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Why I Love K-pop: a Personal Perspective

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Published: Aug 31, 2023

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A diverse musical palette, visual and aesthetic excellence, global impact and community, innovative concepts and storytelling, cultural exchange and appreciation, conclusion: a passion that transcends borders.

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How being a k-pop fan changed my life, k-pop changed my life for the better, and i'm so thankful.

Ever since I was in elementary school, I obsessed over various bands, movies, books, celebrities, and pretty much anything in pop culture. I spent most of my free time running many fan accounts talking about my obsession, posting 'fun facts', editing photos, creating memes, buying merchandise, and even finding other people online and in real life to fangirl with. My whole family thought it was just a 'phase' and that I'll get over it once I get into college- surprisingly, they were wrong.

My interest in Korean Pop, commonly known as K-Pop started when I was starting middle school. I stumbled upon a recommended YouTube video titled "Oh!" by Girls' Generation on YouTube. I was curious about how Korean Pop music sounded like, so I decided to give it a try. I was mesmerized by the colorful visuals and aesthetics, catchy sounds, and fun choreography to the point that I added it to my "favorites" YouTube playlist and started to learn all of the members' names. After, I started to become a fan of other groups, such as Infinite, 2NE1, f(x), and Wonder Girls.

From there, I decided to open up my first K-Pop Twitter fan account. I followed other K-Pop fans, hoping that they will follow me back. I tried to strike as many conversations with others, hoping that I will make friends. After a couple of months of being in the K-Pop fandom, I felt like I was truly included...like a family. Most of the people that I knew in the fandom were nice and pretty chill, which made my experience amazing. To be honest, my early time in the K-Pop fandom felt different from the other fandoms I was in previously because of how uncommon K-Pop was back then. I am truly thankful for the positive experience when I was a new K-Pop fan, but I slowly experienced negative situations from my cousins and classmates.

I was teased by my cousins and previous classmates because they claim that listening to music in a different language is weird. Honestly, I never thought of it as weird because it is still music. I may not understand what the artists are singing about, but the song is pleasant and catchy to my ears. Come on, music is a universal language! As time passed, I did not care of what others around me thought because I had my online friends on my side.

When I started high school, I decided that I would start studying the Korean language and culture in my own time because K-Pop made me interested. I tried to look for resources online to learn from, but I had a lot of extracurriculars and classwork to focus on. During my high school years, I tried to eat at various Korean restaurants and cook several recipes that I found online to try out the foods. This helped me expand my horizons. When I entered college, I knew that I would have more free time to study Korean, so I started to purchase various textbooks to help me in my studies.

Other than that, I was also scared of being judged for liking K-Pop once I started college because of the negative experience that I went through. I slowly dreaded the ice-breaker activities that my instructors would make us do on the first day of class, and I hoped that they would skip to the part where we talk about the syllabus. My life changed during the fall quarter of 2019. One of my instructors partnered me up with someone for an ice-breaker where we talked about ourselves and our favorite genres of music. The person mentioned that they liked listening to K-Pop, and I became surprised. I mentioned that I also liked K-pop, and we started to exchange social media handles. From there, that person introduced me to other people that he knew who also liked K-Pop. I finally found my tribe.

It took a long time for me to find people who also liked K-Pop, and it was worth the wait. However, I can say that K-Pop changed my life in several ways. It helped me feel like I truly belonged in a community in real life and online. Now I have many people to talk about K-Pop or other things. Other than learning about Korean culture and getting to know it, I am now able to understand many more. Looking at the K-Pop fan culture now, I am glad that many people are trying to listen to K-Pop, and I hope that the music genre will influence them positively, just like me.

• I Went To A K-Pop Concert, And It Was One Of The Best ... ›
• K-Pop Helped Cure My Depression: Storytime ›
• Yes, You Can Love K-Pop Even If You Don't Speak Korean ›

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Grateful beyond words: a letter to my inspiration, i have never been so thankful to know you..

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

You have taught me that you don't always have to strong. You are allowed to break down as long as you pick yourself back up and keep moving forward. When life had you at your worst moments, you allowed your friends to be there for you and to help you. You let them in and they helped pick you up. Even in your darkest hour you showed so much strength. I know that you don't believe in yourself as much as you should but you are unbelievably strong and capable of anything you set your mind to.

Your passion to make a difference in the world is unbelievable. You put your heart and soul into your endeavors and surpass any personal goal you could have set. Watching you do what you love and watching you make a difference in the lives of others is an incredible experience. The way your face lights up when you finally realize what you have accomplished is breathtaking and I hope that one day I can have just as much passion you have.

SEE MORE: A Letter To My Best Friend On Her Birthday

The love you have for your family is outstanding. Watching you interact with loved ones just makes me smile . You are so comfortable and you are yourself. I see the way you smile when you are around family and I wish I could see you smile like this everyday. You love with all your heart and this quality is something I wished I possessed.

You inspire me to be the best version of myself. I look up to you. I feel that more people should strive to have the strength and passion that you exemplify in everyday life.You may be stubborn at points but when you really need help you let others in, which shows strength in itself. I have never been more proud to know someone and to call someone my role model. You have taught me so many things and I want to thank you. Thank you for inspiring me in life. Thank you for making me want to be a better person.

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life..

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Don't freak out

This is a rule you should continue to follow no matter what you do in life, but is especially helpful in this situation.

Email the professor

Around this time, professors are getting flooded with requests from students wanting to get into full classes. This doesn't mean you shouldn't burden them with your email; it means they are expecting interested students to email them. Send a short, concise message telling them that you are interested in the class and ask if there would be any chance for you to get in.

Attend the first class

Often, the advice professors will give you when they reply to your email is to attend the first class. The first class isn't the most important class in terms of what will be taught. However, attending the first class means you are serious about taking the course and aren't going to give up on it.

Keep attending class

Every student is in the same position as you are. They registered for more classes than they want to take and are "shopping." For the first couple of weeks, you can drop or add classes as you please, which means that classes that were once full will have spaces. If you keep attending class and keep up with assignments, odds are that you will have priority. Professors give preference to people who need the class for a major and then from higher to lower class year (senior to freshman).

Have a backup plan

For two weeks, or until I find out whether I get into my waitlisted class, I will be attending more than the usual number of classes. This is so that if I don't get into my waitlisted class, I won't have a credit shortage and I won't have to fall back in my backup class. Chances are that enough people will drop the class, especially if it is very difficult like computer science, and you will have a chance. In popular classes like art and psychology, odds are you probably won't get in, so prepare for that.

Remember that everything works out at the end

Life is full of surprises. So what if you didn't get into the class you wanted? Your life obviously has something else in store for you. It's your job to make sure you make the best out of what you have.

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations..

Whether you met your new love interest online , through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

1. What do you do for a living?

What someone does for a living can tell a lot about who they are and what they're interested in! Their career reveals a lot more about them than just where they spend their time to make some money.

2. What's your favorite color?

OK, I get it, this seems like something you would ask a Kindergarten class, but I feel like it's always good to know someone's favorite color . You could always send them that Snapchat featuring you in that cute shirt you have that just so happens to be in their favorite color!

3. Do you have any siblings?

This one is actually super important because it's totally true that people grow up with different roles and responsibilities based on where they fall in the order. You can tell a lot about someone just based on this seemingly simple question.

4. What's your favorite television show?

OK, maybe this isn't a super important question, but you have to know ASAP if you can quote Michael Scott or not. If not, he probably isn't the one. Sorry, girl.

5. When is your birthday?

You can then proceed to do the thing that every girl does without admitting it and see how compatible your zodiacs are.

6. What's your biggest goal in life?

If you're like me, you have big goals that you want to reach someday, and you want a man behind you who also has big goals and understands what it's like to chase after a dream. If his biggest goal is to see how quickly he can binge-watch " Grey's Anatomy " on Netflix , you may want to move on.

7. If you had three wishes granted to you by a genie, what would they be?

This is a go-to for an insight into their personality. Based on how they answer, you can tell if they're goofy, serious, or somewhere in between.

8. What's your favorite childhood memory?

For some, this may be a hard question if it involves a family member or friend who has since passed away . For others, it may revolve around a tradition that no longer happens. The answers to this question are almost endless!

9. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

We all have parts of our lives and stories that we wish we could change. It's human nature to make mistakes. This question is a little bit more personal but can really build up the trust level.

10. Are you a cat or a dog person?

I mean, duh! If you're a dog person, and he is a cat person, it's not going to work out.

11. Do you believe in a religion or any sort of spiritual power?

Personally, I am a Christian, and as a result, I want to be with someone who shares those same values. I know some people will argue that this question is too much in the talking stage , but why go beyond the talking stage if your personal values will never line up?

12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Even homebodies have a must visit place on their bucket list !

13. What is your ideal date night?

Hey, if you're going to go for it... go for it!

14. Who was/is your celebrity crush?

For me, it was hands-down Nick Jonas . This is always a fun question to ask!

15. What's a good way to cheer you up if you're having a bad day?

Let's be real, if you put a label on it, you're not going to see your significant other at their best 24/7.

16. Do you have any tattoos?

This can lead to some really good conversations, especially if they have a tattoo that has a lot of meaning to them!

17. Can you describe yourself in three words?

It's always interesting to see if how the person you're talking to views their personal traits lines ups with the vibes you're getting.

18. What makes you the most nervous in life?

This question can go multiple different directions, and it could also be a launching pad for other conversations.

19. What's the best gift you have ever received? 

Admittedly, I have asked this question to friends as well, but it's neat to see what people value.

20. What do you do to relax/have fun?

Work hard, play hard, right?

21. What are your priorities at this phase of your life?

This is always interesting because no matter how compatible your personalities may be, if one of you wants to be serious and the other is looking for something casual, it's just not going to work.

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Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in challah bread or easter bread.

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

A few weeks ago, I was given a loaf of bread called Challah (pronounced like holla), and upon my first bite, I realized it tasted just like Easter Bread. It was so delicious that I just had to make some of my own, which I did.

The recipe is as follows:

Ingredients

2 tsp active dry or instant yeast 1 cup lukewarm water 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup white granulated sugar 2 tsp salt 2 large eggs 1 large egg yolk (reserve the white for the egg wash) 1/4 cup neutral-flavored vegetable oil

Instructions

• Combine yeast and a pinch of sugar in small bowl with the water and stir until you see a frothy layer across the top.
• Whisk together 4 cups of the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
• Make a well in the center of the flour and add in eggs, egg yolk, and oil. Whisk these together to form a slurry, pulling in a little flour from the sides of the bowl.
• Pour the yeast mixture over the egg slurry and mix until difficult to move.
• Turn out the dough onto a floured work surface and knead by hand for about 10 minutes. If the dough seems very sticky, add flour a teaspoon at a time until it feels tacky, but no longer like bubblegum. The dough has finished kneading when it is soft, smooth, and holds a ball-shape.
• Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and place somewhere warm. Let the dough rise 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
• Separate the dough into four pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a long rope roughly 1-inch thick and 16 inches long.
• Gather the ropes and squeeze them together at the very top. Braid the pieces in the pattern of over, under, and over again. Pinch the pieces together again at the bottom.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment and lift the loaf on top. Sprinkle the loaf with a little flour and drape it with a clean dishcloth. Place the pan somewhere warm and away from drafts and let it rise until puffed and pillowy, about an hour.
• Heat the oven to 350°F. Whisk the reserved egg white with a tablespoon of water and brush it all over the challah. Be sure to get in the cracks and down the sides of the loaf.
• Slide the challah on its baking sheet into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking. The challah is done when it is deeply browned.

I kept wondering how these two breads could be so similar in taste. So I decided to look up a recipe for Easter Bread to make a comparison. The two are almost exactly the same! These recipes are similar because they come from religious backgrounds. The Jewish Challah bread is based on kosher dietary laws. The Christian Easter Bread comes from the Jewish tradition but was modified over time because they did not follow kosher dietary laws.

A recipe for Easter bread is as follows:

2 tsp active dry or instant yeast 2/3 cup milk 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup white granulated sugar 2 tbs butter 2 large eggs 2 tbs melted butter 1 tsp salt

• In a large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, and yeast; stir well. Combine milk and butter in a small saucepan; heat until milk is warm and butter is softened but not melted.
• Gradually add the milk and butter to the flour mixture; stirring constantly. Add two eggs and 1/2 cup flour; beat well. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
• Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
• Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal size rounds; cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll each round into a long roll about 36 inches long and 1 1/2 inches thick. Using the two long pieces of dough, form a loosely braided ring, leaving spaces for the five colored eggs. Seal the ends of the ring together and use your fingers to slide the eggs between the braids of dough.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place loaf on a buttered baking sheet and cover loosely with a damp towel. Place loaf in a warm place and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 45 minutes. Brush risen loaf with melted butter.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Both of these recipes are really easy to make. While you might need to have a day set aside for this activity, you can do things while the dough is rising or in the oven. After only a few hours, you have a delicious loaf of bread that you made from scratch, so the time and effort is really worth it!

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer..

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake , have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart , no matter how dirty the water may look.

Every year when summer rolls back around, you can't wait to fire up the boat and get back out there. Here is a list of things you can probably identify with as a fellow lake-goer.

A bad day at the lake is still better than a good day not at the lake.

It's your place of escape, where you can leave everything else behind and just enjoy the beautiful summer day. No matter what kind of week you had, being able to come and relax without having to worry about anything else is the best therapy there is. After all, there's nothing better than a day of hanging out in the hot sun, telling old funny stories and listening to your favorite music.

You know the best beaches and coves to go to.

Whether you want to just hang out and float or go walk around on a beach, you know the best spots. These often have to be based on the people you're with, given that some "party coves" can get a little too crazy for little kids on board. I still have vivid memories from when I was six that scared me when I saw the things drunk girls would do for beads.

You have no patience for the guy who can't back his trailer into the water right.

When there's a long line of trucks waiting to dump their boats in the water, there's always that one clueless guy who can't get it right, and takes 5 attempts and holds up the line. No one likes that guy. One time my dad got so fed up with a guy who was taking too long that he actually got out of the car and asked this guy if he could just do it for him. So he got into the guy's car, threw it in reverse, and got it backed in on the first try. True story.

Doing the friendly wave to every boat you pass.

Similar to the "jeep wave," almost everyone waves to other boats passing by. It's just what you do, and is seen as a normal thing by everyone.

The cooler is always packed, mostly with beer.

Alcohol seems to be a big part of the lake experience, but other drinks are squeezed into the room remaining in the cooler for the kids, not to mention the wide assortment of chips and other foods in the snack bag.

Giving the idiot who goes 30 in a "No Wake Zone" a piece of your mind.

There's nothing worse than floating in the water, all settled in and minding your business, when some idiot barrels through. Now your anchor is loose, and you're left jostled by the waves when it was nice and perfectly still before. This annoyance is typically answered by someone yelling some choice words to them that are probably accompanied by a middle finger in the air.

You have no problem with peeing in the water.

It's the lake, and some social expectations are a little different here, if not lowered quite a bit. When you have to go, you just go, and it's no big deal to anyone because they do it too.

You know the frustration of getting your anchor stuck.

The number of anchors you go through as a boat owner is likely a number that can be counted on two hands. Every once in a while, it gets stuck on something on the bottom of the lake, and the only way to fix the problem is to cut the rope, and you have to replace it.

Watching in awe at the bigger, better boats that pass by.

If you're the typical lake-goer, you likely might have an average-sized boat that you're perfectly happy with. However, that doesn't mean you don't stop and stare at the fast boats that loudly speed by, or at the obnoxiously huge yachts that pass.

Knowing any swimsuit that you own with white in it is best left for the pool or the ocean.

You've learned this the hard way, coming back from a day in the water and seeing the flowers on your bathing suit that were once white, are now a nice brownish hue.

The momentary fear for your life as you get launched from the tube.

If the driver knows how to give you a good ride, or just wants to specifically throw you off, you know you're done when you're speeding up and heading straight for a big wave. Suddenly you're airborne, knowing you're about to completely wipe out, and you eat pure wake. Then you get back on and do it all again.

You're able to go to the restaurants by the water wearing minimal clothing.

One of the many nice things about the life at the lake is that everybody cares about everything a little less. Rolling up to the place wearing only your swimsuit, a cover-up, and flip flops, you fit right in. After a long day when you're sunburned, a little buzzed, and hungry, you're served without any hesitation.

Having unexpected problems with your boat.

Every once in a while you're hit with technical difficulties, no matter what type of watercraft you have. This is one of the most annoying setbacks when you're looking forward to just having a carefree day on the water, but it's bound to happen. This is just one of the joys that come along with being a boat owner.

Having a name for your boat unique to you and your life.

One of the many interesting things that make up the lake culture is the fact that many people name their boats. They can range from basic to funny, but they are unique to each and every owner, and often have interesting and clever meanings behind them.

There's no better place you'd rather be in the summer.

Summer is your all-time favorite season, mostly because it's spent at the lake. Whether you're floating in the cool water under the sun, or taking a boat ride as the sun sets, you don't have a care in the world at that moment . The people that don't understand have probably never experienced it, but it's what keeps you coming back every year.

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K-pop fans are creative, dedicated and social - we should take them seriously

Associate Professor of Korean Studies, The University of Western Australia

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Joanna Elfving-Hwang does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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The phenomenal success of K-pop (Korean pop music) and its biggest export bands such as BTS, EXO , Blackpink , MONSTA X and Red Velvet can largely be credited to their highly active and dedicated fandom. This is a group not to be dissed, as Channel Nine discovered recently after airing a segment on “global crazes” featuring BTS, a Billboard chart-topping band.

The program’s attempt to poke fun at the band quickly drew the ire of dedicated fans (known as the BTS Army) who felt the presenters had not only disrespected the band, but also its diverse, global support base. They mounted a social media campaign, accusing Nine of racism. The hashtag #Channel9Apologise went viral and the station issued a statement apologising for offending anyone.

K-pop fans often complain how Australian mainstream media is, in their view, racist and insensitive in its reporting on the groups. While it may be tempting to dismiss fan activity as evidence of highly successful marketing techniques, these fan networks actually perform an increasingly important role as a source of social belonging.

Contrary to common perception, most fans are not socially withdrawn nerds – because the social aspect of K-pop fandom is central to being a true fan. Fan clubs typically consist of global networks of loosely organised local chapters, comprising diverse nationalities and ages. There are also many middle-aged and retired fans, some of whom (such as Shinhwa fans) have grown older with their idols.

While there are no reliable statistics quantifying the number of K-pop fans, The Korea Foundation (which is affiliated with Korea’s ministry of foreign affairs) recently estimated the number of fans of Korean pop culture in general to be 89 million across 113 countries. BTS was the first Asian act to surpass 5 billion streams on Spotify . They have over 9 billion views on YouTube and 20.7 million Twitter followers , compared with EXO’s 5.7 million , Blackpink’s 2.5 million and MONSTA X’s 3 million .

Read more: Explainer: what is K-pop and J-pop?

Embodying an ‘ideal self’

K-Pop bands are not simply perceived as pretty and talented people to be admired from afar. They are seen as the ultimate embodiment of “ideal self” achieved through hard work.

The work of transforming from an ordinary mortal into a K-pop star is often well documented through groups’ official social media feeds or behind-the-scenes videos. Polished (often cosmetically enhanced) appearances are seen as the hallmark of investment in self.

K-pop band members also work hard to reduce social distance between themselves and their fans; either by meeting them in person or using social media. In a recent tweet, BTS member J-Hope posted a photo in anticipation of a fan meet the following day, with the line “Thank you Army! See you tomorrow!”.

The use of purple heart emojis has a special significance, representing the connection the band and BTS fans share.

Frequent livestream interactions with fans via Instagram live or South Korean video service VLive also reduce the social distance between idols and fans, who can quickly build a real sense of attachment to their idol.

As “ideal selves”, K-pop stars rarely say or do anything controversial and are thus stable, predictable role models. (Although when they do trip up, as happened recently with the former Big Bang boy band member Seungri, the fall from grace can be swift ).

K-pop fandom involves much more than buying merchandise or attending concerts – fans are cultural producers themselves. They run fan sites, create self-designed band merchandise and produce fan chants: lyrics shouted out during performances at collectively agreed points of the song.

Fan chants are also popular in Japan , but K-pop fans have taken them to a new level. They are disseminated through fan sites and social media.

Fan clubs even have unique pet names bands use, such as Exo-L (“L” for the love the band has for their fans) and V.I.P. for Big Bang (denoting how each fan is important to them).

Committed K-pop fans also demonstrate their dedication through orchestrated mass voting to ensure the bands’ success in music charts and awards. In return, the idols acknowledge the importance of their fans, and actively seek to nurture this relationship.

“Thank you to ARMYs for giving us such a big happiness. We will never forget the magical time we had with you at the Magic Shop”, said BTS in a tweet after wrapping up the fan meetings in Seoul and Busan. The Seoul event was beamed live to global audiences – allowing for those outside Korea to “take part” through live streaming and commenting.

Philanthropy

Philanthropy is an increasingly important part of K-pop fandom. Many fan clubs pool resources to support charities . BTS have also promoted UNICEF, joining forces with it in their Love Myself campaign, which raised more than US$1.4 million (much via direct donations from fans).

Western media should also bear in mind that bands such as BTS are not popular in spite of being Korean, but precisely because they are Korean.

The number of Australians learning Korean has grown exponentially over the past few years, with five major Australian Universities now offering a BA major in Korean Studies. Much of that interest has likely have been sparked by an encounter with Korean popular culture .

Critics may also be wise to note that fan clubs such as the global BTS Army are increasingly succeeding in what years of government policies in Australia have failed to do: a real and meaningful desire to connect with cultures outside our borders.

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Vogue Singapore

Vogue Singapore is the undisputed fashion authority that empowers and inspires through elevated imagery and intelligent stories to drive change for good

In defence of parasocial relationships: Why K-pop fan culture is healthier than you think

By Azrin Tan

4 April 2023

The parasocial idol-fan relationship has evolved at a speed to be reckoned with—and it's now most strongly associated with the booming K-pop scene. As an avid fan herself, one Vogue writer pens her thoughts on why there's more to it than meets the eye

In the 1960s, The Beatles was born. And through the ecstatic years that followed the international pop sensation, something else entirely brewed in plain sight: Beatlemania. The term used to describe the frenetic female-led fan culture that followed the quartet—namely John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, or Ringo Starr (who replaced Pete Best as the band’s drummer)—everywhere they went. As they belted their hit singles that sang of giddy romance , from ‘She Loves You’ to ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’. Tour destinations in turn became opportune moments when fans could swarm the barricade hoping for a shoutout or the smallest interaction between them and their “favourite Beatle”. And merchandise, from posters and badges to lunch boxes, wallpapers and magazines, were absolute profit making machines once you slapped them with The Beatles brand. 

Sound familiar yet? 

A few years ago, it might have been One Direction, and a few decades before that, it would have been the Backstreet Boys. In today’s context, perhaps it would be BTS. Or rather, what the septet stands for: the behemoth that is K-pop. After all, we’re merely mapping out who comes close to igniting the same visceral reaction in each generation’s youth. But lean a little closer into the most hyperbolised fan culture of today, and one might discover that there is nothing quite like the relationship a K-pop fan shares with their favourite idol. And yes, I use the word—and very carefully here—’relationship’. 

Critics would be quick to call this ‘delusional’, ‘problematic’ or ‘toxic’. After all, I am potentially implying a two-way affair: between an idol, and their fans. But it’s one that seems difficult to believe, especially when the truth (and common critique) of the matter is that most of these idols could never possibly get to know each and every single one of their fans. And herein lies the first signs of the parasocial relationship—a contested topic through the decades, for a phenomenon that has only been blowing into epic proportions with leaps in new tech and social media. 

The parasocial relationship, typically defined as a one-sided relationship where one party expends an overt amount of time, emotional energy and even money on another figure they find fascinating, but who doesn’t know they exist. These figures are often celebrities, social media influencers, game streamers or even animated characters. In this sense, anyone who sees themselves as a fan of a certain personality can then be considered to be in a parasocial relationship—but the question stands: is it detrimental and toxic or is it actually reasonable and healthy?

There are varying degrees to which someone considers themselves a ‘fan’. And yet, if you’re living in today’s age, you’re probably learned of how K-pop fan culture is a force to be reckoned with, all on its own. The sheer intensity of K-pop fans is one that confounds dozens—from the presence of bewildering fandom names to fabulously-shaped lightsticks and the many, many lengths to which a K-pop fan might go to just to see their favourite idols in real life. The famous marketplace of collectible ‘photocards’ are an entire battlefield in its own right, with these once mere album-accompaniments transforming into the very reason fans continue to buy physical albums despite the digital age we live in. 

Sure, some of it veers into very strange territory. But it’s a hobby—albeit a very complex one—all the same. And with every hobby out there, interest groups are formed, where people find like-minded others to bond with. In the same way, fandoms of idol groups exist and cooperate as a whole community. Each one called by a different name seemingly linked to the idols themselves; BTS (Bulletproof Boys) has the ‘Army’, Mamamoo playfully calls their fans ‘MooMoos’ and ‘Blinks’ are derived from Blackpink’s name. 

It’s a sense of belonging like no other, and it’s only bettered by the social media platforms they have wielded with unrivalled finesse, most prominently Twitter. The Twitter verse offered a space like no other: for both idol groups and their legions of fans. Whilst the former could directly engage and form more humanistic connections with their fans, the latter could feel like a part of a bigger something—as they joined in on achieving ‘comeback goals’, took part in fandom-led donation campaigns or simply connected with their fellow fans, making new friends in the process. For some, the fan-friends they made online were the people they could find solace in—a little respite bubble away from the issues they face in their personal lives.

Soon enough, this level of interaction between fan and idol became an essential reason as to why an increasing number of fans became drawn to the K-pop sphere. It was undeniably catapulted by the introduction of VLIVE (now Weverse ), a live video streaming service with in-app translations that allowed K-pop artists yet another way to directly interact with their fans, with fans utilising the chat function to ask questions and comment on what their favourite artists were doing or saying in real time. Adding to that was SM Entertainment’s DearU Bubble app: a service that allowed artist-specific content to be personally sent to paid users—like a chat message would—who could then in turn reply to them directly. And of course, with the pandemic, came the meteoric rise in online fan meetings, aka real-time video calls that would allow various fans to speak to their idols and biases directly. 

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by 디어유버블 DearU bubble (@dearu_bubble)

Of course, whilst these interactions might encourage some to veer into the dangerous tendencies associated with sasaengs , a pathological fan who obsessively stalks or believes they have the right to know everything about the artists’ lives, it’s also become a part of common idol-fan speak nowadays to remind one another about creating a healthy environment for both parties. BTS’s ‘Pied Piper’ was a witty reminder that no fan should neglect their personal responsibilities just because of them. Super Junior’s Kyuhyun was previously known to have vocalised his disappointment in fans who would stalk and mob them at airports. Seventeen’s The8 often comments on the nature of parasocial relationships during his livestreams, reminding fans to be careful of their fantasies.

With idols growing increasingly comfortable with drawing boundaries and fan communities evolving to be healthier spaces that keep each other in check, what remains is a unique place to be. A place that even idols themselves seek solace in; many of them having openly admitted that it’s a special relationship all on its own. A number of idol groups have dedicated entire songs to their fandoms alone: think ITZY’s ‘Trust Me (Midzy)’ or GOT7’s ‘Thank You’ . When asked if he understood how his fans feel in a Weverse interview, Soobin of Tomorrow x Together (TXT) described it with tenderness: “I think there’s a certain kind of love that can only exist between a singer and their fans—one that doesn’t happen between friends or people dating. They exist for each other and want each other to be happy and hope for better things for the other than for themselves. It seems like it really only exists between fans and singers.” Now, more than ever, it’s a two-way street, even in its own lopsided little way. 

What’s not to love? It’s a running joke amongst most self-aware fans that the parasocial relationship they share with their idols is one that’s stable, filled with love and unlike real-life relationships, they’ll never disappoint you because you’re not actually expecting anything from them. And when you combine the foolproof music releases, weekly variety shows and a seemingly endless stream of behind-the-scenes content almost every K-pop group or idol seems to have, the result is an entire universe you would always appreciate being a part of. A little world—promising an indescribable happiness of its own.

So pray tell: is it actually good for us? It’s a fine line for sure, but tread it well, and perhaps one day, you’ll be telling the wildest tales of the years you held a lightstick in hand, waiting on the ones who shined like a beacon in your lives. 

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The K-pop wannabes – a photo essay

An estimated 1 million wannabe stars of K-pop, from South Korea, Japan and beyond, are hoping to get a taste of fame by competing in auditions for talent agencies, which take on a select few as trainees

Photography by Kim Hong-Ji and Kim Kyung-Hoon / Reuters. Reporting by Ju-min Park

Y uuka Hasumi put high school in Japan on hold and flew to South Korea in February to try to become a K-pop star, even if that meant long hours of vocal and dance training, no privacy, no boyfriend, and no phone. Hasumi, 17, joined Acopia school, a prep school in Seoul offering young people from Japan a shot at K-pop stardom, teaching them the dance moves, the songs and the language.

Yuuka Hasumi attends a Korean language class in Seoul, South Korea

She is one of an estimated 1 million K-pop star wannabes, from South Korea and beyond, hoping to succeed at highly competitive auditions held by major talent agencies, which will take on a select few as “trainees”.

“It is tough,” Hasumi says in Japanese, drenched in sweat from a dance lesson she attended with her 15-year-old friend Yuho Wakamatsu, also from Japan .

Yuuka Hasumi and Ibuki Ito perform at an Acopia school party in Seoul. Below: Hasumi shops after class

A microphone and speakers at a street performance in the Hongdae area of Seoul; Hasumi promotes her Instagram account during the performance

Yuho Wakamatsu takes photographs of Hasumi during a training session

“Going through strict training and taking my skill to a higher level to a perfect stage, I think that’s when it is good to make a debut,” she says.

Paying up to $3,000 a month for training and board, 500 or so young Japanese people join Acopia each year. The school also fixes auditions for its candidates with talent management companies, which have been the driving force behind the “Korean-wave” pop culture that exploded on to the world stage in the past decade with acts such as the boyband BTS .

An influx of Japanese talent is reshaping the K-pop industry at a time of increasingly bitter political acrimony between the two countries, which has damaged diplomatic ties. Tensions rooted in Japan’s 1910-45 colonisation of Korea have risen again after South Korean court rulings against Japanese companies for forced labour, and amid a perception in Korea that Japan’s leadership has not adequately atoned for its colonial past.

Wakamatsu adjusts her makeup

But the popularity of Korean culture and K-pop music is on the rise in Japan, with many fans and artists saying they are not bothered by diplomatic tensions. The willingness of Korean agencies to take on Japanese talent speaks to the strength of the ties between the two, according to one long-time observer. K-pop groups, and veteran Korean musicians, are selling out concert halls throughout Japan.

For schools and agencies, Japan’s music market – the second largest after the US’s – is a big prize and many have been on a campaign to recruit Japanese talent.

“It will be good if Japan and South Korea will get along through music,” Hasumi told Reuters during a break from a Korean language class.

A K-pop applicant performs at an audition in Tokyo

Some Japanese transplants have already made it big. The three Japanese members of the girl band Twice helped make the group the second most popular act in Japan, after BTS. Their success has prompted JYP Entertainment, the South Korean agency behind Twice, to plan a group that will comprise only Japanese girls.

Agency officials are reluctant to discuss their success in Japan and the infusion of Japanese talent, wary of fuelling a politically charged backlash, according to industry sources.

There is no shortage of Japanese hopefuls willing to train under the watchful eye of the agencies, some having left successful careers at home to go in search of K-pop fame.

Nao Niitsu, from Tokyo, and other Japanese young people warm up for an audition at a park in Seoul

Nao Niitsu studies Korean in her room in Tokyo; she looks at a BTS photobook

Choosing a profile picture before her audition in Seoul

“I’ve heard stories about no free time or not being able to do what I want. But, I think all of K-pop stars who are now performing have gone down the same road,” says Nao Niitsu, a 19-year-old college fresher from Tokyo.

During a visit to Seoul paid for by her mother, a diehard BTS fan Niitsu auditioned for 10 agencies and was accepted by five.

Niitsu walks through Shin-Ōkubo district, known as Tokyo’s Korea-town

Miyu Takeuchi says it was not a difficult decision to leave a 10-year career with the top Japanese idol band AKB48 to sign with the K-pop agency Mystic Entertainment in March as a trainee. Even with her experience, she has seven hours of vocal training a day and two-hour dance lessons twice a week, plus early-morning Korean lessons. She is not allowed to have a boyfriend but says she has no regrets, despite the fact there is no guarantee she will make it.

Miyu Takeuchi sings during a training session in Seoul

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The rise of k-pop, and what it reveals about society and culture.

Initially a musical subculture popular in South Korea during the 1990s, Korean Pop, or K-pop, has transformed into a global cultural phenomenon.

Characterized by catchy hooks, polished choreography, grandiose live performances, and impeccably produced music videos, K-pop — including music by groups like BTS and BLACKPINK — now frequently tops the Billboard charts, attracts a fiercely dedicated online following, and generates billions of dollars.

Yale sociologist Grace Kao, who became fascinated with the music after watching a 2019 performance by BTS on Saturday Night Live, now studies the subgenres of K-pop and its cultural, sociological, and political effects.

Kao, the IBM Professor of Sociology and professor of ethnicity, race, and migration in Yale’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and director of the Center on Empirical Research in Stratification and Inequality (CERSI), recently spoke with Yale News about the kinds of research her interest in K-pop has prompted, why the genre’s rise has been important to so many Asian Americans, and why she urges today’s students to become familiar with various musical genres.

The interview has been edited and condensed.

You have said that watching BTS on Saturday Night Live changed your view of K-pop. How did that performance transform your interest in K-pop from a personal one into an academic one?

Grace Kao: I saw that performance, and it stayed in the back of my mind. Then, when we were on lockdown because of COVID, being stuck at home set the stage for having time to watch more K-pop videos. At first, I was just watching them for fun. I knew K-pop was something important, but I didn’t know anything about it. I thought “I should educate myself on this.” My current research collaborator, Wonseok Lee [an ethnomusicologist and a musician at Washington University], and a Yale graduate student, Meera Choi, who’s Korean, offered guidance.

I’ve always been interested in race and ethnicity and Asian Americans. I knew in my gut that K-pop was important, but it was hard to figure out exactly how I could work on it, since I’m a quantitative sociologist. What's fun about being a researcher and being in academia is that we can learn new things and push ourselves. I think that’s the best part of this job.

Grace Kao recommends this playlist to get started.

When I started working on it, I tried to learn without having a clear research question. Then, along with my collaborator, Lee, we started thinking about papers that we could work on together. I was also able to take first-semester Korean, so now I can read Korean, and Choi and I can begin working on different research papers.

What kinds of research are you doing?

Kao: One paper is about the link between ’80s synth-pop and very current K-pop. Others have argued that K-pop borrows heavily from American Black music — R&B, hip hop, and so forth. And it’s true, but we’re arguing that K-pop has links to all these different genres because the production is much faster. We also finished another paper looking at the links between New Wave synth-pop to Japanese city pop [which was also popular in the 1980s] and a Korean version of city pop. And we’re probably going to start a reggae paper next.

In another project, with two data scientists we’re looking at Twitter data related to a 2021 BTS tweet that happened about a week after a gunman in Atlanta murdered eight women, including six of Asian descent. The tweet, which was about #StopAsianHate, or #StopAAPIHate, was the most retweeted tweet of the year. Everyone in that world knows that K-pop is extremely influential, but there are moments now where it seems like it’s ripe for political action because fans are already really organized. We’re looking at how the conversation about the shootings before and after they tweeted changed. The analysis involves millions of tweets, so it's very data intensive work.

Last March you gave a talk on campus in which you talked about the role of K-pop in “transformative possibilities for Asian Americans.” What is an example of those possibilities?

Kao: Partly it’s just visibility. The SNL performance by BTS was really important for people. Especially people my age, we had never seen a bunch of East Asian people on the stage singing in a non-English, non-Western language. I knew that was an important moment regardless of whether or not you like the music or the performance.

I think during COVID, BTS made Asian faces more visible. They were on the cover of Time magazine, every major publication. They were everywhere. But it also brought up questions of xenophobia. People were making fun of them because of how they looked. At the time there was also the extra baggage that comes with being Asian. But any time BTS were attacked, because their fandom is so big and so passionate, their fans would jump on anyone who did anything to them. Then journalists would cover it, and suddenly there were all these stories about how you shouldn’t be racist against Asians.

Many of us who study Asian Americans have observed over time that it often seems acceptable for people to make fun of Asian things. Just by virtue of the fact that it’s [BTS], that their fans are protecting them, and that that gets elevated to the news is a big deal. President Biden invited them to the White House. These are all things I would have had trouble imagining even just five years ago.

You teach a first-year seminar, “Race and Place in British New Wave, K-pop, and Beyond,” which focuses on the emphasis on aesthetics in both genres’ popularity. What understanding do you hope students walk away with?

Kao: I want students to take pop culture very seriously. Sometimes pop music seems not serious, but so many people consume it that it can have pervasive and serious consequences on how people see folks of different race, ethnic, gender, and national identities.

Another thing I wanted students to learn about is genres of music. Students today like music, but they consume it very differently than people did when in college. We listened to the radio or watched MTV, so we were fed something from a DJ or from actual people who were programming the content. You’d end up listening to a lot of music that you didn’t like, but you’d also have a better sense of genres than students now. Today students consume music through Spotify or YouTube and so forth, which use algorithms to give you songs that are similar to the songs you liked, but not necessarily from the same genre. Students can have diverse and wide-ranging experiences with music, but I found that they have trouble identifying that any particular song is part of a genre. So I feel like it’s important for them to listen to a lot of music.

I want them to consume it because sometimes we think we can comment on things that we don’t know anything about. We don’t actually consume it. I think it’s important for students to walk away knowing something about these genres and to be able to identify them: this is a reggae song, this is a ska song, this is synth-pop, et cetera.

What K-pop groups are you currently into?

Kao: Besides BTS, I enjoy listening to groups such as SEVENTEEN, ENHYPEN, NewJeans, Super Junior, and new group TRENDZ.

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Essay About Being A Kpop Fan

Korea has become the household of the popular culture within the Middle East as well as the entire Asian continent. Today, the Korean Popular Culture commonly known as the K-Pop has acquired popularity in the world. The digital media and the internet have contributed to this growth. The people of Korea have adopted the K-Pop culture as their culture and continue to consume K-Pop through music, dance, dramas, Korean movies and so on. As in other regions of the globe, in the Middle East, K-Pop fan appears to develop a specific interest in the Korean culture, engage in online discussions, fan gatherings and communicate with other fans.

Regarding K-Pop, especially, the music industry, K-Pop has played a role in commodifying the Korean Culture.This paper focuses on the commodification of Korean Culture through K-Pop.

K-Pop appeals to the Koreans because it is different from the Western popular culture. According to Research Institute of Korean Studies (2012), the fact that it circulates within the Asian continents makes it provide a sense of living in a shared time and common experience of modernity, which cannot be represented well by the American popular culture.

K-Pop presents a common experience that is exceptional to East Asia only. Indeed, for an individual to become a K-Pop fan, he or she needs to understand and immerse himself or herself in K-Pop experience. As a result, many of the Korean has found it appealing and representing their culture. Even in the entertainment companies as well as K-Pop artists, the K-Pop culture appears superior to other culture.

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As a matter of fact, they have been called out for misrepresenting and disrespecting other cultures in their concepts such as the African-American culture and the Native American culture (Research Institute of Korean Studies:2012).

K-Pop music is popular for generating music bands referred to as a “group,” which are usually single sex.These groups create music that comes in a …

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Essay On K-pop: Best Topics And Tips For Choosing

It all started with gangnam style – the video that went viral in 2012, and went on to top music charts in over 30 countries..

The song earned the Guinness World Record as the first YouTube video to hit 1 billion views and paved the way for the Korean wave of pop culture and ideas. The seldom-known genre of music has garnered a lot of influence, and the music industry is ranked among the top ten music markets worldwide. If you’re a student or researcher, let us show you the best topics about pop culture you can write a paper on and how to choose one yourself.

Kpop as a Research Topic: Why to Select

Kpop or Korean pop is a fast-rising music style and popular culture, so it is quite a widespread research subject for many. But not every student is genuinely interested in music. It’s better to choose everything to taste. However, if this is an assignment from the teacher, or you just lack skill, pay someone to write your paper on Papersowl.com for 100% original academic essays. Besides expertise, also check out topic concepts for inspiration if you’re stuck. When students pay for college essay, they ensure that the writing is not plagiarized or badly written. And the theme does not matter to professionals. Meanwhile, if pop is something you’ve been crazy about, go ahead and enjoy completing your assignment.

10 Best K-pop Topic Ideas To Write About

The popularity of pop has broken the language barrier and has raised awareness of Asian music and culture. It has also spread inclusion and diversity over the world and broken stereotypes. Below are popular kpop essay topics and angles to explore for your article:

• The globalization of K-pop: A study of the factors that have contributed to the global popularity of Korean pop music.
• Pop and its impact on Korean culture: A discussion of how pop has influenced the cultural identity of South Korea.
• The role of social media in the success of Korean pop: An analysis of how social media has helped to promote and popularize pop.
• The rise of BTS and the impact of their music on the international music industry: A study of how BTS has broken down barriers and achieved success in the US and other global markets.
• The influence of Hallyu on fashion and beauty trends: A discussion of how pop has influenced the beauty and fashion industry both in Korea and internationally.
• The dark side of pop in Korea: An exploration of the challenges faced by pop idols and the negative effects of the industry on their mental and physical health.
• The impact of pop on the Korean economy: A study of the economic benefits of the pop industry for South Korea.
• K-pop and gender representation: An analysis of the way pop portrays gender and sexuality in its music and visuals.
• The role of K-pop in promoting Korean language and culture globally: A discussion of how pop has helped to promote the Korean language and culture around the world.
• K-pop and fandom culture: An exploration of the unique and passionate fandom culture that surrounds pop and how it differs from other music fandoms.

Tips for Choosing a K-pop Essay Topic

Before choosing a topic, read the assignment brief and the directions. This will help you understand the requirements you must satisfy for a perfect grade. Then, choose a topic you have an opinion about. You won’t produce an A-grade article about something if you don’t have passion for it. Hence, select an intriguing theme. It should be something you already know, care about, or would like to learn more about. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I interested in this topic?
• Is it appropriate for my audience?
• What is my purpose for deciding on this theme?
• Can I develop it into an article within the time frame and word count required?
• Can I research it adequately to meet the source requirements?
• Is the topic too broad or narrow to fit the requirement?

If a subject is too broad, narrow it down to make it easier to manage. One way to do this is to tackle the problem from a specific perspective. Don’t combine topics or attempt to be overly ambitious. Instead, reduce the scope, and don’t be shy to ask your tutor for recommendations.

Things to Pay Attention to When Writing Your Kpop Paper

There are various ways to format your article. Pay attention to the following:

• Follow Structural Requirements

There are different types of essay writing. Your paper can be persuasive, informative, or descriptive. It all depends on the purpose of writing an academic essay or article. Most papers follow the introduction–body–conclusion structure. But the body paragraph differs depending on the article type. Pay attention to the guideline and use the following to structure your article:

• Introduction: open your article with a hook – something fascinating to capture the reader’s attention. It can be a question, a fact, or a famous quote. Follow it with your thesis statement and introduce the concepts you want to discuss.
• Body paragraph: discuss the concept in detail using paragraphs. If the brief does not provide instructions on the number of sections to write, use your discretion. But only use one paragraph to discuss a concept to aid understanding. Use transition words to flow between sentences and maintain coherence.
• Conclusion: recap the main points of your article here and leave a call to action.

2.    Research The Topic

The next thing to do after deciding on the topic is to spend time researching Korean pop culture. Read books, watch interviews, and invest quality time into listening to the songs. You can join a few fan clubs to know what happens behind the scene. If something is not clear, don’t hesitate to consult your instructor for further instruction.

3.    Reference To Avoid Plagiarism

Don’t forget to cite sources you use for your article to avoid plagiarism. Popular referencing styles include APA, MLA, and Chicago styles. Read the brief to know the required citation style.

4.    Proofread and Edit

After writing your article, manually read through for grammar, sentence, and punctuation mistakes. Ask a friend to also read through for errors you missed or use an online grammar checker for more efficiency. Submit your paper only after proofreading it.

South Korea is Asia’s fourth-largest country by economy. Its music culture started making worldwide headlines and has impacted the sector a lot. This didn’t only happen in Korea but also in the United States, Germany, and other countries. Popular culture has broken several barriers, but it is not without its backlash. As a result, it is the ideal space for a writer to explore.

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K-Pop Fandom as a Subculture: Comparing K-Pop and Western Fandoms

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K-pop fandom as subculture, sasaeng fans, sense of belonging and identity, western fandom as scene.

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Home / Essay Samples / Music / Music Genre / Kpop

Kpop Essay Examples

K-pop as a subculture and its influence on the world.

Korean pop music is a worldwide movement that emerged in South Korea in the beginning of the 21st century that shaped contemporary agriculture music film and TV in a major international light. Although South Korean culture and customs go back a long way in a...

A Report on K-pop and Its Worldwide Success

South Korea is a country in East Asia. There are many things to do in South Korea such as walking around Seoul’s busy streets, to Busan’s beaches, shopping in Gangnam, or eating Jeju’s oranges. However, the one thing you are guaranteed to hear everywhere is...

My Appreciation for South Korea

South Korea is a country that holds a special place in my heart. From its rich history and culture to its modern innovations, there are numerous aspects of South Korea that I admire and appreciate. In this essay, I will share some of the things...

The Development and Popularization of K-pop Internationally

Korean pop is a genre of famous tune originating in South Korea. While the modern shape of Korean pop can be traced again to the early 90s, the term itself has been popularized considering the 2000s, which additionally refers to domestic pop song in South...

The Factors of the Rise of K-pop Industry

Korean pop, also known as K-pop, is the biggest music genre in South Korea, and with its unique attributes, has firmly engraved its mark and consolidated its position globally. K-pop may have been a foreign concept to Westerners previously, but recently, it has been recognised...

Mental Health Issues in K-pop Industry

K-pop is becoming a global phenomenon attracting more people to Korean music and culture, but the truth is that it is not that good when people look closely. K-pop groups have talent and enthusiasm that is not being promoted the right way. Companies inside this...

The Development of K-pop and Its Influence on East and Southeast Asian Countries

Kpop has developed to be the South Korean government’s showcase to the world. Stating that Kpop is one of its many “perfect” examples. However, Kpop is not all it has been made out to be, with labor abuse, past government censorship, and maldistribution of money,...

The Impact of American Culture on K-pop Idols

Today, we’ll be exploring a musical phenomenon that has taken the world by storm: K-pop, or Korean popular music. Its explosive popularity began in the mid-1990s. However, the development of K-pop into its current form involved decades of history and politics. I’ll only be scraping...

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K-pop, short for Korean popular music, is a popular genre of music originating from South Korea.

The genre started with The Kim Sisters in the 1950s. K-pop was represented by H.O.T in the early days, and it was mostly fanatical, flashy, and showed the rebellious psychology of young people in the emotional aspects. Most of the songs are relatively fast-paced and have a strong sense of rhythm, which is suitable for dancing. The term "K-pop" became popular in the 2000s. Previously, South Korean pop music was called gayo. While "K-pop" can be a general term for all popular music from South Korea or pop music from the country, it is colloquially often used in a narrower sense for any Korean music and artists associated with the entertainment and idol industry in the country, regardless of the genre.

BTS, iKon, Seventeen, Twice, Blackpink, Got7, NCT, MONSTAX, Stray Kids, Red Velvet, etc.

K-pop mix of synthesized music, dance routines, and fashionable, colorful outfits. Dance is an integral part of K-pop. When combining multiple singers, the singers often switch their positions while singing and dancing by making prompt movements in synchrony, a strategy called "formation changing". Songs usually consist of one or a mixture of genres (pop, hip hop, R&B, experimental, rock, jazz, gospel, reggae, electronic dance, folk, country, disco, and classical on top of its traditional Korean music roots).

Girl groups are actually more popular in Korea than boy groups. The first K-pop album was released in 1925. The album is called “Yo Pungjin Sewol” (or “This Tumultuous Time”) and is by artists Park Chae-seon and Lee Ryu-saek. Most Idols don’t get paid until they pay off their debt. However, some labels—such as SM and JYP Entertainment—don’t make their newly debuted groups pay them back. The cost of training a Korean idol average $3 million. Jackie Chan manages a K-pop boy band. Over 100 groups debut in South Korea annually. BTS was the first K-pop act to perform as a musical guest Saturday Night Live.

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