While K-pop bands FT Island and CNBLUE are widely regarded as skilled live performers and songwriting bands overseas in Japan and China, they tend not to be acknowledged as “legitimate bands” in their home country, said Han Seong-ho, CEO of FNC Entertainment, which represents the two groups.

(CNBLUE's official Facebook)

“The two groups compose many of their own songs and perform all of the instrumentals when recording, and give live performances,” said Han at a forum for the globalization of K-pop at the Asia Music Network, which is taking place at Seoul’s Sangam-dong from Sept. 11-12.

“But there seems to be a prejudice against these groups particularly in Korea,” he said.

(FNC Entertainment)

While FT Island and CNBLUE both debuted in the Japanese indie rock scene and frequently participate in rock festivals abroad, they have never performed at a Korean rock festival, he remarked.

“I think the Korean audience thinks that because (the two groups) are young and regarded as K-pop idols, they must automatically not be real bands,” he said.

By Rumy Doo (bigbird@heraldcorp.com)