K-Pop

By Alice Pham
January 23, 2024

K-Pop 

Have you ever heard of K-pop? It is an acronym for “Korean Popular Music,” which originated in South Korea. Maybe you’ve heard about one of the most known boy groups that K-Pop is known for, BTS? It is an acronym for “BangTan Sonyeondan.”

Many believe that BTS paved the way for other companies to rise. Not that it’s the case, but there’s more to explore than BTS. There are many other groups to acknowledge. Almost all groups look up to them as their superiors, hoping one day they could be like them and rise to fame. BTS started as a low-earning company in a small house, with all seven members living together. During practice, they would have to perform in such a tight space with a low roof, causing them to hit their heads from time to time. They would have to walk around on the streets, handing out flyers so that people would come and watch them perform. Take a look at them now, they are among the most well-known boy groups, and BigHit has grown to be among the most prosperous companies. Many groups that came to BigHit after BTS joined now have fewer struggles compared to when BTS debuted.

We all have heard about Gangnam Style by PSY, right? Well, that’s a K-pop song, if you don’t already know. The K-pop fanbase started to grow in 2012. More people have been getting into Korean-related culture such as fashion, beauty, and Korean dramas due to the visuals that Idols create, their flawless skin, and their appealing outfits.

K-pop is mostly known for its outstanding synchronizing performances. Their fascinating music videos and captivating outfits/visuals to go along with the theme of their music. Now imagine singing while dancing. Difficult, right? Well, these K-pop idols have undergone enough training to the point that they can succeed in this unimaginable task and give it their all for their fanbase.

There are many people who are non-Korean in the K-Pop industry, such as:

• BangChan from StrayKids (Australian)

• Lisa from BlackPink (Thai)

• Fatou from Blackswan (Senegalese-Belgian)

• Keeho from P1harmony (Canadian)

K-Pop contains a variety of different types of groups:

• Girl Group (Itzy, Twice, IVE, etc)

• Boy Group (EXO, Astro, Seventeen, etc)

• Mixed-gendered group (KARD, Akmu, etc)

• AI-generated group (MAVE)

• Soloists (IU, Sunmi, Eric Nam, etc)

Most Popular Companies According to Kpoppost 

• BigHit Entertainment

• JYP Entertainment

• SM Entertainment

• YG Entertainment

• CUBE Entertainment

K-Pop Trainee

You can always apply to be a K-Pop trainee and work your way up to become an idol. Apply to any of the companies that interest you, and give them a video of your dance cover along with your application.

To be a K-Pop trainee, it involves a competitive process. You'd need dedication and the willingness to climb to the top of the ladder. You would have to go through a large amount of training for hours on end. Training typically lasts for 12-15 hours a day, 6 days a week, for 2-4 years. This intensive training can lead to many quitting.

The practice of vocal training, dancing, and language classes are incorporated into the training. Another area of additional training would be acting.

Trainees can vary from age, as young as 12-13 years old. Most trainees are still in school, and some have to drop out to focus more on their careers. Being a trainee doesn’t mean an automatic success. You can be removed if you are unable to meet their strict standards. Good luck. 

Other’s Perspective on K-Pop

Many have different opinions about K-pop, and some may not see what the hype is about. 

Well, sure, they’re good-looking, but the choreography is one thing to think about. Compared to other music styles, K-Pop focuses on making choreography for their music videos, whereas other music styles focus on lyrics.

Compared to the Backstreet Boys or maybe One Direction, many would say they are alike. They are in the form of groups and have a whole name for the group to go by. Their moves are energetic, containing a good amount of power for the listeners to jam to.

Although people may see them as similar, they are not the same as people consider them to be. K-pop originated in South Korea and incorporates various types of genres such as pop, hip-hop, R&B, rock, and so on. They put more emphasis on visuals, synchronization, and intricate choreographies. On the other hand, Backstreet Boys and One Direction are considered as Western boy bands who are known for their harmonies. The main difference is the language that is being spoken. One Direction and Backstreet Boys are sung in English, whereas K-Pop is mostly known for being in Korean.

Has this changed your perspective on K-pop?