I distinctly remember ten years ago, after it had gained serious traction, my Asian Music Studies teacher said Kpop was getting more critical praise because it focused on adult sexuality (read: like Western pop, "maturity") as opposed to JPop (the Japanese "obsession with / focus on youth"). I took her word for it even though I never wanted to confirm it.
Yes.
I distinctly remember ten years ago, after it had gained serious traction, my Asian Music Studies teacher said Kpop was getting more critical praise because it focused on adult sexuality (read: like Western pop, "maturity") as opposed to JPop (the Japanese "obsession with / focus on youth"). I took her word for it even though I never wanted to confirm it.