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The Korean Sensation Eric Nam

Korean American sensation Eric Nam is the name to link with when it comes to K-pop and the evolution of the genre. Since starting his career as a solo singer in the year 2012, he has faced many hardships and struggles while paving his own way.

This article delves more behind the life and struggles of the K-pop sensation superstar who has revolutionized the genre and the music industry, by storm.

Childhood Of Eric Nam

Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, Eric Nam has two younger brothers, Eddie and Brian Nam. Both his siblings are soccer players and have played soccer for various universities and colleges (Wofford, Northeastern and Columbia). 

Eric Nam graduated from school in 2007 and from college in the year 2011, with majors in International Studies. He then spent a year abroad in China then at Peking University. 

He was well on his way to become a business analyst at a reputable consulting firm when he decided against it and stepped into his musical career.

Background Of The Genre “K-Pop”

The previous year 2021 was evident to the fact that it witnessed a monumental amount of Korean stars and ambitious artists looking to make their way in the mainstream, primarily in the United States. 

But before the recent stardom and limelight, in the year 2008 was this genre’s first step. It all started with idol groups and their unique and vibrant style which they brought to the mix.

The energetic performances by the very talented personnel behind the group were exemplary, but now there is more room for individual and solo performers too. 

Blackpink and BTS are names which have set the standard when it comes to K-pop. 

Ramping up the bar

With other bands coming into the light, individual artists also started to come forth with their own potential and creativity. Monsta X, AB6IX are a few names.

Conventional boy and girls’ groups and bands prevailed and sometimes stepped over individual performances, which brought forth another opportunity.

Shin Cho, head of K-pop for Warner Music Asia tells Variety, “…instead of the traditional boy bands or girl groups, perhaps singer/songwriters performing a diverse range of genres would be something to look out for.”

“Groups are popular, but solo artists aren’t getting the same exposure right now. However, this could change as we look to the next phase of K-pop,” he continued.

Individual Star, Eric Nam

Eric Nam is a Korean American singer who is the textbook example of a name when it comes to someone who has played a significant role in revolutionizing the K-pop genre. He is a songwriter, content creator and television host and a singer.

Accolades 

Named by GQ Korea as “Man of the Year” for the year 2016, he has also been honored by Forbes as “30 under 30 Asia 2017”. One of his other accolades include being Youtube Music’s trending artist globally and as an artist “on the rise”.

Background

He stepped into the music career in the year 2012, as a solo artist looking to make a name and show the world of his potential. 

When stepping into the foray, he shares his journey himself, “It’s hard. Solo artists have to carry everything on their own.”

Commenting about comparison with groups and the amount of work they have to put into it, he said, “Idol groups, on the other hand, get to share the load. Other than the music and performances, fans really love the chemistry within idol groups. 

“It’s a huge appeal seeing the human side of their favorite idols interacting with others,” he said.

Eric Nam and his advice to fellow artists

Giving advice to his peers who are looking to undergo the same path as him, Eric Nam advised, “I’d encourage them to do it. But be aware that it’ll take a lot of time and patience.” 

Eric Nam knows what it takes to break boundaries and step onto other shores and expand horizons into other countries. 

On this domain, he further adds, “There’s opportunity costs, so be willing to invest in the markets you’re interested in and make sure your team understands this.”

Eric Nam and his thoughts on partnerships and globalization

With the advent of new partnerships across music recording labels, new opportunities have arisen. Companies such as HYBE and SM Entertainment have continuously announced their strategy and intent to boost further potential and artists in the United States market. 

Other companies such as Korean conglomerate CJ ENM is also working with HBO to introduce new talent. 

Giving his word on such partnerships and initiatives, Eric Nam has commented, “I think it’s great these labels have partnerships. The landscape is changing and there’s so much more to do. I would love to see more labels invest in more artists to create a diverse array of talent across the entire music scene.”

Future Plans

Eric Nam is now looking to switch gears in the reverse, and is satisfied with what he has achieved in Korea. His K-pop success and pushing boundaries aside, he has not stopped in the recent epidemic which enveloped the world, and is now looking for more. 

Termed as “reverse engineering”, he is now preparing for his There and Back Again World Tour 2022 which will span against 51 cities. The tour will range across both sides of the Atlantic, which is a huge step for the star. 

Along with the tour, Eric Nam released his brand new album There and Back Again on January 7th, 2022. 

This eagerly anticipated and awaited album by the fans is expected to break records and introduce new steps taken by the star himself. 

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Brenda Moya

Update: 2024-05-02