Animazing

While the media machine that is Kevin Rudd continues with the vast public acts of obviousness to make the people think he's doing a good job (this surplus stuff being the most recent - if it gets through. Dont get me started on the state of Australian politics. Its a good thing I dont know much about economics - Chris does though) it would appear that South Korea, or the Peoples Republic or whatever the hell you want to call it - are ready to make the big calls that no one else seems interested in.

All this surplus and rescue package stuff dominates the headlines and tries to make us feel like we're not all poor (I am, which is probably why I dont care as much), but what of the artists? The songwriters? Those who lose money to such social factors as people not wanting to pay to go see a band, venues not putting bands on and replacing them with pokies to increase revenue, and the return of the music-piracy debate that will no doubt increase as the worlds economic problems continue?

Earlier this week the S. Korean government released a statement saying it will provide a $91 MILLION bailout for the Korean music industry. It aims to do a few things - in particular to globalise the Korean music market, known affectionately as K-Pop. Is that a good idea, and will it work? As the Asian market will be the first test I'm sure we as Aussies will find out pretty soon. The money is also going to be spent on:
- Helping the Korean industry bounce back from losses to music piracy
- Double the nations annual music sales both in retail and online.
- The development and construction of several new concert halls (freaking awesome)
- The establishment of a Korean Billboard chart
- Equipment and facility funding for 35,000 Karaoke bars

In most western countries being a musician is part-time for 95% of people. If we (and I include myself) were to quit our jobs and live entirely on earnings from musical performance, we'd probably soon be feeding through garbage cans outside rich peoples houses. It may seem a little obscure, given alot of the average music that comes from there - but thank God there is a government out there willing to try and nurture the cultural soul of a nation in times where we could all do with a little music. I mean, most K-Pop is crap, but you cant take away from the fact that this is an amazing idea and I hope that other governments *cough* can show the same sort of ideology. I could rant on more and more but I know I'd bore you. So check out this K-Pop instead!

It makes me laugh a bit, but I can still enjoy it at a certain level. I certainly wouldnt say anything to their faces as they look mighty tough. Have a good weekend.