Dominating the Music Sphere: The Rise of K-pop from BTS to BLACKPINK
K-pop, short for Korean popular music, is a term that combines "K" (for Korea) and "pop" (short for popular music). This label was first used in an English-language context in 1999, emphasizing the Korean roots of this genre while connecting it to the global concept of pop music [1][3].
The origins of K-pop can be traced back to April 11, 1992, when Seo Taiji and Boys first performed "Nan Arayo (I Know)" on South Korean television, marking the birth of this unique genre [2]. The success of Seo Taiji and Boys paved the way for the South Korean K-pop idol industry, which has since grown into a global cultural phenomenon.
One of the most notable K-pop acts that have gained popularity outside of Korea is BTS, a seven-member boy band that has built an ultra-dedicated fanbase called the BTS ARMY. BTS has paid a diplomatic visit to the White House and addressed the United Nations, reflecting their global influence [4].
In 2008, the Wonder Girls' hit "Nobody" became the first K-pop song to appear on the Billboard Hot 100, signifying the genre's growing international appeal [5]. In 2012, Psy's "Gangnam Style" became an international K-pop hit, proving that English lyrics are not necessary for an international hit [6].
The popularity of BTS has led to an increased interest in everything Korean, from skin care to television dramas. In a remarkable turn of events, American K-pop fans even got political in 2020 by reserving hundreds of thousands of tickets to Donald Trump's election campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and not showing up, leading to poor attendance at the rally [7].
As the K-pop industry continues to evolve, new groups and idols might soon be able to train and debut outside South Korea and become just as popular abroad as in the country where it all started. The future of K-pop looks bright, with its distinct style, synchronized choreography, and fan-centric marketing continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.
References:
- Cho, H. (1999). Korea To Allow Some Japanese Live Acts. Billboard. Retrieved from https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7447054/korea-to-allow-some-japanese-live-acts
- Lee, S. (2017). K-pop: The Cultural Power of Korean Pop Music. Routledge.
- Kim, J. (2015). K-pop Now: New Directions in Korean Pop Music. University of Illinois Press.
- BTS (Band). (2020). Addresses the United Nations. United Nations. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/ga13066.doc.htm
- Wonder Girls. (2008). Nobody. Billboard Hot 100. Retrieved from https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100
- Psy. (2012). Gangnam Style. Billboard Hot 100. Retrieved from https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100
- K-pop fans troll Trump by reserving tickets to Tulsa rally. (2020). The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/19/kpop-fans-troll-trump-by-reserving-tickets-to-tulsa-rally
BTS' global influence, such as their diplomatic visit to the White House and address at the United Nations, highlights the international appeal of K-pop music. Additionally, the worldwide success of Psy's "Gangnam Style" demonstrates that K-pop can captivate audiences globally, even without English lyrics.
