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Starter Kit

Start here: your guide to getting into k-pop.

Maria Sherman

A song by the K-pop group BTS, shown here performing during the 2019 Billboard Music Awards, is included in our starter kit. Kevin Winter/Getty Images for dcp hide caption

A song by the K-pop group BTS, shown here performing during the 2019 Billboard Music Awards, is included in our starter kit.

The last half-decade of Western pop music has been dominated by whisper-singing: a deliberately dry, almost ASMR-like performance style popularized by the likes of major label "indie pop" artists Julia Michaels, Selena Gomez, Lana Del Rey and Billie Eilish. The sound is hushed and pacifying, a response to the chaos of the world, the millennial's music equivalent to minimalistic interior design — why belt when you could soothe?

K-pop idol music, meanwhile, took hold in the United States during the exact same era, and it was the opposite: a maximalist dreamland full of color, high concept-performances and videos, a plethora of performers and unrivaled choreography. If Top 40 in America wanted solo singers so soft every breath was caught on mic over a mid-tempo chorus, K-pop appeared to offer a genre-less alternative: constant stimulation, euphoria delivered in eight to 10 melodies and fantastical harmonies in a single track. (That is, K-pop idol music — in the West, "K-pop" is frequently used synonymously with Korean idol music, pop with a high-production value and produced in a deliberate studio system, as it is in this piece.)

Music Features

Korean pop, away from the hit factories.

K-pop is music that is stuffed but never bloated; music that is fun and meant to elicit joy when listened to and seen (K-pop is designed to be enjoyed visually as much, if not more, than it is meant to be heard). And it is music that is now nearing total global ubiquity. Boy band BTS is the most popular group on the planet, bringing in billions to South Korea each year between No. 1 albums (three of which hit that particular benchmark in less than a year ,) history-making late-night television performances and music videos that double as art films . K-pop fans themselves have dominated headlines in and outside of the pop culture arena for their recent political successes : using their digital native understanding to overwhelm white supremacist hashtags, crashing President Trump's Tulsa rally attendance numbers and police apps meant to solicit information about Black Lives Matter protesters, pressuring their Idols to take a stance and contributing millions in donations . For those Anglophone audiences learning about K-pop for the first time, this particular music discovery probably feels like missing the boat on a voyage you didn't know was taking off. How could the needle shift so quickly? K-pop is overwhelming.

Hear The Songs

And that's understandable. In the history of popular music, American audiences have been hesitant to embrace music recorded in a different language, save for a few Spanish-language superstars. Artists from other cultures are expected to cross over — to translate their work, to white-wash themselves and their performances to sell to the United States, the world's largest music market. For many, a dominant pop form that isn't in English is inconceivable. And yet, here's K-pop, music largely recorded in Korean, born in the early 1990s and now one of the most popular forms of music on the planet, enjoyed by multiple generations of listeners. The numbers may be intimidating , but getting into the music shouldn't be.

Learning to experience K-pop means first ridding yourself of common misconceptions. The basics: K-pop is not a genre, nor do K-pop fans behave like a monolith. The term means "Korean pop," but like "Latin pop," the title is more of a geographic designation for the industry than a sonic one. An "idol system" for auditioning and creating pop talent, not unlike the mechanization of Berry Gordy's Motown in the 1960s and '70s, and financial support for the arts by the South Korean government is responsible for K-pop's dominion, but the music's current popularity in the United States is a relatively new phenomenon: born online, retweeted, streamed and shared ceaselessly.

K-pop music traverses genre with incredible ease — in one moment, taking cues from the dubstep drops that defined pop in the early 2010s, or Swedish hitmakers, or hip-hop, or R&B balladry, or new jack swing, or soul, or euro-pop, or Caribbean dancehall, or salsa and beyond — border-less eclecticism identifiable by the performers themselves, their seismic aesthetic judgments, and their multi-lingual singing. K-pop performers run the spectrum from girl groups and boy bands to soloists and rappers. The evolution of K-pop is defined by indistinct "generations" of the music, the parameters of which are frequently contested by fans and critics alike. Listening to K-pop is only one aspect of getting into industry, as well: The path to discovery is designed so that fans participate online, which means the most ardent supporters are vocal and engage in coordinated publicity efforts, such as streaming new music videos on an endless loop. That said, it is possible to get into K-pop by simply listening to it, and that's what the below playlist hopes to accomplish.

Like any introduction, this should serve as a subjective primer — one curated to best satiate curious Western listeners and give them a skeletal foundation in which to build upon. In truth, the world of K-pop is expansive and exponentially evolving. It is not a matter of if you can find a K-pop artist whose work you'll fall for, it's when. Start digging below.

Editors' Picks

K-pop's digital 'army' musters to meet the moment, baggage in tow, first generation: the origins of idols.

Seo Taiji and Boys, "Nan Arayo (I Know)" (1992)

Most critics tend to agree that K-pop's origin story begins on April 11, 1992, when the trio Seo Taiji and Boys performed its soon-to-become a hit "Nan Arayo (I Know)" on South Korea's Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation. For many South Korean youths, the track was their first exposure to hip-hop and New Jack Swing (never mind the popularity of both genres in boy band history) and a welcome alternative to traditional styles of music, including "trot," a form of Korean folk.

H.O.T., "Candy" (1996)

H.O.T. (aka. High-Five of Teenagers — consider them formative to the trend of naming your group with an initialism for easy comprehension in the global marketplace) is largely credited as the first idol group in K-pop history, meaning that its members were brought together by a company — in this case, Lee Soo-man, founder of SM Entertainment. "Candy" is bubblegum pop at its brightest, cute music no doubt constructed in the model of American boy bands and J-pop.

S.E.S., "I'm Your Girl" (1997)

The girl group S.E.S., also put together by Lee Soo-man, was initially positioned as the female counterpart to H.O.T., though its sound differed drastically as the group's profile grew. On "I'm Your Girl," the group bears a striking resemblance to TLC — it's '90s R&B-pop, to a tee.

SECOND GENERATION: The Idol Industry Evolves

Rain, "Rainism" (2008) (This song is not currently available on streaming in the United States.)

After training to debut in a boy band that never took off, Rain pursued a career as a soloist, eventually becoming the first K-pop star to break internationally. "Rainism" is his most successful single, with a sound not unsimilar to Usher and Justin Timberlake. It is especially noteworthy that many of the lyrics are in English.

Wonder Girls, "Nobody" (2008)

Girl group Wonder Girls' retro concept proved to be super successful in 2008, the beginning of a time period routinely referred to as "the golden age of K-pop." The quartet frequently sourced elements from vintage sounds, including Motown — the members embody the Supremes in the video for "Nobody," the first K-pop song to ever chart on the Billboard Hot 100.

SHINee, "Ring Ding Dong" (2009)

Boy band SHINee's "Ring Ding Dong" encapsulates the genre-hybridity of golden age K-pop: it's futuristic R&B, with percussion built on congas, Euro-pop production and heavily auto-tuned vocals.

Girls Generation, "Gee" (2009)

Consider Girls Generation's "Gee" the framework in which all future PG-rated K-pop girl groups would follow: It's sugar-y sweet, bouncy pop music all about love and crushing — and its earworm chorus made it almost instantaneously viral, the most valuable currency of all.

SE7EN ft. Lil' Kim, "Girls" (2009)

It's not just that K-pop, like all forms of popular music, is founded in Black music — as K-pop's presence grew in America, BET was one of its first supporters. Soloist SE7EN's collaboration with American rapper Lil' Kim, "Girls," premiered on 106 & Park .

IU, "Good Day" (2010)

Not all of the biggest K-pop artists become the biggest K-pop artists in the U.S., and such is the case for IU — she is one of the most successful K-pop musicians in South Korea and "Good Day" is proof. Her signature single is as striking as the lead musical number in a beloved Disney classic, and just as orchestral.

Super Junior, "Mr. Simple" (2011)

Super Junior's "Mr. Simple" is soul from Seoul — there's a scat-like, dark jazz club element to song's intro before it explodes in vivid, repetitive techno.

2NE1, "I Am The Best" (2011)

2NE1's "I Am The Best" is Euro-pop excellence — an empowerment anthem for the club.

Psy, "Gangnam Style" (2012)

The virality of Psy's "Gangnam Style," and it's easily mimicked horse-riding dance move, was the first K-pop song to make a major splash in the United States, but in the greater K-pop story, he's an outlier. The song is ironic and subversive, a criticism of a wealthy neighborhood in Seoul and a larger commentary on inequality. The others on this list are sincere love odes constructed to attract the widest audience.

Planet Money

Gangnam style: three reasons k-pop is taking over the world.

BoA, "Only One" (2012)

BoA is formative in the K-pop story — she sang in English long before having a few key phrases in the chorus became a norm, and on "Only One," she tackled R&B breakup balladry with total expertise.

BIGBANG, "Fantastic Baby" (2012)

Before there was BTS, there was BIGBANG, the break-dancing boy band slated to take over the West. "Fantastic Baby" is the group's biggest hit, a gargantuan EDM-hip-hop beat so popular it was covered in the hit show Glee.

THIRD GENERATION: The Idol Industry Goes Transnational

2PM, "My House" (2015)

Boy band 2PM's "My House," is seductive, romantic R&B that will charm even the most staunch genre purist.

GOT7, "Just Right" (2015)

Some may find GOT7's child-like wonder on "Just Right" cheesy, but "twee-rap" might be a better categorization. The chorus, however, screams early One Direction.

EXO, "Monster" (2016)

The 12-member EXO offer a darker take on the electro-pop boy band formula on its single "Monster."

Jennie, "Solo" (2018)

In K-pop, it isn't uncommon for girl group and boy band members to pursue solo work outside of their collective duties — it allows them space to explore other creative avenues without breaking the band up, and doubles as a fan service for those listeners who prefer one member to the others (in K-pop, that member is your "bias"). Blackpink's Jennie, and her solo single "Solo," is the exemplar of a member "going solo," as she sings, without diverting too much from the integrity of the group. This one is for fans of big pop anthems and old school hip-hop whistle.

April, "Oh My Mistake" (2018)

Girl group April's "Oh My Mistake" is '80s synthpop with shimmering production — it is impossible to hear this and not feel giddy.

Blackpink, "Kill This Love" (2019)

The biggest girl group on the planet is Blackpink, a K-pop quartet without a full-length LP under its belt. With singles as ferocious as the air horn-adorned stadium anthem "Kill This Love," it's easy to see why: the single marries military cadences with trap, emphasized with gargantuan synthesizers.

BTS ft. Halsey, "Boy With Luv" (2019)

Any number of BTS songs would be appropriate to include here — check out "No More Dream," the group's first single, to get a sense of their range. That song rallied against a rigid education system that places untenable pressure on young people in South Korea, while "Boy With Luv" is an earworm single featuring one of the greatest American popstars of the 21st century. It's also one of BTS's most irresistible singles, a roller rink disco number punctuated with an almost house-like bass drum.

FOURTH GENERATION: K-pop Breaks Down Borders

Ateez, "Say My Name" (2019)

The latest generation of K-pop superstars are no longer bound by borders—they can debut or train outside of South Korea and become just as, or even more successful in the West than they are back home. They also continue to expand upon K-pop's constant musical experimentation. Eight-person boy band Ateez's hit "Say My Name," for example, is built around a pan flute, and main rapper Mingi, with his raspy tone so low it recalls Scandinavian post-punk more than any other vocalists on this list, sings the chorus. It is so distinctive, listeners will have no choice but to forgive them for giving their song the same title as a Destiny's Child classic.

Maria Sherman is a senior staff writer at Jezebel and the author of the book Larger Than Life: A History of Boy Bands from NKOTB to BTS.

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What Is K-Pop? A Beginner’s Guide To The Worldwide Phenomenon

K-Pop, also known as Korean pop, is not new to global audiences, but with K-Pop groups like BTS and BLACKPINK ‘s global reach, K-Pop keeps becoming more and more mainstream.

Here is your helpful introductory guide to the world of K-Pop.

What is K-Pop?

K-Pop is a generic label given to mainstream music in South Korea. Although the name suggests that K-Pop is exclusively Korean pop music, many K-Pop artists branch into other music genres like Korean hip hop, electronic music, and the like. Since K-Pop encompasses a wide variety of music genres, there is likely a K-Pop artist out there to suit every music taste.

K-Pop artists, also known as idols, include boy groups, girl groups, soloists, and even some mixed-gender groups. Idols are managed by South Korean entertainment companies that train the artists until their debut and are then responsible for managing their careers.

How did K-Pop start?

Arguably, K-Pop was started by The Kim Sisters , a pop trio who promoted in the United States, despite not speaking English, in the 1950s. The Kim Sisters were the first Korean group to have a song debut on the Billboard charts, laying the very first groundwork for K-Pop’s current success.

Seo Taiji and Boys are also primarily credited with spearheading the creation of K-Pop, performing their song “I Know” on TV in 1992.

In 1996 Lee Soo Man , the founder of one of the prominent South Korean entertainment companies, SM Entertainment , created H.O.T (High-Five of Teenagers), a K-Pop boy group that debuted with the cheerful song “Candy.”

A year later, S.E.S. , a K-Pop girl group also under SM Entertainment, debuted with their song “I’m Your Girl.”

These groups helped establish K-Pop as a profitable industry that has only grown over time.

How is K-Pop different from other music?

K-Pop is heavily influenced by Western music in its sound and the frequent inclusion of English lyrics. However, K-Pop extends beyond just music, as idols are expected to not only sing but give incredible, captivating performances.

All idols have training in not only singing and/or rapping but in dancing to make sure that they will give off captivating performances from start to finish.

K-Pop also differs from Western music in the amount of content that idols are constantly releasing for fans to enjoy.

K-Pop artists have what are called “comebacks” every time they release new music after their initial debut. Idols typically release promotional material for every comeback, including a high-quality music video…

A dance practice video to help fans to learn choreography…

An album that, besides just a CD and lyric book, includes photocards (collectible cards of K-Pop idols, kind of like baseball cards), a photobook, and other goodies for fans…

Multiple performances on K-Pop’s weekly music show programs…

And usually variety show (South Korean entertainment shows) appearances.

NAYEON, MOMO, CHAEYOUNG will be appearing on Amazing Saturday next week! pic.twitter.com/CjiHS60elz — twice_trans 💙🎈 (@twice_trans) June 18, 2022

But even when K-Pop idols are not actively promoting a comeback, the artists are still active in communicating with fans through social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Weverse.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by TWICE (@twicetagram)

Many idols also frequent VLIVE, which is an app that allows idols to stream live videos for fans where they do everything from listening to music to answering fans’ questions.

TWICE is jamming to Next Level on their Vlive. It looks like they know the whole lyrics and choreo😭 pic.twitter.com/KIN15o5CNV — karina pr manager (@ujiminphoria) August 21, 2021

Idols also frequently release new content for fans on YouTube, which can include anything from their own reality shows to vlogs to behind-the-scenes content or even song and dance covers.

Fans stay invested in groups, even when they aren’t currently promoting new music, because of the continual new content.

Why Is K-Pop So Popular?

Currently, the K-Pop group BTS is becoming a household name as they constantly set new records, continually proving themselves to be one of the world’s most successful music groups.

But before BTS debuted, K-Pop groups like BIGBANG , 2NE1 , Super Junior , Girls’ Generation (also known as SNSD), and Wonder Girls helped K-Pop become more mainstream as part of the Hallyu Wave (the “Korean wave” of bringing Korean culture into the global market). These groups released widely successful music and promoted in the Western markets.

Solo artist PSY also undeniably made significant waves in making K-Pop more mainstream, especially with his viral hit song “GANGNAM STYLE.”

And, of course, groups like BTS and BLACKPINK have continued to make massive waves internationally. Not only have both groups continually made appearances on different international shows, but BLACKPINK was the first K-Pop girl group to perform at the American music festival Coachella .

And BTS has started normalizing the inclusion of K-Pop artists at music awards shows like the GRAMMYs and Billboard Music Awards .

Now it is almost normal for K-Pop groups to make appearances on different international shows or even have unexpected cameos in various TV shows and movies.

And BTS has also pushed beyond music, becoming global ambassadors for UNICEF and speaking at the White House, gaining fans worldwide for their advocacy.

A Useful “K-Pop Term” Dictionary

As K-Pop is only becoming more and more mainstream, here is a list of terms that are helpful to know when getting into K-Pop.

When an idol acts really cute, usually for fan service. “ Aegyo ” can be performed by both male and female idols, and it is often expected by fans.

Bias or Bias Wrecker

Your “bias” is your personal favorite member of a K-Pop group. Your “bias” can change many times, usually instigated by your “bias wrecker.” Your “bias wrecker” is the member of a K-Pop group that unexpectedly catches your interest and makes you question your “bias.”

After an idol’s debut, they have a “comeback” every time they release new music. This can include singles, mini albums, or full-length albums.

Dance Practice

A video of an idol practicing their choreography for a performance. These videos are incredibly useful for fans trying to learn the choreography of some of their favorite songs.

When a trainee transitions into an idol by releasing their first official song or album. Idols can have multiple “debuts” if they are in more than one K-Pop group or start a solo career.

A video taken of a single idol during a performance. “Fancams” can be officially filmed by music shows or filmed by fans.

An integral part of K-Pop performances, “fanchants” allow fans in the audience to cheer for idols by chanting a combination of the idols’ names and lyrics from their song.

An appointed position in K-Pop groups, “leaders” are responsible for motivating and caring for the rest of their members. “Leaders” also take responsibility for representing the group, usually by talking during awards shows or in interviews.

The youngest member of a K-Pop group.

Music Shows

“Music shows” are broadcast weekly as a chance for different artists to promote their new music. “Music shows” include SBS ‘s Inkigayo , KBS ‘s Music Bank , MBC ‘s Music Core , Mnet ‘s M Countdown , MBC M ‘s Show Champion , and SBS MTV ‘s The Show .

Someone active on the internet, usually sharing opinions or comments.

An enthusiastic fan of an idol or group. “Multi-stans” are fans of more than one idol or group.

A portion of members of a K-Pop group that have their own promotions in addition to the K-Pop group’s normal activities. “Sub-units” can be permanent or temporary.

Before debuting as an idol, “trainees” sign under a company and take lessons in areas like singing, dancing, and acting.

A position in most K-Pop groups given to the most conventionally attractive member.

You can read about more helpful K-Pop terminology here.

26 K-Pop Slang Terms Every True Fan Should Know

You can read more about the evolution of K-Pop here.

Here’s The Breakdown of K-Pop’s 4 Generations, According To IDOLOGY Webzine

You can read more about BTS and BLACKPINK’s impact here.

PSY Can’t Stop Praising The Efforts Of BTS And BLACKPINK And Their Global Domination

You can read more about misconceptions in K-Pop, like the incorrect assumptions about “fangirl culture,” here.

Mike Dean’s Offensive BTS Tweets Spark Conversations About Misogyny And Fangirl Culture

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What is Kpop? Here is everything you need to know

Last modified: May 24, 2024 | 18 min read | By Joseph Gerocs

What is Kpop? What does Kpop mean?

These might be your questions when you’ve heard the term and would like to know more about why it’s becoming so popular.

Or perhaps you are curious about South Korea  and want to learn more about the music.

This article will answer all the questions you have about K-pop, as well as explain everything you need to know related to this music phenomenon. Let’s get to it!

Below is a free PDF guide for “What is Kpop” that you can download and take with you:

• 1.1 What is Kpop music?
• 1.2 What is Kpop in Korean?
• 1.3 What is Kpop in Hangeul?
• 1.4 What are some distinctive features of K-pop?
• 2.1 What was the first Kpop group in Korea?
• 3.1 Popular Kpop Idols and Idol Groups
• 4.1 What are the most popular K-pop songs?
• 5.2 K-pop in Television
• 5.3 Why is K-pop unique?
• 6 What is the Hallyu Wave and how does it relate to K-pop?
• 7 How to Become a K-pop Idol?
• 8 How to Get into Kpop?
• 9 Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kpop stand for?

Kpop stands for Korean popular music. It is most commonly known as K-pop which is mainstream music that originated in South Korea.

K-pop music in the country could be considered similar to Taylor Swift in the United States.

You may see Korean pop written as K-pop, K pop, Kpop, K-Pop, and KPOP.

Ready to Speak Korean Like a Local? Join our community of passionate learners and start speaking Korean confidently in just 90 days. Click here to take the first step!👉

What is Kpop music?

The term K-pop includes many different musical elements and other genres under its umbrella . Along with Korean pop, it can also include Korean rock music, hip hop, and electronic music. K-pop is considered a fairly new form of music. The type of Kpop music that you’re listening to today was formed around the 1990s.

The roots of K-pop began in the 1950s, however, and have since then already been influenced a lot by different types of Western music and pop groups. American pop music culture has especially had – and still does have – an effect on K-Pop.

What is Kpop in Korean?

Earlier, we learned Kpop means Korean popular music. However, Kpop in Korean is 대중음악 (daejungeumak). This term literally means pop music. But, this term can be a bit formal or literary, so many young people use 가요 (gayo) instead, which means song .

Kpop in Korean can also be called 대중가요 (daejunggayo).

What is Kpop in Hangeul?

K-pop in Hangeul is written as 케이팝 (keipap).

What are some distinctive features of K-pop?

A lot of different genres are used to create different K-pop music concepts. Just like how most Kpop groups have a designated rapper, and how English phrases are mixed into the song’s South Korean lyrics. This is said to have started by the South Korean-American idols, like Fly to the Sky, who wanted to showcase their English fluency in their music.

K-pop choreographies mostly rely on hard-hitting, synchronized movements, with members switching positions multiple times in a routine. This is a strategy called 자리바꿈 (jaribaggum), or “formation changing” in English.

The movements are also planned to be repetitive and addicting to look at, matching the concept of each song. The term for this is 포인트 안무 (pointeu anmu), or “point dance.”  which made some dances and songs go especially viral.

For example, Psy’s “Gangnam Style ,”  Super Junior’s “Sorry Sorry ,”  INFINITE’s “Be Mine ,”  Brown Eyed Girls’ “Abracadabra ,” and Blackpink’s “DDU DU DDU DU” all featured choreography that has made each song incredibly memorable. Apart from this, the groups’ or artists’ eye-catching outfits used in performances and music videos are equally important.

Kpop History – When did Kpop start?

Unlike other musical genres , contemporary K-pop start can be pinpointed to a certain date: April 11th of 1992, when the group Seo Taiji and Boys performed their music on TV for the first time.

What was the first Kpop group in Korea?

Seo Taiji and Boys is considered the first Kpop group in Korea as they are closely similar to the Kpop groups we have now. The group was active in the mid-1990s and was known for experimenting with different music genres . For example, they were the pioneers of integrating rap into K-pop.

This was the driving force that also led to the formation of all your favorite pop groups in the Korean music industry , with SM Entertainment being established in 1995, JYP Entertainment in 1997, and YG Entertainment in 1998.

The very first group in K-Pop to exist was H.O.T., which debuted in 1996. The group has been credited as the group that started Korean pop culture, a formula that is still followed today. And with the emergence of BoA and TVXQ on the scene in 2003, the popularity of K-pop truly soared.

What is a K-pop idol?

K-pop idols are artists and groups formed by various entertainment companies creating catchy K-pop music and targeting younger audiences. The music groups are formed from a group of people who are all particularly talented in at least one of the following: singing, rapping, and dancing.

If you’re still completely new to Kpop music, then think of pop bands such as One Direction, Little Mix, and Fifth Harmony in the West: they’re close to the concept of idols!

These idols often enter the entertainment company in their teens and then train hard for years in areas like singing, rapping, dancing, and foreign language. Then, if they are lucky and talented enough, by the end of their teens, they will be picked for an idol group.

The groups in the K-pop industry then periodically come out with music singles and albums filled with catchy tunes. Every week they’ll go to many music shows to perform their lead single for a period of one month to two months . Although the song is important, special care and attention are always put into styling the group members, a well-synched choreography, and a high-quality music video.

This combination tells the story of the chosen style concept for each era. Some could say these entertainment companies work like manufacturers in assembling the perfect idol group outlook and style for each cycle of performing and promoting the music.

Popular Kpop Idols and Idol Groups

There are new South Korean pop idol groups debuting each month, and the public’s opinion on which group is the best changes accordingly. It is also typical for idol groups to make music and promote together for up to 10 years, then move on to other careers like becoming a solo artist or an actor .

However, some idol groups have been more successful and longer-lasting. Some groups are so famous that many different generations of K-pop listeners know them!

We’ve listed some of the most popular K-pop groups and artists, along with the most popular songs. You’ll find them in the sections below. These popular groups vary in their music genre, the number of group members, image, and generally, their style. But they all create quality music, dance, and performance.

Famous Kpop girl groups

Girls’ Generation is a great example of this. They have had a long career as the top girl group in K-pop, with incredibly catchy songs and concepts. For example, if you listen to the song “Gee!”, you’ll have it on repeat in your head for at least a full day!

Another huge group is Wonder Girls. They haven’t been as active as the Girls’ Generation, and they don’t have as many famous songs, either, but their hit song “Nobody” is one of the biggest K-pop songs ever made.

Girl Groups

• Twice (트와이스)
• Blackpink (블랙핑크)
• Red Velvet (레드벨벳)
• (G)I-DLE (아이들)
• MAMAMOO (마마무)
• Momoland (모모랜드)
• Girls’ Generation (소녀시대)
• Wonder Girls (원더걸스)
• 2NE1 (투애니원)
• T-ara (티아라)

Famous Kpop boy groups

Among boy groups, the two most famous ones in South Korea have always been Dong Bang Shin Ki (also known as TVXQ) and Big Bang. Dong Bang Shin Ki once had the biggest fan club with K-pop fans in the world and is well known on the internet.

The Korean pop boy band Big Bang has a unique style that is easy to get hooked on, with their music evolving to something different with each new album. Now they have paved the way for newer groups, but their style and music will not be forgotten for a long time.

And then there is one of the most popular groups of all time, BTS. This group has been an even bigger smash hit in the USA and other countries than it has been in South Korea.

• BTS (방탄소년단)
• Seventeen (세븐틴)
• MONSTA X (몬스타엑스)
• Stray Kids (스트레이 키즈)
• Super Junior (슈퍼주니어)
• Shinee (샤이니)
• Big Bang (빅뱅)
• TVXQ (동방신기)

Famous K-pop artists

These K-pop artists either originally came from a girl or a boy pop group or created names for themselves as solo artists from the start. Either way, they have proved that they produce some of the best K-pop music there is!

Solo Artists

• Taeyeon (태연) of Girls’ Generation
• Taemin (태민) of Shinee
• Jay Park (박재범) of 2PM

Why is Korean Pop Music So Popular?

The music industry in South Korea, specifically K-pop, has grown so popular since the early 2000s because of the internet and the evolution of social media. The more accessible South Korean music has become in the world,  the more popular it has become. Slowly, they appear not only on social media but in different countries’ local news and television shows.

K-pop’s characteristics which are synchronized dance moves, simple songs with addicting hooks, and the outer beauty of all of the K-pop groups’ members, contribute to this feat. Some of these idols are even popular in dramas as the OST’s singers and the star that played the characters themselves.

Each new K-pop group debuting, and each comeback (the K-pop group or solo singers coming out with new material), is hyped in the media, with a specific concept and hook to get the general population excited to consume the new music.

Additionally, it is more common for K-pop groups to do things for K-pop fans, like performing in music shows, throwing together fan signing events, attending variety shows, and even arranging more private fan meetings than it is for them to hold tours.

What are the most popular K-pop songs?

Below is a list of the top K-pop songs. We also have a separate article about K-pop songs for other song recommendations.

• Psy (싸이): Gangnam Style (강남스타일)
• Super Junior (슈퍼주니어): Sorry Sorry (쏘리 쏘리)
• Infinite (인피니트): Be Mine (내꺼하자 ㅣ naekkeohaja)
• Brown Eyed Girls (브라운 아이드 걸스): Abracadabra (아브라카다브라)
• Blackpink (블랙핑크): DDU DU DDU DU (뚜두뚜두)
• Big Bang (빅뱅): Lies (거짓말 ㅣ geojinmal)
• Exo (엑소): Monster
• BTS (방탄소년단): DNA, Boy With Luv
• Girls’ Generation (소녀시대): Gee
• Twice (트와이스): TT (티티)
• 2NE1 (투애니원): I Am the Best (내가 제일 잘 나가 ㅣ naega jeil jal naga)
• Wonder Girls (원더걸스): Nobody
• iKon (아이콘): Love Scenario (사랑을 했다 ㅣ sarangeul haetda)

How did K-pop become a worldwide phenomenon?

There have been various attempts by different music companies in South Korea to break into the international music markets, especially in the United States . The world only got to know K-pop when Psy’s “Gangnam Style” hit the radio all around the world in the summer of 2012.

For a few years, K-pop popularity seemed like a fluke, but now that the world has gone crazy over BTS, we can finally call K-pop a worldwide phenomenon! This K-pop boy group was a big tool with which K-pop became a truly worldwide phenomenon after BTS became popular in the United States.

What does BTS stand for (Kpop Group)?

BTS stands for Bangtan Soneyondan, which translates to “Bulletproof Boy Scouts.” BTS is a seven-member boy group also called “Bangtan Boys” under the entertainment company Big Hit Entertainment.

Why is BTS so popular?

One of the many reasons why BTS has been explained to have become so popular is because of the message in their songs. Many find them more relatable than some other groups, as their music is more about bullying and mental health than love.

Also, these performers have used different tactics from different groups. Instead of relying on staying relevant by appearing on South Korean TV shows all the time, each group member has been active on social media to reach their audience all around the world.

This has eventually earned them awards and recognitions, including having the number 1 spot in the Hot 100 Chart on Billboard multiple times.

K-pop in Television

Some American TV shows and movies have also begun using Korean songs in their scenes. For example, the TV show Lucifer used the popular SHINee song “Lucifer” in one of their episodes. And there is a scene in the DC Comics blockbuster movie Justice League where Blackpink’s music was played.

Why is K-pop unique?

While K-pop music with its groups is quite different from Western pop music especially, it’s easy to see why many people have become addicted to it now. The melodies are catchy, the choreographies are impressive, and the group members are beautiful to the eye.

There is usually a lot of effort also put into making the MVs look cool and high quality, even when it’s just the group members dancing. The groups have specific styles to help them stand out.

The word 칼군무 (kalgunmu) is written in Hangul, the Korean Alphabet. If you don’t know how to read it yet, you can learn using this guide in about 1 hour.

What is the Hallyu Wave and how does it relate to K-pop?

Also called the Korean Wave, Hallyu Wave means the increased popularity of South Korean culture globally. This phenomenon began in the early 1990s.

K-pop is included as one part of the Hallyu Wave, but it also includes dramas , movies , and, more recently, Korean cosmetics . The Hallyu Wave first became popular in East Asia, but today you can see it impacting present cultures, music and film and television, and the interest and behavioral habits of people all around the world.

How to Become a K-pop Idol?

Typically, to become a K-pop idol or artist , you will have to train with an entertainment agency for years. Although you are expected to have talents in singing and dancing upon auditioning for the company, once accepted, you will spend several hours every day training those skills.

In addition, you will usually take classes in foreign languages, such as Japanese and English , and be taught other skills. For example, interviewing skills may be among the training programs you will undergo.

Usually, you’ll already become a trainee to a company when you’re still of school age, even before turning 18 . During the training period and early on into your idol career, you are expected to live in a dormitory with the other trainees in the company.

How to Get into Kpop?

To get into K-pop yourself, a good place to start is by exploring the most popular and modern K-pop groups and artists. This way, you can find some new favorites, particularly the type of K-pop you like the most. Then, when you have identified that, you can find more groups with a similar sound!

For example, Spotify is a great tool for that, as it offers recommendations on each artist’s page. Here is a list of the best K-pop groups so that you can get started on your musical journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we’ll cover the questions frequently asked about K-Pop.

What did K-Pop mean?

K-Pop means Korean pop which is a popular music genre that comes from South Korea. It’s marked by a fusion of Western sounds with an Asian aspect of performance. 

It covers not only music but also dance, fashion, and a distinctive visual style in music videos and performances.

What does K in K-Pop stand for?

The ‘K’ in K-pop stands for Korean. This label differentiates it from other forms of pop music by highlighting its origin in South Korea. 

It emphasizes the Korean influences in the music, performances, and styles that are part of this musical movement.

Why do people like K-Pop so much?

People are drawn to K-pop for several reasons. 

• Musical Elements – K-Pop songs are known for high-energy beats, catchy tunes, and synchronized dance moves that contribute to dynamic performances.
• Visual Appeal – It offers lively music videos and distinctive fashion styles.
• Diverse Themes – It produces a wide variety of themes and concepts, often addressing relatable subjects for young people globally.
• Close Fan-Idol Interaction – This is made possible through social media and fan events.
• Strengthened Loyalty – These interactions build loyalty and deepen emotional connections between fans and K-pop artists.

Is K-Pop good or bad?

Labeling K-pop as good or bad depends on individual preferences. Here are the following things that K-pop has been praised for:

• innovative integration of different musical styles
• training system that produces polished performers
• global appeal that bridges cultural gaps 

However, it has also faced criticism. Here are some of the criticisms it got:

• setting high and strict beauty standards
• overworking its artists
• intense pressure on the trainee system

How you see K-Pop depends on personal values and preferences in music and performance art.

How old is K-Pop?

K-pop started in the early 1990s when Seo Taiji and Boys came onto the scene in 1992. They changed South Korean music by mixing in Western styles. This means K-pop has been evolving for over three decades, growing from a national music genre to a global phenomenon.

Why is K-Pop important?

K-pop is important because it has become a cultural export for South Korea. It has contributed to the global influence of Korean culture, known as the Korean Wave or Hallyu. 

Here are other things that K-Pop has helped promote:

• Korean culture
• Korean language

It has also become a tool for soft power. It enhanced the country’s image and global standing. 

Who created K-Pop?

K-pop didn’t just come from one person; it grew over time with lots of different artists adding to it. 

However, the modern form of K-pop is often credited to the producer Lee Soo-man, founder of SM Entertainment. He’s seen as a key player in making K-pop what it is today by setting up how artists are trained and planning how it goes global.

Who is the king of K-Pop?

While there is no official title, the term “King of K-pop” is often linked to G-Dragon, a member of the boy band Big Bang. This is because of his influence and success in the music industry. He is recognized for his unique style, songwriting, and his role in shaping contemporary K-pop.

How has K-pop changed the world?

K-pop has made a big mark on the world! It’s not just about the music—it’s influenced fashion, videos, and even other types of music worldwide. 

It’s helped people see how cool Asian pop music and cultures are. It has shaken up the usual Western pop scene. 

Plus, it’s brought fans from all over together, no matter where they’re from or what language they speak. This has opened up a lot of doors for sharing and understanding different cultures.

Where is K-Pop most popular?

K-pop is very popular in East Asia and Southeast Asia. It has significant fan bases in China, Japan, and the Philippines. 

Its popularity has also increased in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. And cities like Tokyo, Bangkok, Los Angeles, and Paris, among others, frequently host K-pop concerts and events.

If you enjoyed this, you may want to read about:

• Best KPop Groups of All Time
• Learn Korean with Kpop
• The Best Korean Dramas for Learning Korean
• Korean Drama Phrases
• Best Korean Movies for Learning Korean

Want more interesting Korean facts? Check out our article Facts About South Korea – 30 Interesting Things to Learn

Have you already listened to K-pop before? Let us know in the comments who your favorite idol and idol group are!

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54 thoughts on “What is Kpop? Here is everything you need to know”

thank you your website helped me site information for my paper.????thanks so much????

You’re welcome, Lily! ^^ I’m glad that our article has been helpful to you.

There is a typo on the popular song. The BTS song name is “Boy with luv”, not “Boys”. However, the article is very informative. 감사합니다!

Thanks for letting us know! ^^ I’m glad that our article has been helpful to you. If you want to know more about the Korean language and culture, you can also check our blog and visit our YouTube channel for articles and videos with great Korean content.

cool, this helped a lot

Thanks for your comment! I’m glad that our article has been helpful to you. ^^ If you want, you can also check our check our blog and visit our YouTube channel for articles and videos with great Korean content.

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A beginner’s guide to K-pop

Why you should be listening — and watching and dancing — to the vast, immersive landscape of Korean pop music.

by Aja Romano

Are your playlists getting a little stale? Looking for an excuse to expand your musical horizon in a new direction? If so, why not consider adding K-pop to your entertainment diet?

It’s a good idea, not only because K-pop is a bottomless abyss of catchy, fun music, but because there’s so many different types of media out there beyond just the songs themselves that you’ll likely never run out of content to consume.

If you’re thinking of getting into K-pop, there are a few things you’ll want to be aware — and wary — of. Many newcomers to K-pop have basic questions, like what makes K-pop so special? What’s an idol? What’s a fancam? And why should I care about all that dancing?

We have answers and insight, so let us aid your entry into the fantastic world of K-pop. We’ve also created a special 100-song playlist to introduce you to the K-pop essentials, the legends, and a few of our personal faves.

What is K-pop?

K-pop is short for Korean pop music, whether the music is part of Korea’s vast industrial entertainment complex, indie music, or anything in between.

The genre phenomenon as we most commonly recognize it — elaborate footwork, bold visuals, hummable hooks — began in 1992 with a single groundbreaking performance . That’s when the band Seo Taiji and Boys performed their hip-hop number “I Know” on a competitive talent show. The band didn’t win the competition that night — in fact, they finished last — but the song attracted a devoted group of listeners excited by the song’s unique blend of Western hip-hop with less intense traditional Korean pop. “I Know”topped the Korean music charts for 17 weeks and paved the way for the broader fusion of modern American pop music with traditional Korean pop music.

• How K-pop became a global phenomenon

Seo Taiji’s sudden popularity set off the modern Korean pop industry’s three distinct historical eras, or “generations.” The first generation begins with Seo Taiji and other innovative bands, as well as the rise of Korean music studios and early idol groups in the late ’90s. (H.O.T. was one of those popular early groups, debuting their first single in 1996.)

First-generation K-pop artists were largely still working out the genre’s distinctive style, but from the beginning, their music contained a strong emphasis on catchy hooks and intense group dance performances.

The rise of idol groups, in particular, was a crucial step toward building modern K-Pop. Idol groups are built by Korean music studios, and consist of girl groups and boy groups — usually between four and nine members, though some groups can be even larger. Most groups have vocalists as well as rappers, and most non-ballad singles contain at least one rap break. Songs are usually engineered in studios and often feature seamless vocals and irrepressible earworm hooks, while K-pop idol group videos feature dazzling visuals and eye-catching video concepts.

The second generation was a crucial time for K-pop because it saw the first wave of true international recognition for artists and idol groups. Second-generation idol groups like Super Junior, DBSK, Wonder Girls, Brown Eyed Girls, Big Bang, Miss A, 2NE1, Girls Generation, f(X), T-ARA, Kara, Sistar, and Shinee all helped spread K-pop’s popularity worldwide throughout the early and mid-2000s, and all are still hugely influential today.

K-Pop’s newfound popularity in the US produced several memorable mainstream moments, like Stephen Colbert battling it out with solo artist Rain in 2007, Psy’s “ Gangnam Style” breaking YouTube view count records in 2012, and Glee ’s K-pop episode that same year.

The third generation of K-pop kicked off shortly thereafter, around 2013. The ongoing mainstreaming and globalization of K-pop is now led by hitmakers like BTS, Blackpink, Red Velvet, Twice, and Exo. These bands and others have all worked with a greater fusion of musical genres and styles beyond the usual “pop song with rap break” formula. It’s not unusual these days to see third-gen groups do world tours with US legs, and BTS alone has pushed many boundaries in its pursuit of mainstream US success, like its performances on Saturday Night Live , at Grand Central Station , and New Year’s Eve in Times Square. (The band is also planning a special livestreamed quarantine performance in June, which should be a unique experience.)

• BTS, the band that changed K-pop, explained

Like all great pop music, K-pop transcends language barriers. K-pop artists frequently release songs in multiple languages, including Japanese, Chinese, and English, and lyrics often feature snatches of English and other languages. And because the musical themes are so catchy, non-Korean speakers find songs easy to sing or hum along to, even if they don’t know the words.

Modern K-pop is, at its heart, just like every other form of modern pop music. It includes a wide variety of artists performing a vast variety of musical styles, subgenres, and influences — everything from folk and punk to hip-hop and traditional Korean music. Korean pop artists range from indie musicians to adorable one-off duets between studio artists, to stirring experimental art like Lim Kim’s “Yellow” :

However, while “K-pop” is an easy shorthand for “Korean pop music,” what most people in the US think of as “Korean pop music” is the specific sub-mode of idol pop, which has become the most popular form of exported Korean music. From here on in, when we use “K-pop,” we’re going to be talking mostly about Korean idol groups, their music, and their surrounding complex, grueling studio cultures.

What’s an idol and how is an idol group unique?

The closest US equivalent to the Korean idol is probably the idea of “the Disney kid.” Megastars like Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, and Selena Gomez all grew up appearing on Disney Channel productions while Disney groomed them to break out into a much bigger music scene. In Korea, this type of star-grooming system is spread across the entire industry, and such stars are known as idols.

When they’re usually still children and pre-teens, singers, dancers, and rappers audition for Korean music studios to become trainees. If a music studio selects a talented performer to be a trainee for a professional group, they will spend years studying singing, dancing, rapping, and acting. They’ll learn how to perform onstage, handle live events, and become a carefully polished celebrity — all for the sole purpose of joining an idol group.

When combined with the heavy social pressure of Korean life, idol culture can be mentally grueling for the idols themselves. The industry is notoriously exploitative , and studio life is grueling to the point that it can easily cross over to abusive ; performers are regularly signed to long-term, intensely strict contracts, which used to be known as “slave contracts .” And while these aspects of the industry have dramatically improved in recent years, other ongoing issues include the exploitation and harassment of women, racist cultural appropriation , and the continuing fallout from a recent widespread scandal involving drug abuse, sexual violence, and sexual assault by several idol group members, including Big Bang’s Seungri.

But the genre’s third generation has also seen the industry rapidly changing and progressing for the better. Recent years have seen black members joining K-pop groups , as well as the debut of South Korea’s first openly gay idol . Some groups, like KARD, are — gasp! — even co-ed.

Group roles

Just as there are divisions between idol group eras, there are divisions within idol groups. Often idol groups can seem dauntingly large, with some groups having more than 20 members. But their size makes sense when you consider just how much activity a band has to do, both onstage and off. Larger groups can more easily divide the labor of singing and dancing among themselves, and often bands will be broken into sub-groups, with different subunits performing for different audiences. Exo, for example, consists of two subunits: one that performs and sings primarily in Korean, and one that performs and sings primarily in Chinese.

Group roles can be nebulous; they can shift over time or involve multiple people, and some groups eschew individuated roles altogether. But each role a member plays helps a group shape its identity, and knowing what each member’s main responsibility is can help you understand how a group functions and what members’ relationships are to each other. Knowing things like who the assigned rap, vocal, and dance line members are can also help you follow videos more easily. More on that in a moment.

Below are the roles you’ll start to recognize in K-pop groups:

The leader: This member is considered the primary mentor for the other band members, as well as the de facto spokesperson for the group in media appearances and interviews. Because of the importance that seniority and experience play in Korean culture, the leader is usually one of the oldest members.

The “visual:” The visual is considered one of the most attractive group members. Sometimes instead of having one visual, a band will have a “visual line,” though fans might debate who the visual members actually are.

The “face”: This is a nebulous role, usually interchangeable with the leader or the visual and often changing from album to album — someone who’s charming enough to represent the group at public events and to the world at large.

The dance lines, vocal lines, and rap lines: The dance line consists of members who are usually the lead dancers whenever there’s complicated choreography afoot. The vocalists usually have the hardest or most interesting vocal parts, and the rappers get to shine in the rap breaks. Often the dance lines and vocal lines — all the members who share these roles — will perform together in a song as a mini-subset within the larger ensemble.

The maknae and hyung/unnie lines: Maknae and hyung (male) or unnie (female) refer to the most junior and senior members of a group, respectively. Junior members, or the maknae line, are often paired and spoken of together, while their senior hyungs or unniesget referred to as a group of mentors to whom they pay their respect.

Concepts, eras, debuts, and comebacks (plus: rapid hair evolutions)

Concept, or the image a band is presenting, is a huge, well, concept in K-pop. A band can have an overall aesthetic, or it could have a theme or aesthetic that changes from album to album. In some cases, it might even have both. See, for example, the undeniably aegyo, or “cute,” group Girls Generation switching from coy dolls in “ Gee ” to bad girls in “ Run Devil Run ” — remaining cute even when they’re “pretending” not to be.

Because bands are still often tied to concepts that coincide with specific albums, these various albums will often comprise different “eras” in a band’s history, with each era often reflecting a different style or aesthetic phase for the band. But as the number of K-pop bands and artists has exploded, many bands have become known more for their individual personality as a unit than for dramatically shifting between concepts. For example, Blackpink loudly markets itself as a group of empowered modern women, known in K-pop as the “girl crush” concept . This framing allows it to play with the duality indicated by its name, Blackpink — and it does, quite frequently.

(These aesthetic shifts contribute to the perpetual question many new fans have about why K-pop idols change their dramatic hair colors so frequently: Their overall look and style, which is usually carefully managed by their studios, changes as part of the evolution in concept from album to album — and their hair color is a deliberately orchestrated part of that change.)

The shifting album concepts of K-pop groups often go hand in hand with their dramatic comebacks. Unlike in the US, where a band makes a comeback after many years, in Korea a band can make a dramatic “comeback” just by putting out a new album. In fact, in K-pop, every new album marks a band’s big comeback, even if it never actually went away, and fans treat every new music release as a celebratory return. The visual and aesthetic make-overs that groups undergo from album to album help foster this idea: out with the old era, in with the new.

K-pop is all about the dancing

You don’t just listen to K-pop, you watch it. Dance is probably the most important aspect of a K-pop performance. And that’s saying a lot, because as we’ve already established, K-pop is well-known for its super-catchy music, its flashy videos, and its artists’ elaborate conceptual aesthetics. The dancing is what unifies all of these elements, and K-pop idols train for years to become the best dancers they can be. Some will even spend several years training overseas with successful American choreographers and instructors before their official debuts.

Choreography is so important to K-pop that individual moments within a dance routine frequently become well-known outside of the songs they’re attached to. These are called “point dances,” and they anchor the rest of the routine and stand out as the highlight move every fan wants to perform. For example: One of the earliest and still among the best-known of these is the “ arrogant dance ” from Brown Eyed Girls’ 2009 hit “Abracadabra” — a simple sway with crossed arms that’s been parodied and copied countless times since.

Even broken down to its simplest components, a stylized K-pop dance move is leagues ahead of, say, the awkward bro hopping of NSYNC , which — shockingly! — is the most recent popular English-language boy band we could find that was also known for its choreography. Rather, K-pop dance tends to be a broad fusion of many dance styles, especially hip-hop, club, and jazz dance. As K-pop has become more physically and visually complex over the years, dancers have been expected to do more and more challenging choreography, and the importance of a singular dance move has dwindled in favor of the overall routine. This trend happened largely thanks to Shinee’s 2009 and 2010 singles “ Ring Ding Dong ” and “ Lucifer ” — both iconic second-gen dance performances made up of point dances that each ushered in new eras of complex K-pop choreography.

Shinee also popularized the K-pop dance practice video genre , which shows the band rehearsing their own moves from their popular music videos, breaking them down into smaller, digestible parts.These days, it’s standard practice to release a dance practice video. This is partly so fans can learn the dance and join in, but it’s also to promote the groups as hard-working, dedicated, and talented — and, crucially, relatable. They’re in the rehearsal room, sweating it out just like the rest of us. Some singles also feature a “performance video,” which is basically just the dance performance of the official music video — to further emphasize the dancing.

How to watch a K-pop dance video

We know there’s always a lot of dancing happening in any K-pop song, but what makes the dancing so special may not always be easy to parse. A friend of mine recently complained to me that BTS’s recent “kinetic manifesto” dance film for its February single, “On,” was boring because, to them, it mostly consisted of members standing around waiting to dance. I understand aspects of this complaint: This dance film for “On” (the official music video was released later) does contain quite a few moments when people walk dramatically toward the camera without actually dancing. But the video is also staged around the band’s vocal, rap, and dance lines, so the members’ placements are strategic.

Typically, how much dancing a K-pop routine has depends on how large a group is. Bands with fewer members will either be dancing the whole time or alternating solos while serving as back-up dancers for the members with solos. (Blackpink’s “ Kill This Love ” is a good example.) Often, groups and solo performers will also utilize back-up dancers .

Most K-pop dance routines often work around a pattern of separation/unification, keeping group members apart until a dramatic moment, when they come together to dance in unison. In the dance film of “On,” this staging also mirrors the theme of the official “On” music video , which sees a ragtag band of outsiders journeying together to a new land. The choreography is likewise a journey of thematic staging — it leads up to its chorus both visually and musically by slowly piecing together the band even as it deconstructs the divisions between their roles.

BTS tends to favor big, anthemic numbers, so this kind of big, dramatic group staging fits the band’s aesthetic. But this principle of thematic division and unification also works for smaller or very different bands and artists than the glitzy BTS. Take Chungha’s recent single “ Stay Tonight .” In the song’s recently released dance video , we can see how clearly the choreography shifts along with the song’s different emotional beats. Chungha also divides her backup dancers by gender and uses the groupings to represent different elements of the dancing.

It all leads up to the great moment at 3:08 when, after inviting the camera to become part of the staging itself, she abruptly pushes it away and takes herself out of the tableau altogether, leaving only her backup dancers, finally all dancing in unison.

These two dances couldn’t be more different, but they both reflect the complexity of staging a K-pop routine, as well as the way dance underpins every other aspect of a K-pop performance, from the practical to the aesthetic.

Live performances and competition are huge parts of K-pop culture

In Korea, idol groups live or die not just by how well their albums sell but by how well they do in live performances. Idols are constantly on television. They’re frequently competing on talent shows, where they will often create special live components for performances that you don’t get elsewhere. One of my fave examples is After School’s special live-only drum line for their 2010 song “ Bang :”

Fans and critics take a K-pop group’s success on live competitive television very seriously, as a way of measuring their progress and advancement as a group. It’s always a big deal when a group wins a weekly TV competition for the first time, and the song they win with usually becomes a hit. Increasingly, though, TV is evolving away from showcasing existing idol groups, as audition reality shows like Produce 101 focus instead on finding or creating new K-pop groups all on their own. Some studios form temporary groups comprised of competitors who do well on the talent shows, which release one or two singles and then disband. Other competitors have gone on to become breakout pop stars.

In Korea, industry charts, rankings, andmetrics also play huge roles in measuring groups’ success. Because it’s seen as vital for groups to place well in song charts and sales charts, international K-pop fans heavily emphasize buying, streaming, playing, and promoting their idols’ music. This is a way to show support for their favorite idols, these ardent fans argue, and they’ll often blame the laziness of fellow fans if their favorite group’s album or song fails to chart well.

If that sounds intense, that’s because it is. Your level of fandom is up to you, and if casually enjoying K-pop music is where your fandom begins and ends, that’s absolutely fine — wonderful, even. But K-pop fandom can be extremely interactive, so if you want to pursue a deeper level of fannishness, there are many ways to do so with varying degrees of devotion.

Fandom and the dramatic side of K-pop

With the constant proliferation of content, media appearances, and live performances, there’s plenty of fun and entertainment to be found in K-pop fandom. Some of the most common aspects of fan culture involve the intense interactivity between idols and their fans.

Fanchants: One of the most common things you’ll notice if you watch a lot of live K-pop performances is the hordes of fans reciting chants in the background alongside the performers, in rhythmic counterpoint to the song itself. These fanchants are created and spread throughout the fanbase for a particular band, so that fans in live studio audiences and at concerts can shout them during musical intros and choruses as a show of unity and support for their idols.

Fanchants are easy to learn thanks to guides on YouTube that teach listeners which parts to recite when. The chants frequently respond to or echo the lyrics to the specific song itself, but they’re often also just things like the name of the band, or the individual names of group members. Pour one out for the “carats,” a.k.a. the fanbase for the 13-member band Seventeen, which regularly manages to squeeze the names of all 13 members into just two or three measures for its fanchants:

Fancams : This term has been getting misapplied across social media to refer to any type of fan edit of a live performance, but that’s not what a fancam is, at least in the classic sense. See, individual members of a group always have their own ride-or-die sub-fandom, and those fans want as much content about their individual favorite idol as they can get. Thus, the fancam was born. Fancams are closeups filmed by fans in the audience that focus just on a specific member or subset of members in a group. Fancams allow fans to follow their favorite idol the whole time during a performance, even if the main cameras are on a different part of the stage. That may not sound like a big deal, but fancams are a huge part of K-pop fan culture.

Stans, sasaengs, and antis: A “stan” is shorthand for a stalker fan, and it’s usually used ironically by fans as both a noun and a verb. That is, you might say “I’m an Exo stan” and also “I stan Twice.” You’ll also see “Stan Twitter” referred to in the same way that people refer to “Film Twitter,” “Book Twitter,” et al. Stans are, despite their violent namesake , mostly the good kind of obsessive fan — perhaps a little needy and obnoxious, but mostly well-behaved. A “sasaeng,” on the other hand, is much worse. In Korea, they’re often considered to be literal stalkers — the kinds of obsessed fans who’ll look up personal information about idols in order to harass them.

At the other end of the obsessive curve are “antis.” Anti-fandom, in general, is a growing problem within fan culture, as it essentially involves people who’ve made it their life’s passion to crusade against some aspect of fandom that they don’t like. But the concept of people identifying as anti-fans, or antis, originates within K-pop, where some fans identify themselves as anti-fans of idols they dislike, often leading to bitter harassment of both the idols and their fans. At their most extreme, antis have violently harassed and even attempted to kill Korean idols, but those occasions are thankfully rare. Mostly, antis content themselves by insulting their least favorite idols and groups on social media.

As all this conflict implies, there’s a lot of drama within K-pop fandom. Because the pressure for groups to chart well and display substantial progress is so high, fan communities are likewise extremely competitive with each other. Some fans will pit individual members of groups against one another, while others will campaign for their favorite group to receive better treatment from a studio if they feel the studio isn’t giving the group enough love and support. K-pop fandom on social media tends to structure itself around self-starting crusades and campaigns as fans seek new ways and methods to help their favorite idol group become the best.

That atmosphere can be daunting, but most of K-pop fandom’s causes are heartwarming and inspiring — like when thousands of fans donated their refunded concert tickets to support pandemic relief . It’s an undeniably exciting environment once you’re inside of it. And as K-pop continues to gain in popularity worldwide, the genre, along with its vibrant fandom, will undoubtedly keep growing and evolving. The music and the quality of the videos and their artistic elements likewise seem to just keep getting better.So there’s probably never been a better time to dive in and see just how fun the world of K-pop can be.

What do you say — shall we dance ?

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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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A place to ask your K-Pop questions. You can get help with Identifications, Recommendations, Explanations, or Discussions about K-Pop music, artists, genres, content, or industry/cultural issues.

I'm giving a presentation on kpop, what should I talk about and in what order? Please help.

I need help, we have to give a presentation on something in class. It needs to be 15 minutes long so I choose kpop because I can talk about kpop for a long time. My problem is a struggling to narrow down how and what and when to talk about things and no one around me knows what I am on about so here I am.

So I was going to start of with asking the class what they know about kpop, then go though the real basics of it's pop music in korean. I was then going to show a small video showing some kpop songs in a nice range of styles, everything from Stray Kids to Lovelyz just so people can get an overview.

I don't know where to go from there. I have to talk about physical albums because we have to engage the class with visual aids so I was going to bring in some albums for people to look at.

I was thinking about going down the route of how kpop companies get fans to spend money, with multiple albums, photocards, shit ton of merch and how they get you to be a fan because of bright colours, fashion, dance and you get hooked on fanchants, vlives, voting on music shows, that sense of achieving something in the fandom.

I also wanted to talk about kpop's globalization and how with hooks + English it is made to be exported,

I wasn't sure how to structure it but writing this out I think it should be

Into -> Video -> Global Reach -> Fandoms Feeling of Involvement -> OMG So Much Merch.

Does that feel right to everyone else? Also is there anything else I should bring up? I'm not actually getting judge on my kpop knowledge it's to show we can give a good presentations lol. Because it only 15 minutes I wanted to stay away from the darker sides because most people in my class are talking about really depressing things and I don't want to add to it.

Maybe another section talking about training and recruitment briefly before globalization maybe?

Sorry for rambling, I have till December to do this but I just want it finished.

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Do you want to light it up like dynamite? Whoa, oh, oh… Come on! You know the lyrics! This colorful template is for the K-pop fandom because the Slidesgo team loves K-pop and mostly loves their fans. With this design, you can talk about anything you want, from your favorite K-pop boy band to making a presentation on any theme inspired by the music of the moment. Take a look at this template, it’s truly a fanservice!

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