That’s My Man! Overlapping Masculinities in Korean Popular Music

Abstract

After a two-year absence, TVXQ (known as DBSK in Korea and Tohoshinki in Japan), a male Korean pop (K-pop) group, made its comeback on Music Bank, a popular Korean music show, on January 7, 2011.¹ During the comeback performance, the duo sang two very different songs from their new album, Keep Your Head Down. On a stage filled with softly billowing smoke and a floor-to-ceiling chandelier installation, TVXQ sang the ballad “How Can I.” Changmin (Shim Changmin), the youngest of the duo, was dressed conservatively in a sweater, while Yunho (Jung Yunho), the leader, appeared equally casual in a jacket and sweater. They looked like the boys next door. The duo displayed a different image when they performed the titular single from the album. After solo dances from each, TVXQ and its backup dancers performed the powerful choreography for “Keep Your Head Down” on a darker stage with fire effects and other dramatic lighting. Both members exchanged their conservative outfits worn during the ballad for more edgy suits accessorized with capes. Here, they appeared more chic and sophisticated. The juxtaposition of these two performances highlights the way K-pop uses multiple concepts in the promotion of artists and reflects multiple masculinities embedded in those concepts.