Site to have K-pop lyrics translated into 150 languages

Viki.com, an international video streaming site that hosts TV dramas and movies in 150 languages in 200 countries, has begun its music platform service Thursday.

Through the site, the lyrics of Korean pop music stars such as IU and Tiger JK will be provided to Internet users around the world. Viki has music content distribution contracts with Korean entertainment agencies including Loen Entertainment.

Razmig Hovaghimian, CEO of the Singapore-based site, told a news conference that K-pop will break the language barrier and attract new fans and markets if delivered in lyrics translated into other languages.

He said Viki uploaded a K-pop music video the day prior to the news conference. As a result, users voluntarily translated the lyrics into nine languages in just one day, including English, Romanian and Yugoslav.

Though K-pop content has been enjoying worldwide popularity in recent years, much of it has not been accurately translated in foreign languages other than English, China and Japanese.

Loen CEO Shin Won-soo said, “If K-pop has been popular for the quality of its music and performance, Viki’s platform will help convey Korean sentiment and the performers’ values contained in the lyrics, bringing the stars and their fans close.”

baltika7@donga.com