Dare, as I have heard her natural voice, 

can not sing, 

I don't doubt your numbers, quoted , digitally enhanced sounds good , in real life not so, 

you are  one of the hoodwinked,

 

Nooooooo, she is an angel in a human body :)

[Oziex1]

They're cute but so what, they will be replaced tomorrow by some other fad.

 

Today's music ain't got the same soul, give me that old time rock and roll. 

 

Thanks Bob.

[Oziex1]

On 31/03/2018 at 8:25 AM, leeneeds said:

Add  some of these people to  the list of More people who can not sing, 

the amount of talent shows around show the quality is headed downwards, 

and acceptance of substandard performers, 

Kylie Minogue is a classic example, of this, great bum, but sure can not sing, never been able to , 

 

Same with Katie Perry and a few others, auto tune is their instrument of choice.

[JAG]

3 hours ago, Oziex1 said:

They're cute but so what, they will be replaced tomorrow by some other fad.

 

Today's music ain't got the same soul, give me that old time rock and roll. 

 

Thanks Bob.

I should imagine enthusiasts for Monteverdi said much the same about Vivaldi's music, enthusiasts for J S Bach about Schubert, and enthusiasts for Debussy about Stockhausen.

 

Mind you, Stockhausen fans will not hear whatever is said - they are all deaf as a post after listening to the discordant cacophony which he calls music...

[kannot]

4 hours ago, cornishcarlos said:

 

Nooooooo, she is an angel in a human body :)

Shes a midget with silicon jugs

[Bluespunk]

https://amp.theguardian.com/music/2015/apr/04/kylie-minogue-10-years-since-cancer-all-clear

 

 

[baboon]

52 minutes ago, JAG said:

I should imagine enthusiasts for Monteverdi said much the same about Vivaldi's music, enthusiasts for J S Bach about Schubert, and enthusiasts for Debussy about Stockhausen.

 

Mind you, Stockhausen fans will not hear whatever is said - they are all deaf as a post after listening to the discordant cacophony which he calls music...

Stockhausen?  The capital of Sweden is nothing to do with this thread, which is about music. Bland, inoffensive music with no edge to it whatsoever, sung by clean cut wussies.

Fortunately for you lot, baboon is here to save the day:

 

[Bluespunk]

1 hour ago, JAG said:

I should imagine enthusiasts for Monteverdi said much the same about Vivaldi's music, enthusiasts for J S Bach about Schubert, and enthusiasts for Debussy about Stockhausen.

 

Mind you, Stockhausen fans will not hear whatever is said - they are all deaf as a post after listening to the discordant cacophony which he calls music...

The history of classical music is replete with riotous events following controversial performances and composers. 

 

https://amp.theguardian.com/music/tomserviceblog/2014/dec/02/top-ten-classical-music-riots-protests-stushies

 

Lovers of classical music can be deadly serious about their tunes,..

Edited April 1, 2018 by Bluespunk

[Jonah Tenner]

8 hours ago, kannot said:

I prefer 

 

This is more my style:

 

[JAG]

4 hours ago, baboon said:

Stockhausen?  The capital of Sweden is nothing to do with this thread, which is about music. Bland, inoffensive music with no edge to it whatsoever, sung by clean cut wussies.

Fortunately for you lot, baboon is here to save the day:

 

Hmmh. Judas Priest for music, and the North Korean flag for an avatar?

 

School holidays are here, so I have some spare time. I think I will have to sit down for a couple of days to "unpack" this one chaps...

[wgdanson]

 

 

The Original and Best.

[baboon]

12 minutes ago, wgdanson said:

 

 

The Original and Best.

I am having a Damien at the church moment...

 

Edited April 1, 2018 by baboon

[baboon]

1 hour ago, JAG said:

Hmmh. Judas Priest for music, and the North Korean flag for an avatar?

 

School holidays are here, so I have some spare time. I think I will have to sit down for a couple of days to "unpack" this one chaps...

I also have a fondness of fine German men singing harmonies...

[cornishcarlos]

7 hours ago, kannot said:

Shes a midget with silicon jugs

 

Exactly, an angel :)

[InfinityandBeyond]

11 hours ago, Oziex1 said:

Same with Katie Perry and a few others, auto tune is their instrument of choice.

 

[JAG]

3 hours ago, baboon said:

I also have a fondness of fine German men singing harmonies...

Wagnerian Operas?

I am reminded of Evelyn Waugh comparing being dive bombed by the Luftwaffe in Crete with a Wagnerian Opera:

"Very noisy, very thorough, and went on for far too long"

[observer90210]

Oh dear !!....on the first glimpse of the OP photo,  I thought it was the latest group picture of the new immigration staff, in their new uniforms,  in the district ...

[Orton Rd]

It's worth pointing out such Japanese groups as AKB48 and Morning Musume rotate the girls to keep them the same age and in Mornings case I think they are on the 13th generation, so the girls must last about 18 months before being replaced. There is a very interesting café out side of AKB train station called AKB48! girls are dressed as maids and it's themed around the band with videos playing and coasters with drinks given out with the girls pics on them. You cannot choose and we got a rare one, the guy on the next table had albums full but did not have our so we swapped him.

They are far less interesting than bands like this who are very talented and write and produce their own work, hence the filthy lyrics!

 

Dolls $ Boxx are highly regarded, bit weird though! 

 

Edited April 1, 2018 by Orton Rd