In a previous article, I discussed the key reasons why Arab youth are drawn to foreign dramas and music, highlighting that among the main causes are the Arab mind's fascination with foreign culture amidst a psychological defeat experienced by many in the Muslim community, the rebellious and independent nature of youth, their desire for uniqueness, the prevalence of international schools and private universities, and the lack of culturally compatible local productions.
In the following lines, I will address the primary consequences of teenagers' attachment to non-Arabic dramas and music, particularly Korean. The craze for non-Arabic series and music—especially what's known as "K-Pop"—is sweeping the world, including the Arab and Islamic world.
For those skeptical about considering it a phenomenon, visiting famous shopping centers would reveal gatherings of BTS fans around merchandise related to the Korean band, such as accessories, photos, and clothing.
According to a report attributed to "Spotify," one of the largest music streaming platforms globally, most listeners of Korean songs and specifically "K-Pop" between 2014 and 2020 came from the Middle East and North Africa, with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria ranking highest. Riyadh Season 2019 saw a BTS concert attended by over 60,000 people, mostly teenagers.
The issue is that many young people who listen to and watch Korean music are unaware of the cultural invasion risks to their identity, values, and beliefs. K-Pop taps into youth emotions, discussing issues directly affecting them, like bullying, friendship, relationships with parents, and love. Although these topics may seem positive on the surface, they’re presented through Korean cultural values, which share few commonalities with Arab-Islamic identity but differ significantly in many other aspects. This influence subtly infiltrates young minds, with every detail— from member selection, appearance, music, and carefully rehearsed dances to global fan interactions— meticulously crafted.
The negative consequences of listening to foreign, especially Korean, music are numerous. In terms of values and morals, K-Pop promotes atheism and moral decay amidst a weak awareness role by religious institutions in our countries. Nations that respect their culture, like China and Japan, have banned Korean music bands from entering because they understand the "soft power" effect on cultural identity.
From a psychological angle, K-Pop, according to mental health experts, consumes teenagers' emotions, creating a state of harmony that incites over-excitement, detaching them mentally from reality. This attachment either with or without sensory stimuli keeps them bonded to this music's impact. As the addiction grows, they display aggressive behaviors, becoming disoriented, unable to focus, and reluctant to engage with others.
K-Pop addicts often exhibit shyness, evident academic and social performance gaps, especially within family dynamics. They choose isolation, pulling away from a balanced life involving physical, social, and recreational activities.
Psychologists confirm that K-Pop music induces mental stress, potentially disrupting the central nervous system, leading to an inability to enhance self-capabilities or carry out daily tasks. This “loud” music genre can involuntarily heighten pain perception, blood pressure disturbances, and "musical tremors," making the brain unstable during and after listening. High frequencies cause brain wave fluctuations, making teenagers hyperactive, often prompting impulsive actions that might put their lives at risk, particularly during this critical transitional age.
An interesting observation about BTS is the challenge in identifying their gender; I initially assumed the members were female, only to discover they were male.
Simultaneously, a disturbing trend has emerged: many men now resort to cosmetic procedures to thicken or straighten hair, lighten skin, or refine nose or ear shapes, among other cosmetic alterations.
I worry that the essence of masculinity, as it originally was, may erode, especially as our male-dominated society trends towards effeminacy. Often, one struggles to distinguish between young men and women due to excessive softness, a decline fueled by a broad segment of artists and actors who serve as role models for many teenagers.
The problem here is if masculinity standards continue evolving as they are today, girls may naturally become repelled by men with traditional masculine features.
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