Often referred to as K-pop
Korean pop is a catchy music genre that originated in South Korea. It combines singing, dancing, and rapping to create catchy music that is targeted at young audiences. The K-pop industry is a multibillion dollar one with hundreds of groups and a host of acclaimed individual artists.
The highly regimented and centralized production system
Unlike Western pop, K-pop is a highly regimented and centralized production system designed to maximize exposure to the world. The result is a remarkably coordinated approach that has elevated South Korean culture and music to the international stage.
The history of kpop
The history of kpop dates back to 1996, when South Korea's first idol group, H.O.T, debuted. It was part of a new wave of musical experimentation that emerged after a number of influential musicians and singers broke through the old broadcast-centered music system, changing it in ways that would eventually become the hallmarks of K-pop.
Defining characteristics of modern K-pop
Today, the defining characteristics of modern K-pop are its heavy emphasis on visuals and fashion, and its focus on live performances. The industry's entertainment agencies work hard to produce high-quality music videos that quickly gain Internet followings, and these companies have the power to place dozens of young performers (known as "idols" in the industry) into groups for training before debuting their own songs.
The grueling process of becoming a K-pop artist
This process is grueling and competitive, with a number of trainees testifying that it can be abusive. However, the entertainment agencies are a force to be reckoned with; many K-pop groups have achieved worldwide fame thanks to their high-quality music and dance routines.
The journey to debut as a K-pop group
Most aspiring K-pop artists begin their careers with auditions between the ages of 10 and 12. Then, they enroll in a music school where they are trained for about three years before making their big debut. Once a group is deemed ready to make its debut, it is partnered with a larger entertainment company that will house, train, and promote the entire group. This partnership ensures that each group is able to release multiple singles and videos simultaneously, allowing for rapid growth of their online following.
Promotions and exposure
The groups are then placed in a variety of promotional situations, including TV shows, commercials, and music festivals, where their videos can be watched by a wider audience. Some groups even get a chance to perform in front of the cameras at the Olympics closing ceremonies!
Influence in the political sphere
In recent years, the K-pop industry has also developed a strong presence in the political sphere. Many of the biggest Korean stars have embraced politics and have spoken out against anti-Asian hate crimes in the U.S., and their fans have been instrumental in bringing attention to these issues.
Rigid rules and strict gender roles
Despite this, there are still many rigid rules and strict gender roles in the world of kpop. For example, female idols are expected to be thin and young-looking, and a majority of K-pop video content is dominated by women promoting the idea of marriage and family.
Self-awareness and challenging norms
The women of K-pop are increasingly producing self-aware videos that navigate their own relationships to these rigid impositions. For example, Sunmi, a former member of Wonder Girls, tears down her carefully cultivated public image in her recently released single "Heroine." This video demonstrates that while the K-pop industry is rife with homoeroticism, it's not the only way to define success in this industry.
