Only in Japan/Korea:Super Groups

Japanese theatre/idol group AKB48



It's very rare that musical groups find success and longevity. Boys to Men, NSync, and the Spice Girls where all bands that scored on the top music charts and eventually called it quits. With rising egos, stress from living on the road, and the troubles brought on by fame, it seems to be impossible that large
bands can create hits while staying together. But don't tell that to Japanese or Korean music companies.



Over the past few years, Korea and Japan have been producing super groups to the world in swarms. Usually consisting of  six members or more, these super groups seem to be the latest trend in Japanese and Korean pop music.Korean music labels have debuted Korean pop groups that have charmed the public. SNSD, nine members;T-ARA ,7 members; and Super Junior, thirteen members, are just a few of these super groups that  have ranked high in record sales, music charts, and television count down shows.

 

Japanese super groups including the ever popular AKB48,  forty-eight members split into three sub groups, and Morning Musume,  also bring lots of money fortheir producer. AKB48  not only bring in money from their album sales oand product endorsements, but also from their weekly perfomrnces held at the Sakura theatre. These groups are cash cows for record companies as the groups don't disband. Instead members graduate from the group and are replaced by younger members, ensuring the groups continuation. 

Japanese super group Morning Musume



Many may think that this is just too much, but companies see this as a very lucrative deal. It's been reported that SNSD has been become a money bank for their company SMent, bringing in a revenue of over 2 billion won ($10.43 million US) in 2010. The girls also scored big with their debut in Japan, climbing to the top of the Oricon weekly and receiving love from their international fans. AKB47 reportedly earned over $73 million dollars between December 2009 and November.



With reports like that it's no wonder more companies are literally trying to find the next big group. Established groups such as Co-ed and T-ARA have are growing in number. There are also rumors that one record company is attempting to debut a boy band with over 21 members. Many labels are hoping too find a group that will be able to stand compete with SNSD. Other companies are sure to follow suit.

Nine member girl group SNSD

 American Super Groups?

 Although I enjoy to listening to these groups, I believe it is unlikely that American music companies will begin to produce super groups unless you count church choirs. Taking on a group the size of SNSD would be a brave challenge for anyone.The cost of maintaining the group, promotions, and touring would have to be taken into consideration. The hardships and disbandment of other regular sized groups would also have to be considered. After all if a group of five girls only lasted a year, what are the chances of a nine membered girl group lasting?

 Taking all of this into consideration, super groups would be too great of a risk for American music companies to take on. So for now, this is one trend that will only be available in Korea and Japan.



Check out these songs by some of the popular super groups mentioned above.

AKB48

SNSD

T-ARA