Rise of K-Pop

Music groups have always been popular in the music industry, especially with the influence of popular pop music groups in the 90s. Acts such as Nsync, Backstreet Boys, TLC, and so much more rose to fame, collecting a following of deeply devoted fans. Throughout the last few decades, artists worldwide have come together to write songs, create music, and perform for millions of adoring fans. Over the past few years, the rise of K-pop has begun to create waves of change across the music industry as it makes its way into the western world.

K-pop is a genre of Korean music that features idol songs. For music to be considered K-pop, it needs to be catchy with an influence on multiple music genres, including pop, hip-hop, and even techno. Pair it with signature dance and extravagant music videos, and you gain a passionate fan base that brings these K-pop artists to life.

While the introduction of K-pop to the rest of the world may be late to the game, the popularity and influence in the music work are undeniable.

The Beginning of K-Pop

The K-pop genre got its footing in the early 1990s. These music groups started a chain of events that would lead to global popularity for people to love and enjoy and improve and help support the Korean economy. Music artists began mixing elements of rap, pop, jazz, and more into Korean music due to the emergence of Western culture within Korea.

One of the standout first K-pop acts in the 90s was Seo Taiji, and the Boys released and performed “I Know.” The music captivated young teen audiences, causing it to top the music charts for over 17 weeks. The band blended sounds of American swing with pop and inspired more musical artists to create bands leading to the birth of Idol culture.

In the early 2000s, the K-pop music culture broke out in Japan. It began to become more widespread across international audiences. With the breakout of social media and the rise in Korean television popularity, K-Pop spread quickly throughout the western world.

K-Pop Today 

Over the last 5 years, K-pop has experienced massive growth in the music industry with a performance that changed the trajectory of the k-pop music industry throughout the world. In 2017, BTS (Bangtan Boys), an already established and popular K-pop group, took the stage at the American Music Awards as the first US performance in the genre. BTS engaged with their audience through Twitter, appearing as guests on popular late-night shows and solidifying their stardom internationally.

K-pop is one of the latest in the current Korean wave or Hallyu of culture that has taken the world by storm. K-pop groups spread love and positive messages and break through social stigmas such as toxic masculinity. The genre and its artists connect with their fans on meaningful and deeper levels through engagement while joining movements to change the world, including stopping hate throughout Asian communities.

Their devoted fan base aligns with the values these bands promote and evoke change by donating money, time, food, and resources to those in need. K-pop bands, with their fans, are doing more than just evolving the music industry. They are making a difference through impactful changes in diversity throughout the world.