There hasn’t been a strong presence of Asians or Asian-Americans in the music of the United States. Several artists like BoA and Utada have carved very small niches for their fans online. One of the latest groups to attempt breaking into the US market is Korea’s Wonder Girls. Managed by JYP Entertainment, The Wonder Girls have become minor internet sensations with their music videos for “Tell Me” and “Nobody.” One could find thousands of vocal covers, dance-covers, homemade English versions, and music video parodies of many of the Wonder Girls’ discography.
The Wonder Girls have even made concert tours in the United States under JYP Entertainment hitting New York City and Los Angeles. The girls have spent the last few months training in English as well as reproducing their music from Korean. Soon they will be releasing their hits “Nobody” and “Tell Me” into the English market. Can the girls hit the Billboard charts with steam or will they be like Utada and bubble in the upper 100s of the Top 100. Here are a few advantages the Wonder Girls have over Boa and Utada.
They have a tour lined up – The Wonder Girls have announced that they will serve as the opening act to the Jonas Brothers. Some fans are a little confused about the idea (read: they are not fans of the Jonas Brothers), but when one realizes that all the girls are younger than 25 it makes some sense. With the Jonas Brothers being huge in the teen sector, the Wonder Girls can capture a huge market.
They have very catchy music – I don’t speak Korean and I love their music. Why? Because it has this universal pop sound. I don’t need to know what they are saying because it’s fun to listen to. For all I know they could be talking about feminine hygiene and I would still love their music. The real question is if their songs will lose something in translation.
![Nobody - The Wonder Years Trilogy [KOREAN EDITION]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21W7fSgXCFL._SL120_.jpg)
Article comments
1 - lydia
i think they can (wonder girls)
2 - eric
i personally think their musical talent is enough for korea but sorely lacking for the US market. In korean entertainment industry they survive through their sex appeal, and their tv image from all the tv shows they go on every week. In the US, there are plenty of women with sex appeal, and less tv shows that is dedicated 1-2 hours a day to create an image.
3 - mymama1993
I think they're perfect idols for kids and teens and people of any age out there, they're very cute and attractive, also they have great personalities!! I became a fan when they debut in the US (I'm Asian and I did not attend any of the concerts) I love them! seriously I think I'll love them 4ever ^^ I have no doubt in them in anyway, they always care for their fans and strive for the better!! They're talented. They already sold 17k copy units of their single "Nobody" in 4 days!! I'm so happy for them ^^
4 - omg
Looks like they just did!!!
#76 on the Top 100 chart, % #4 in the Heatseeker chart!!!
5 - WMok
This article is very well written, the analysis is precise and the argument is sound. Kudos to the author for almost answering the question to the article itself ahead of it's time. The Wonder Girls had impacted America within a short period of just 4 months from their debut in the Jonas Tour. The question asked by this article by now has been convincingly answered as the result speaks for itself. My appreciation to the brilliant author and the hardworking, affable and talented Wonder Girls. Cheers.