What is it?
K-pop is short for Korean pop which traces back to 1992 when Seo Taiji and the Boys first founded it when the released their debut song named “Nan Arayo”, (which means I know in English,) on a televised talent show in South Korea. Seo Taiji and the Boys debut is a turning point in the history of Korean popular music. In 2000, South Korean music and culture starts to be globally recognised. This period was called Hallyu. After, many K-pop artists started becoming popular globally. For example, PSY after he released “Gangnam style” in 2012 which he won a Billboard award for the most viewed video of the year with more than 1 billion views.
Performance, music, fandoms
Unlike other genres K-pop has many factors which makes it unique and stand out. For example, trainees can start practicing as young as 13. K-pop also incorporates a wide range of genres. These include hip-hop, pop, R&B and EDM which is often blended with traditional Korean elements. K-pop idols deliver stunning performances which sometimes can include dangerous stunts. K-pop idols also actively engage with fans through social media, interactive events, and fan meetings. K-pop groups also have fandom names for their fans. For example, the fandom name for Blackpink is Blinks and the fandom name for BTS is Army.
Criticism, challenges, and training
K-pop idols face many challenges and are involved in dating scandals as well other types of scandals. They also spend a lot of time training from an early age around 10 and 11. They train to perfect their dance, vocals, and performance. They often spend 12 hours training as trainees, and they also must perfect their weight and body proportions to fit the K-pop beauty standard. Their body and weight proportions are strictly monitored; this usually leads to extreme dieting. The K-pop industry also demands perfection. A flawless image that meets the industry’s beauty standard. If their natural image is not “perfect” then their entertainment may ask the trainee to receive plastic surgery.
Economic and cultural impact
Groups like BTS and BLACKPINK have dominated international charts, influencing fashion, beauty, and lifestyle trends worldwide. The genre’s success is driven by its high-production music videos, synchronised choreography, and passionate fan engagement through social media. K-pop has also contributed to the rise of “Hallyu” (the Korean Wave), spreading Korean culture across the world. K-pop is a major economic driver for South Korea, contributing billions of dollars annually to the national economy. The “BTS effect” alone is estimated to generate £3 million per year through music sales, concerts, merchandise, and tourism. Fans travel to South Korea to attend concerts and visit locations associated with their favourite idols, boosting tourism and related industries. Additionally, K-pop’s global success has led international music labels to invest in Korean artists and adopt similar marketing strategies.
by Avni Shah