In the P-pop industry, who really paved the way?
With SB19 and BINI both receiving the “Voices of Asia” Award at the Billboard Korea Power 100 event this year, it’s safe to say that they’re blazing a trail in the P-pop industry. But their fans have argued which among them paved the way for the genre to boom.
The Recent Discourse
Earlier this year, journalist Karen Davila interviewed BINI and sang praises about how they’re the group opening doors for P-pop internationally. And while their fans, known as BLOOMs, echoed this sentiment, A’TINs, fans of SB19, were skeptical. Both sides are valid in their defenses, by the way!
In Defense of SB19
Let us remember that SB19 has a headstart in the P-pop industry. They debut in 2018, 3 years before BINI. However, they did not achieve their success overnight; they worked their way towards where they are now. And a lot of artists, even BINI themselves, credit them for bringing Pinoy pride to international airwaves.
A’TINs highlighted the group’s international tours and collaborations as proof of their pioneering influence in P-pop. They also received numerous awards, including “Artist of the Year” and “Song of the Year” at the MYX Music Awards and “Favorite Asian Act” at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.
In Defense of BINI
Meanwhile, BINI has also made waves, breaking records on music charts and streaming platforms. Since their debut in 2021, they have become the P-pop group with the most monthly listeners on Spotify, at 1.4 million listeners!
BLOOMs also argued the group showcases the strength of female P-pop acts. Their energetic songs and relatable lyrics have resonated with a broad, especially younger, audience. This ethos garnered them the “Rising Star” Award at Billboard Philippines’ Women in Music event this year.
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In today’s P-pop industry, is it too much to say that both groups are winning? The fact that they received a big award together shows that they don’t see each other as a threat. Instead, they celebrate one another and what they bring to the table.
