Can k-rowdfunding work here?

Can k-rowdfunding work here?

SINGAPORE - You've probably heard of crowdfunding. But k-rowdfunding?

Well, for K-pop fans living in the US, it's definitely the new buzz-word, all thanks to burgeoning Internet concert fundraising start-up Krowdpop.

Much like Kickstarter, the world's largest funding platform for independent creative projects, Krowdpop is all about empowering the masses and giving them the opportunity to turn their dreams into reality.

Simply put, if stateside K-pop lovers are eager enough to see their favourite stars in the flesh, they can now buy "Krowdpop tickets" that will go towards a cash minimum.

The cash minimum is the amount ticket takings must hit for a K-pop concert to take place.

If the minimum is not reached, the concert will be cancelled and the money refunded.

After only a year since its inception, Krowdpop has already scored its first success ­- and what an impressive one it is.

South Korean boy band Teen Top's upcoming debut US tour of New York, San Jose and Los Angeles is made possible by their US fans stepping up to the plate.

More guaranteed gigs

I love Teen Top's energetic, pumped-up tunes and stylish swagger.

So after reading about the suave sextet's successful collaboration with Krowdpop, I couldn't help but think, wouldn't it be great if Singapore had a k-rowdfunding platform too?

With local fans taking over the reins, it'll mean more guaranteed gigs by solid second-tier K-pop artistes like Block B, Girl's Day and, of course, Teen Top.

Established promoters such as Running Into The Sun and Launch Entertainment might be reluctant to bring in such acts due to the lack of profitability.

More importantly, k-rowdfunding could also mean fewer cancelled shows. Truth be told, the past year has been a pretty disappointing one for Singapore's K-pop concert scene.

In 2013, three shows ­­­- blockbuster ensemble concert MBC Korean Music Wave, boy band DMTN and singer Park Jung Min of defunct group smong - were called off, much to the fans' chagrin.

Just earlier this year, pop-rock band LEDApple's debut gig here was cancelled.

Recurring problems that led to the cancellations: inexperienced but overambitious concert promoters, financial instability and miscommunication between promoter and the artists' management.

With k-rowdfunding, hiccups will be minimised because the artists' passionate fans are brought into the centre of the picture. Let them decide if a gig is on or not.

If you have witnessed firsthand the enthusiasm - and desperation - of a K-pop fanatic, you'd know that more than anyone else, they want to see their idols on stage.

With them holding the power, the show will go on.

keeyunt@sph.com.sg


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