Korean pop, or K-Pop, is a musical phenomenon made up of solo artists such as Kim Hyun Joong and BoA; male groups like BTS, Super Junior and Exo, as well as female groups like F(x), Red Velvet and BlackPink. All are characterized for being attractive, with colorful music videos and clothing, impressive choreography and catchy songs. Although it’s generally categorized as pop, some groups have hip-hop influences and others are more inclined to rock.  K-Pop artists are the epitome of fashion and set trends among their followers, and these are spread to the rest of the population. It’s normal to go out and see young people using colors representative of their favorite groups, mimicking their style, consuming their products, making endless lines to see them perform live and even performing choreographies of their favorite songs in local competitions. While this happens on a larger scale in Korea, fans from other countries celebrate them in the same way.

 

K-Pop artists are known as “idols,” and they are considered role models. For that reason they have the tremendous responsibility of standing as representatives of their country and their culture before the world. Idols have to be as perfect as possible, and that is why becoming one requires years of work and effort. To get where they are now they had to undergo a very strict training. In Korea big companies hold castings, select the most talented and prepare them until they perfect their dancing, singing and all the necessary skills to project the best possible image.

K-Pop went from being a musical genre to a worldwide phenomenon. It invites us to learn about a new culture and to be part of it by being part of their fashion, its aesthetics, its customs and above all, its music.

 

 

 

Text: Michelle Prieto ± Photo: ASFT/ SM ENTERTAINMENT /HOOLYEOOD REPORTER