K-POP is a Korean popular song created by combining the Korean word Korea with POP, an abbreviation for Popular Music. In the past, all Korean music was called K-POP, but now, Korean music, dance music, idol music, and ballad music are called K-POP, and Korea’s original music culture is being introduced to the world. The word K-POP was coined in 1999 by a Korean Billboard reporter. Inspired by the phrase K-League, I started using it for the first time, and to this day, it is still K-POP.
The history of K-pop began in the 1960s. Back then, only trot songs were played Popular, but a handful of singers composed and performed Korean pop music for the U.S. Eighth Army. From the beginning, Korean pop music began to become famous. However, from 1970 to 1980, as censorship of music and books continued following the military regime, the Korean music craze began to go through a dark period. In the 1990s, the military regime ended, and the Korean music industry began to gain popularity. It was Seo Taiji and their crew, the first-generation idols in Korea.
As a starting point for the first generation of K-pop, it showed a very different trend from the current Korean music trend, but this K-pop still needs to be reached to be the global trend. However, many idols are currently active in Korea to promote Korean music culture worldwide. Also, recently, in a collaboration between famous Korean singer “Rose” and famous American singer “Bruno Mars, the song ‘APT’ is leading the global trend. There are several reasons why K-pop became an international trend in 2024.
Firstly, K-pop has the characteristic of being able to embrace all music. This is why K-pop can appeal to music lovers around the world by encompassing various genres. Pop music, such as dance and electronic dance music, disappeared from the global pop music market after 2015. However, since 2020, K-pop has revived these genres worldwide. In particular, due to the nature of K-pop, which is dominated by idols, performances with flashy choreography have been well-received overseas. Regardless of the genre of music, the unique musical world created by adding independent dance performances and well-structured choreography to the central axis of idols appeals to listeners around the world.
Secondly, K-pop also has a significant impact on fashion. K-pop’s style is catching the eyes of young people, especially in pan-Asian regions. Fashion describes the atmosphere of music and is another medium that presents the emotions and feelings of music to the public through fashion-like music. K-pop Fashion is a vibrant and influential aspect of the global K-pop phenomenon. It plays an important role in shaping the image of K-pop idols and contributing to their worldwide appeal. Known for its boldness, creativity, and versatility, K-pop fashion draws from a mix of Korean aesthetics and unique styling to create looks that resonate with K-pop fans around the world. Therefore, the clothing industry markets clothes that have become famous as singers. Big Bang’s G-Dragon is loved by many fashion industries abroad, and 2NE1’s CL has also worked with designer Jeremy Scott. In addition, Blackpink’s Jenny is Chanel’s representative Amber Soder, working on fashion shows.
Finally, K-pop has a unique fandom culture. K-pop is as popular as idol groups in the world. In the case of K-pop idols, most idols launch official fan clubs and work with a fixed fan base. They send wreaths at concerts, food trucks, or snack cars for entertainment or dramas. The fans send gifts to their artists and support singers with supporting tools such as official colors, official cheering slogans, and official cheering sticks. They are most likely united by counting their identity as a unique color. Thanks to the agencies and fans, they are able to have unique fans.
In conclusion, K-pop has developed into a global trend from its early days of trot and small-scale performances for the U.S. Eighth Army. Its ability to embrace diverse and inclusive musical genres, its influential impact on fashion, and its unique fandom culture are vital reasons behind its global success. By combining captivating choreography, bold aesthetics, and innovative music, K-pop continues to transcend cultural boundaries, resonating with audiences worldwide. As the genre grows and collaborates with artists globally, K-pop will continue to represent Korean music and serve as a powerful trend for music innovation. Its global reach is a testament to the dedication of the artists, agencies, and fans who continue to lead the global trend.
By: Sungjae Ahn
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