According to Allkpop, Social Media Influencer - a social media influence - has quickly become one of the popular career options.
But when influential people get more attention, the audience also notices a change in entertainment content.
More and more influential people are appearing on Korean variety and entertainment programs. Some people even say that they are gradually replacing traditional celebrities such as actors, singers, etc.
Just a few years ago, shows like Running Man mainly invited A-list stars to participate. Guests are often famous idol actors and singers such as Lee Dong Wook, Kim Ji Won, Park Seo Joon, Ji Chang Wook, Kim Woo Bin, Blackpink, SNSD, TWICE, EXO...
But today, many entertainment programs focus on daily life and everyday stories. The series "I Live Alone", "Omniscient Interfering View" and "Please Take Care of My Refrigerator" are more about revealing an individual's lifestyle than watching them compete in games.
That change opened the door for influential people on social media (abbreviated as Influencer) to appear.
"Beauty blogger" Risabae was introduced on "I Live Alone". "Saint mukbang" Tzuyang was also a guest on the show. YouTuber Poongja has built a certain number of followers by ranking restaurants and also appeared on a number of variety shows.
Entertainment programs that were once a playground dedicated to well-trained celebrities are now being shared with famous faces through social networks.
Some audiences were not satisfied with this change. They believe that online influential people are not really celebrities, and should not overshadow well-trained artists who spend many years practicing skills to survive in a competitive entertainment industry.
Training in singing, acting, dancing and going through a rigorous trainee system is always considered a standard path, and for a part of fans, that deserves to be more respected.
However, other opinions say that online celebrities are closer and more realistic. Many of them started with two empty hands, developing their own platforms and building fan communities without the support of management companies.
It is that effort that makes their success closer, and in some cases, even more admirable.
Allkpop commented that the influence of social networks today cannot be denied. However, the rise of online characters has made the public question whether traditional singers and actors are having an increasingly difficult time attracting attention.
Will this change open up opportunities for new talents, or is it completely changing the definition of celebrities in Korea?
