It’s cute, it’s catchy, and it’s weird. The musical genre known as K-pop, is an abbreviation of Korean pop music. K-pop is well-known for its happy, energetic sound, catchy hooks, and intricate choreography. The genre is often compared to J-pop, but both genres having distinct styles separating the two. Many people associate K-pop as happy and well, a little odd; however, this is not the case, there is much more to the genre than happy, cheerful melodies. There are many different sub-genres within the genre itself. K-pop is influenced by many genres of music ranging from American hip-hop to EDM. If a the foreign language isn’t a problem, then K-pop can become enjoyable for anyone. There are many bot and girl groups with different sounds and styles that appeal to your specific tastes.. Craving for some reggae? No problem, 2NE1 got you covered with their single “Falling in Love.” Feeling some deep house? SHINee has your fix with “View.” K-pop is presented as a package. Viewers get the music, choreography, and music video all together. These aspects are all used to appeal to domestic and foreign viewers. People who see a K-pop music video for the first time are often baffled or surprised by how weird it is, or by the impressive visuals paired with the choreography.

There are many girl and boy groups in K-pop, as well as your solo artists who are just as talented. Groups can have any number of members, but most groups have five to seven members; however, the more famous groups in the industry can have as many as twelve members. Originally a nine member group, Girls Generation, who are now eight currently, are the most famous girl group in Asia. Another popular group, EXO, debuted with a total of twelve members and is one of the most famous boy groups to date. Larger groups can seem a bit intimidating, but it’s not so bad after watching a few music videos. K-pop MVs are known for being very colorful with cool sets to showcase the choreography and members. K-pop MVs are mainly just dance videos with cool visuals and various solo shots of the groups members, but there are also quite a few story based MVs as well.

K-pop artists are known as idols. Idols are under a certain label or company in K-pop. The top three companies are S.M. Entertainment, Y.G. and J.Y.P. Companies control everything from their artists next album to the look and feel of their next concept. Some people who are unfamiliar with the genre think that K-pop idols are talent-less since their company does all the production for them; however, this is not the case at all. Companies don’t produce artists out of thin air. Companies must train their trainees for years before they debut as idols. Companies often train their artists for years in dancing and singing for hours a day everyday. Artists work hard to perfect their skills so they can perform their very best. Companies also teach their artists how to speak multiple languages. When artists reach a certain level of fame, companies will start to translate their songs into other languages to appeal to a larger audience. Most groups translate their songs into Japanese, Chinese, and sometimes English.

In K-pop, artists will have a “comeback”, which is when the artist or group comeback from their temporary hiatus from the industry. In K-pop, artists will promote a new single/album on music shows against other artists. The artists company will promote and sponsor the artist to help them win by getting fans to vote. K-pop artists have different “concepts” when they have a comeback. A group could promote a cute pop song, and then have a comeback that has them promoting a hip-hop type track with killer choreography. Even though artists change their concept, they still have a unique sound that is identifiable to their fans. The constant change of look and sound is what keeps the genre new and exciting, you never know what you’re going to get. K-pop is a great genre to add to your collection of music. If you don’t mind listening to a foreign language and willing to try new things, then K-pop is right up your alley.