You Can’t Ignore K-pop

K-pop: The new wave of pop music

When we are exposed to something new, it is natural that we do not fully understand it immediately. If we still do not understand it after a while and everyone else does, we give up and stay ignorant. This was the case for many people when they were first exposed to K-pop, and I was one of the people who knew very little about the medium. Fortunately, all that changed due to K-pop's immense popularity and widespread nature. Then, I soon learned that it is essential to be aware of all the topics before posting any comments, even if I do not find them interesting. I realized that something might seem menial but can affect our society significantly.

A brief history of K-pop

K-pop stands for Korean Popular Music. This term first appeared on a Japanese billboard in 1999. K-pop is a combination of many different genres. The modern version of K-pop that we know today began in the 1990s. Before that, the first evidence of Korean popular music can be found in the 18th century when an American preacher began popularising western songs in school. Throughout the Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945, these songs grew in popularity when the Koreans sang them to express their feelings against the Japanese rule. In later years, the music came under American influence during the American occupation from the 1940s to 1960s. Some other notable sources of inspiration are hippies, folk music, and ballads from the 1960s to the 1980s.

The medium of K-pop has existed for a long time, but it has only recently received global recognition and massive fame. This sudden boost in popularity can be attributed to the emergence of social media. The term used to describe this phenomenon is called Hallyu, also known as the Korean Wave: the increasing influence of Korean culture in foreign countries. Additionally, this accounts for not only Korean music but also Korean drama series, movies, video games, and other entertainment mediums. From the start of the 21st century, the demand for K-pop was falling, and the successful groups of the 90s started to decline. After that, the success of the duo TVXQ during their debut in 2003 set the stage for the second generation of K-pop stars. Super Junior, SS501, Big Bang, Kara, Wonder Girls, Shinee, 4Minute, 2NE1, T-ara, f(x), and After school was second-generation groups. K-pop is now at the stage where popular groups like BTS can achieve multiple international awards and perform in Times Square on New Year's Eve.

The appeal of K-pop

People who grew up in the 2000s may compare the boy bands of that time to K-pop bands today. Bands like One Direction and the Jonas Brothers reached immense success and are still remembered today as era icons. This comparison is valid because those bands and K-pop bands share the same characteristics and fan base. Nonetheless, K-pop has become unique not because it originated from another country but because it has brought an elevation in the choreography, music production, and costume concepts.

The Korean Music industry takes elements from western music and makes it bold and flashy while eliminating nuance and artistic expression. One Direction and the Jonas Brothers had other selling points, but the main focus was almost always the music. In the case of K-pop, it is different. BTS and Blackpink have good music, but the visual aspect of their performances is just as significant as the audio.

Dance moves, clothing, and fashion in K-pop

The K-pop industry has made massive innovations with its music videos. A K-pop music video is incomplete without its outstanding dance choreography and incredible costume concepts. If you have ever wondered why K-pop groups have so many members, it is because many people are needed for elaborate dance routines. Each member changes their position while singing and dancing synchronously, known as formation changing. Moreover, they also use a technique called point dance, which ties the lyrics to specific movements. Like dance, fashion is another significant component of the videos. Costumes or clothing worn by K-pop idols is custom-made by expert designers. These pieces of apparel can be classified as streetwear, retro-themed, suggestive/sexy, or futuristic. Additionally, every group member may have a different outfit to differentiate them from others and portray their roles within the band.

The stringent regulation of agencies in the K-pop industry

Another big difference between K-pop and Western music is the giant agencies that manage and produce K-pop idols. In Western countries, artists can join agencies or sign with labels when they gain enough recognition. In Korea and other East Asian countries, the process is different. Agencies within the K-pop industry treat their artists as company employees and control every detail of their careers. These agencies train people to become idols rather than find talented individuals. As a result, idols have to sign contracts that force them into extreme work hours with relatively low wages. Furthermore, K-pop agencies have significant control over their country's economy because their idols are some of the most effective tools for marketing. The rise of K-pop agencies has made the industry better and more efficient, but they have also created unseen issues by the general public.

Fan culture within the K-pop community

One of the reasons why K-pop has become infamous is its obsessive and toxic fanbase. It is usual for any artist to have passionate fans, but K-pop fans take stan culture to a new level. Fans can frequently stalk their idols and try to gain personal information from them. Most of the people who consume K-pop are teenagers or younger. So, naturally, they become obsessive about the things they like. Fortunately, the fans that behave in such ways are in the minority and do not represent the entire community.

K-pop: The good and the bad

K-pop is a new entertainment medium growing at an incredible rate. It has been said that K-pop has something for everyone, which is one of the main reasons for its growing popularity. K-pop is known for its catchy tunes, talented performers, and stylish music videos. However, K-pop also has some serious drawbacks that must be addressed appropriately. For example, K-pop idols are often put under immense pressure to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty. In addition, K-pop idols are often prescribed strict diets and exercise regimens to maintain a specific image. As a result, K-pop idols often suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. While K-pop has much to offer, it is essential to be aware of its potential negative impacts. Only by understanding the industry's overall state can we make informed decisions about the type of entertainment we consume.