Beyonce’s ‘Run The World’ Meets 2NE1’s ‘I Am The Best’ In K-Pop Crossover Dance Video, But Did It Do More Damage Than Good?


Fans know that K-pop is trying to break into the international scene, specifically through a K-pop crossover. EXO is probably at the forefront for such an attempt given the fact their manager, Noh Yongmin, has sent the K-pop group’s hit song “Love Me Right” to numerous American artists like Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift.

What EXO is trying to do seems to be a successful endeavor for 2NE1. Just recently, they were featured in a K-pop crossover on YouTube. Their song “I Am The Best” was mixed in alongside Beyonce’s “Run The World” for a dance video featuring Taylor Hatala and Larsen Thompson. However, the question begs if the K-pop crossover video did more damage than good.

For those who are unfamiliar with Taylor Hatala, she is one of the dancers for Janet Jackson. She, along with her friend and fellow dancer, Larsen Thompson, uploaded a dance video on her YouTube page on July 20, 2015. It is a dance video that mixes Beyonce’s “Run the World” with 2NE1’s “I Am The Best.” It is attached below for viewing.

Since its upload, it has earned over 1.8 million views. That’s not bad for four days. Unfortunately, it is getting some negative feedback too. According to KpopStarz, many of the K-pop fans who saw the video are saying the video is insensitive to East Asian cultures. The reason why is the part featuring 2NE1’s “I Am The Best” has Taylor Hatala and Larsen Thompson dancing in clothing inspired by the traditional qipao while holding a hand fan. In short, they are wearing Chinese clothing while holding a Japanese prop, dancing to Korean music.

Despite this “insensitivity to Asian cultures,” most viewers do not think that way, saying it is harmless and people are too sensitive, as shown in a poll. Not to mention, the dance video is very entertaining.

[Image via Screen Capture of Run The World – Taylor Hatala | Larsen Thompson | Janelle Ginestra | Tim Milgram @beyonce #2NE1]

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