If you are more interested in the rest of my articles, but still want a quick overview of what K-pop is before reading them, then you are in the right place.

 

K-Pop is Korean Pop, although, nowadays it is loosely being used to address most music that is sung in Korean, not only pop music. Song lyrics are mostly in Korean, but they tend to include a couple of English words as well. The genre was created in the late 1990’s by entertainment companies which train, debut and manage K-Pop artists. Most of these artists are put into a girl or boy group (by whichever company they signed a contract with) and, after their debut, they are called “Idols.” Before becoming idols, they must go through training, usually between the ages of 10 an 16 years old. During that time, trainees must learn how to sing, dance, and be all around entertainers. Those who show the most potential will be chosen for debut.

After debuting, every time a group releases a new single they have to go through the “comeback promotion period,” in which they must perform everyday/night for several weeks straight. (The time frame depends on how long their companies want them to promote for.) They perform in all kinds of events during the day, but at night perform in music shows, such as Inkigayo, Music Bank, Show! Music Core, and many more. Their performances consist of singing while dancing, and they usually only promote one or two of the songs from their mini or full album.

 

Lastly, let me talk about the four Key-K-Pop elements which attract both native and foreign fans:

 

1. The Music- Yes, some of it can be what I like to call “pop trash,” which, in my case, is anything along the lines of the last few Taylor swift releases. Still, many of the songs are fantastic; they bring in a certain something new which cannot be found in western music, and it can only be understood through experience (so go ahead and listen/watch the music video linked below, you won't regret it).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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2. The Dance- Although many western pop artists dance during their performances, the kind of dance entertainment provided by the K-Pop industry can’t be found anywhere else. Also, not only are the dance moves insanely intricate and mesmerizing, but they dance in such unison that every performance is taken to a level that has never been achieved by western entertainers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. The Music Videos- Music videos are very popular. Many of the most subscribed Youtube channels are several artists’ Vevos, but Korea takes their music videos much more seriously. A good number of them only showcase the idols dancing in front of several backgrounds, dressed in various fashionable outfits, but the cinematography and production value of K-pop MVs is truly something to witness. Fans really look forward to them, since they know the quality will be excellent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. The Idols- How could I possibly forget the number one reason the K-Pop industry is like no other. Idols are not only beautiful, but they are trained to be K-Pop stars. Whether it be 6 months or 3 years, idols go through a rigorous training process and are only allowed to debut if their company sees that they are ready to deal with the blessing, and the hardships, of the industry. Because of it, it is a delight to see them in interviews, performing, dancing, or even acting, because they are prepared in every sense of the way. Think about it this way, is it better to watch a class presentation by someone who was prepared, or by someone who said, “hey, maybe I can do this.” That’s the difference between Korean idols and artists from the rest of the world. Remember, they are called idols for a reason.