Bah Humbug: Is KPop Really on the Decline?

The other day, I was asked this uncharacteristically deep/complex question by an anon from my ask.fm (which is here btw):

Lots of people have been saying kpop is on the decline from 2009-2012. What do you think they mean by that, and do you agree?

I decided to turn it into a full article/editorial because, hey. If Kpoppalypse can do one of these and generate some good commentary and introspective reflection instead of a deadzone of "l0l no1kara", why don't I try?

Warning: Very long and picture/video heavy post ahead, beware!!