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What is K-pop? Know about the musical phenomenon going global thanks to BTS, Wonder Girls, PSY and more
What is K-pop and how has it taken the world by a storm? In the article we explore the origins, impact and some popular groups. Read on to know more.
Since the rise of the Hallyu wave, K-pop has become a global phenomenon, winning over audiences worldwide. Groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, SEVENTEEN, and many others are part of this captivating genre. But what exactly is K-pop? It's short for Korean popular music, a dynamic blend of styles and genres originating from South Korea. From pop and hip-hop to R&B, jazz, gospel, reggae, electronic dance, folk, rock, and more K-pop incorporates influences from around the world while staying rooted in traditional Korean culture and music.
What is K-pop music? Exploring its history
K-pop, or Korean pop, is a genre that encompasses a diverse range of popular music styles. The term K-pop gained prominence in the 2000s, particularly on the international stage. However, what distinguishes K-pop from other genres is its emphasis on choreography. In K-pop videos, artists often showcase synchronized and complex dance routines.
In 1992, Seo Taiji and Boys made history as the first Korean group to achieve international success with their song Nan Arayo (I Know), marking the beginning of the Hallyu Wave. Through their pioneering approach, which involved experimenting with various styles and genres of music and incorporating foreign musical elements, they played a pivotal role in reshaping and modernizing South Korea's contemporary music landscape. This wave denotes the global spread of Korean pop culture. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, K-pop surged in popularity, with iconic groups like g.o.d., S.E.S., and H.O.T. attaining household recognition in Korea, all falling under the umbrella of K-pop.
Modern K-pop idol culture took root in the 1990s, captivating vast fandoms of teenagers and young adults. Following a lull in early idol music, a new era was ushered in by TVXQ and BoA in 2003, propelling K-pop idols into the Japanese market and laying the groundwork for its global expansion.
By 2018, K-pop had become a formidable force, witnessing substantial growth and revenue increase. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry's Global Music Report 2019, Korean popular music ranked sixth among the top ten music markets worldwide, with BTS and BLACKPINK leading the charge. Since then, K-pop has emerged as a significant economic driver for South Korea and continues to thrive on the global stage.
What sets K-pop apart? And why is it so popular?
While K-pop commonly refers to South Korean popular music and its associated industry, some view it as a genre that holds a broad spectrum of musical and visual elements. What sets K-pop apart is its eclectic sound and constant innovation. From language and fashion to dance moves and music videos, K-pop embodies the unique cultural identity of Korea, distinguishing it from other forms of pop music influenced by different cultural contexts.
Moreover, K-pop fandom culture differs significantly from typical Western fandoms. While Western fandoms are close-knit groups, K-pop fandoms foster an even closer bond between fans and artists, as well as among fans themselves, creating a sense of belonging akin to a family.
K-pop groups are usually composed of multiple members meticulously trained and developed by entertainment agencies. These groups are celebrated for their impeccably synchronized choreography, harmonized vocals, and cohesive group synergy. This stands in contrast to other pop music genres, which may spotlight individual artists or solo performers, with less emphasis on group dynamics and choreography.
Furthermore, K-pop artists often serve as trendsetters in fashion and beauty, with their music videos renowned for their high production value and captivating aesthetics. This strong emphasis on visuals and fashion distinguishes K-pop from other pop music genres that may not prioritize the visual aspect of music production to the same extent.
Popular K-pop Idols and groups: What makes them so popular?
The three major players in terms of sales and revenue in the K-pop industry are SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment, collectively known as the Big Three. With the rise of BTS and their agency BIGHIT MUSIC (now known as HYBE), often dubbed the Big 4, the landscape has evolved. Since the mid-2000s, K-pop has dominated a significant portion of the East Asian music market and has rapidly gained traction worldwide.
The genre's global success soared, particularly following the viral phenomenon of PSY's Gangnam Style music video, which became the first YouTube video to reach one billion views. Today, BTS and BLACKPINK have emerged as iconic figures in the global music scene, with BTS notably contributing to South Korea's economic growth through their immense popularity and impact.
K-pop's distinctiveness from Western music groups is a major draw for many fans, leading to a strong sense of addiction. Catchy melodies, impressive choreography, and flawless group performances all contribute to its widespread popularity. These groups often have unique styles that help them stand out from the crowd, along with an undeniable bond among members and exceptional fan service.
The genre is further characterized by different generations. The first generation featured trailblazers like BoA, Shinhwa, Rain, and g.o.d. Second generation saw the emergence of iconic artists such as SS501, Super Junior, BIGBANG, Wonder Girls, Girls' Generation, Kara, SHINee, 2NE1, 4Minute, T-ara, f(x), and After School, who dominated the scene.
The third generation of K-pop witnessed an unprecedented global impact, largely driven by BTS. Alongside them, EXO, TWICE, SEVENTEEN, Red Velvet, and BLACKPINK rose to prominence, solidifying K-pop's position in the mainstream global market. Following this, the fourth generation emerged, featuring rising stars such as TXT, Stray Kids, ITZY, IVE, and NewJeans, among others. Now, the fifth generation is already making its mark, with groups like RIIZE, ZEROBASEONE, ILLIT, and many more entering the scene, signaling the continuous expansion of K-pop's influence on the world stage.
Some of the popular K-pop songs
From PSY's Gangnam Style to BTS' DNA and Blood Sweat & Tears, and EXO's Monster and Call Me Baby, K-pop songs have consistently captivated audiences, whether old or new. Girls' Generation's Gee stands out as a bubblegum track with a unique blend of electropop and Europop, characterized by techno- and hip-hop-influenced synthesizers and beats, making it a one-of-a-kind hit.
Wonder Girls' Tell Me achieved significant commercial success in South Korea, topping both online and offline charts. Similarly, Super Junior's Sorry Sorry emerged as their most successful single, dominating music charts and earning 10 recognitions during its promotional period. Even fourth-generation songs like- Blue Hour by TXT, Fever by ENHYPEN, Hype Boy by NewJeans, or Love Dive by IVE are immensely popular. These iconic tracks exemplify the diverse and enduring appeal of K-pop music across different eras.
So what is K-pop? K-pop has evolved into more than just a music genre; it's now a lifestyle trend. Its influence extends beyond the music scene, shaping preferences in Korean series, films, cosmetics, and cuisine. The Hallyu wave draws people in, introducing them to this vibrant culture, which becomes a part of their everyday lives. Besides its global musical success, there's a hidden connection among fans worldwide, fueling its ongoing rise in popularity.
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