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What is Kpop? Here is everything you
need to know
Last modified: May 24, 2024 | 18 min read | By Joseph Gerocs

What is Kpop? What does Kpop mean?

These might be your questions when you’ve heard the term and would like to
know more about why it’s becoming so popular.

Or perhaps you are curious about South Korea and want to learn more about the
music.

This article will answer all the questions you have about K-pop, as well as explain
everything you need to know related to this music phenomenon. Let’s get to it!
 Below is a free PDF guide for “What is Kpop” that you can download and take
with you:

Get “What is Kpop” Free PDF Guide

Contents
 1 What does Kpop stand for?
o 1.1 What is Kpop music?
o 1.2 What is Kpop in Korean?
o 1.3 What is Kpop in Hangeul?
o 1.4 What are some distinctive features of K-pop?
 2 Kpop History – When did Kpop start?
o 2.1 What was the first Kpop group in Korea?
 3 What is a K-pop idol?
o 3.1 Popular Kpop Idols and Idol Groups
 4 Why is Korean Pop Music So Popular?
o 4.1 What are the most popular K-pop songs?
 5 How did K-pop become a worldwide phenomenon?
o 5.1 BTS
o 5.2 K-pop in Television
o 5.3 Why is K-pop unique?
 6 What is the Hallyu Wave and how does it relate to K-pop?
 7 How to Become a K-pop Idol?
 8 How to Get into Kpop?
 9 Frequently Asked Questions
 10 Wrap Up
What does Kpop stand for?
Kpop stands for Korean popular music. It is most commonly known as K-pop
which is mainstream music that originated in South Korea.

K-pop music in the country could be considered similar to Taylor Swift in the
United States.

You may see Korean pop written as K-pop, K pop, Kpop, K-Pop, and KPOP.

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What is Kpop music?

The term K-pop includes many different musical elements and other genres
under its umbrella. Along with Korean pop, it can also include Korean rock music,
hip hop, and electronic music. K-pop is considered a fairly new form of music.
The type of Kpop music that you’re listening to today was formed around the
1990s.

The roots of K-pop began in the 1950s, however, and have since then already
been influenced a lot by different types of Western music and pop groups.
American pop music culture has especially had – and still does have – an effect
on K-Pop.

What is Kpop in Korean?

Earlier, we learned Kpop means Korean popular music. However, Kpop in

Korean is 대중음악 (daejungeumak). This term literally means pop music. But,
this term can be a bit formal or literary, so many young people use 가요 (gayo)
instead, which means song.

Kpop in Korean can also be called 대중가요 (daejunggayo).

What is Kpop in Hangeul?

K-pop in Hangeul is written as 케이팝 (keipap).

What are some distinctive features of K-pop?

A lot of different genres are used to create different K-pop music concepts. Just
like how most Kpop groups have a designated rapper, and how English phrases
are mixed into the song’s South Korean lyrics. This is said to have started by the
South Korean-American idols, like Fly to the Sky, who wanted to showcase their
English fluency in their music.
K-pop choreographies mostly rely on hard-hitting, synchronized movements, with
members switching positions multiple times in a routine. This is a strategy called
자리바꿈 (jaribaggum), or “formation changing” in English.

The movements are also planned to be repetitive and addicting to look at,
matching the concept of each song. The term for this is 포인트 안무 (pointeu
anmu), or “point dance.” which made some dances and songs go especially
viral.

For example, Psy’s “Gangnam Style,” Super Junior’s “Sorry Sorry,” INFINITE’s
“Be Mine,” Brown Eyed Girls’ “Abracadabra,” and Blackpink’s “DDU DU DDU
DU” all featured choreography that has made each song incredibly memorable.
Apart from this, the groups’ or artists’ eye-catching outfits used in performances
and music videos are equally important.

Kpop History – When did Kpop start?

Unlike other musical genres, contemporary K-pop start can be pinpointed to a
certain date: April 11th of 1992, when the group Seo Taiji and Boys performed
their music on TV for the first time.

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What was the first Kpop group in Korea?

Seo Taiji and Boys is considered the first Kpop group in Korea as they are
closely similar to the Kpop groups we have now. The group was active in the
mid-1990s and was known for experimenting with different music genres. For
example, they were the pioneers of integrating rap into K-pop.

This was the driving force that also led to the formation of all your favorite pop
groups in the Korean music industry, with SM Entertainment being established in
1995, JYP Entertainment in 1997, and YG Entertainment in 1998.
The very first group in K-Pop to exist was H.O.T., which debuted in 1996. The
group has been credited as the group that started Korean pop culture, a formula
that is still followed today. And with the emergence of BoA and TVXQ on the
scene in 2003, the popularity of K-pop truly soared.

What is a K-pop idol?

K-pop idols are artists and groups formed by various entertainment companies
creating catchy K-pop music and targeting younger audiences. The music groups
are formed from a group of people who are all particularly talented in at least one
of the following: singing, rapping, and dancing.

If you’re still completely new to Kpop music, then think of pop bands such as One
Direction, Little Mix, and Fifth Harmony in the West: they’re close to the concept
of idols!

These idols often enter the entertainment company in their teens and then train
hard for years in areas like singing, rapping, dancing, and foreign language.
Then, if they are lucky and talented enough, by the end of their teens, they will be
picked for an idol group.

The groups in the K-pop industry then periodically come out with music singles
and albums filled with catchy tunes. Every week they’ll go to many music shows
to perform their lead single for a period of one month to two months. Although the
song is important, special care and attention are always put into styling the group
members, a well-synched choreography, and a high-quality music video.

This combination tells the story of the chosen style concept for each era. Some
could say these entertainment companies work like manufacturers in assembling
the perfect idol group outlook and style for each cycle of performing and
promoting the music.

Popular Kpop Idols and Idol Groups

There are new South Korean pop idol groups debuting each month, and the
public’s opinion on which group is the best changes accordingly. It is also typical
for idol groups to make music and promote together for up to 10 years, then
move on to other careers like becoming a solo artist or an actor.

However, some idol groups have been more successful and longer-lasting. Some
groups are so famous that many different generations of K-pop listeners know
them!

We’ve listed some of the most popular K-pop groups and artists, along with the
most popular songs. You’ll find them in the sections below. These popular groups
vary in their music genre, the number of group members, image, and generally,
their style. But they all create quality music, dance, and performance.

Famous Kpop girl groups

Girls’ Generation is a great example of this. They have had a long career as the
top girl group in K-pop, with incredibly catchy songs and concepts. For example,
if you listen to the song “Gee!”, you’ll have it on repeat in your head for at least a
full day!

Another huge group is Wonder Girls. They haven’t been as active as the Girls’
Generation, and they don’t have as many famous songs, either, but their hit song
“Nobody” is one of the biggest K-pop songs ever made.
Girl Groups

 Twice (트와이스)
 Blackpink (블랙핑크)
 Red Velvet (레드벨벳)
 (G)I-DLE (아이들)
 MAMAMOO (마마무)
 Momoland (모모랜드)
 Girls’ Generation (소녀시대)
 Wonder Girls (원더걸스)
 2NE1 (투애니원)
 T-ara (티아라)
 Kara (카라)
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Famous Kpop boy groups

Among boy groups, the two most famous ones in South Korea have always been
Dong Bang Shin Ki (also known as TVXQ) and Big Bang. Dong Bang Shin Ki
once had the biggest fan club with K-pop fans in the world and is well known on
the internet.

The Korean pop boy band Big Bang has a unique style that is easy to get hooked
on, with their music evolving to something different with each new album. Now
they have paved the way for newer groups, but their style and music will not be
forgotten for a long time.

And then there is one of the most popular groups of all time, BTS. This group has
been an even bigger smash hit in the USA and other countries than it has been
in South Korea.
Boy Groups

 BTS (방탄소년단)
 iKon (아이콘)
 Seventeen (세븐틴)
 Got7 (갓세븐)
 NCT (엔시티)
 MONSTA X (몬스타엑스)
 Stray Kids (스트레이 키즈)
 Super Junior (슈퍼주니어)
 Shinee (샤이니)
 Big Bang (빅뱅)
 2PM (투피엠)
 EXO (엑소)
 TVXQ (동방신기)
Famous K-pop artists

These K-pop artists either originally came from a girl or a boy pop group or
created names for themselves as solo artists from the start. Either way, they
have proved that they produce some of the best K-pop music there is!
Solo Artists

 Taeyeon (태연) of Girls’ Generation

 BoA (보아)
 IU (아이유)
 Taemin (태민) of Shinee
 Jay Park (박재범) of 2PM
Why is Korean Pop Music So Popular?
The music industry in South Korea, specifically K-pop, has grown so popular
since the early 2000s because of the internet and the evolution of social media.
The more accessible South Korean music has become in the world, the more
popular it has become. Slowly, they appear not only on social media but in
different countries’ local news and television shows.

K-pop’s characteristics which are synchronized dance moves, simple songs with
addicting hooks, and the outer beauty of all of the K-pop groups’ members,
contribute to this feat. Some of these idols are even popular in dramas as the
OST’s singers and the star that played the characters themselves.
Each new K-pop group debuting, and each comeback (the K-pop group or solo
singers coming out with new material), is hyped in the media, with a specific
concept and hook to get the general population excited to consume the new
music.

Additionally, it is more common for K-pop groups to do things for K-pop fans, like
performing in music shows, throwing together fan signing events, attending
variety shows, and even arranging more private fan meetings than it is for them
to hold tours.

What are the most popular K-pop songs?

Below is a list of the top K-pop songs. We also have a separate article about K-
pop songs for other song recommendations.

 Psy (싸이): Gangnam Style (강남스타일)

 Super Junior (슈퍼주니어): Sorry Sorry (쏘리 쏘리)
 Infinite (인피니트): Be Mine (내꺼하자 ㅣ naekkeohaja)
  Brown Eyed Girls (브라운 아이드 걸스): Abracadabra (아브라카다브라)
 Blackpink (블랙핑크): DDU DU DDU DU (뚜두뚜두)
 Big Bang (빅뱅): Lies (거짓말 ㅣ geojinmal)
 Exo (엑소): Monster
 BTS (방탄소년단): DNA, Boy With Luv
 Girls’ Generation (소녀시대): Gee
 Twice (트와이스): TT (티티)
 2NE1 (투애니원): I Am the Best (내가 제일 잘 나가 ㅣ naega jeil jal naga)
 Wonder Girls (원더걸스): Nobody
 iKon (아이콘): Love Scenario (사랑을 했다 ㅣ sarangeul haetda)
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How did K-pop become a worldwide phenomenon?

There have been various attempts by different music companies in South Korea
to break into the international music markets, especially in the United States. The
world only got to know K-pop when Psy’s “Gangnam Style” hit the radio all
around the world in the summer of 2012.
Many years ago, if you were lucky, you could maybe attend a small club concert
by your favorite K-pop artists if you lived in Asia, Europe, or Brazil. But now you
can also see groups like Blackpink perform their music at Coachella!

BTS

For a few years, K-pop popularity seemed like a fluke, but now that the world has
gone crazy over BTS, we can finally call K-pop a worldwide phenomenon! This
K-pop boy group was a big tool with which K-pop became a truly worldwide
phenomenon after BTS became popular in the United States.

What does BTS stand for (Kpop Group)?

BTS stands for Bangtan Soneyondan, which translates to “Bulletproof Boy

Scouts.” BTS is a seven-member boy group also called “Bangtan Boys” under
the entertainment company Big Hit Entertainment.
Why is BTS so popular?

One of the many reasons why BTS has been explained to have become so
popular is because of the message in their songs. Many find them more relatable
than some other groups, as their music is more about bullying and mental health
than love.

Also, these performers have used different tactics from different groups. Instead
of relying on staying relevant by appearing on South Korean TV shows all the
time, each group member has been active on social media to reach their
audience all around the world.

This has eventually earned them awards and recognitions, including having the
number 1 spot in the Hot 100 Chart on Billboard multiple times.

K-pop in Television

Some American TV shows and movies have also begun using Korean songs in
their scenes. For example, the TV show Lucifer used the popular SHINee song
“Lucifer” in one of their episodes. And there is a scene in the DC Comics
blockbuster movie Justice League where Blackpink’s music was played.

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Why is K-pop unique?

While K-pop music with its groups is quite different from Western pop music
especially, it’s easy to see why many people have become addicted to it now.
The melodies are catchy, the choreographies are impressive, and the group
members are beautiful to the eye.

There is usually a lot of effort also put into making the MVs look cool and high
quality, even when it’s just the group members dancing. The groups have
specific styles to help them stand out.
There is a special Korean slang term called 칼군무 (kalgunmu) which means
“dancing perfectly in sync.” You can use this to describe your favorite K-pop
performers.

The word 칼군무 (kalgunmu) is written in Hangul, the Korean Alphabet. If you
don’t know how to read it yet, you can learn using this guide in about 1 hour.

What is the Hallyu Wave and how does it relate to K-

pop?
Also called the Korean Wave, Hallyu Wave means the increased popularity of
South Korean culture globally. This phenomenon began in the early 1990s.

K-pop is included as one part of the Hallyu Wave, but it also

includes dramas, movies, and, more recently, Korean cosmetics. The Hallyu
Wave first became popular in East Asia, but today you can see it impacting
present cultures, music and film and television, and the interest and behavioral
habits of people all around the world.
How to Become a K-pop Idol?
Typically, to become a K-pop idol or artist, you will have to train with an
entertainment agency for years. Although you are expected to have talents in
singing and dancing upon auditioning for the company, once accepted, you will
spend several hours every day training those skills.

In addition, you will usually take classes in foreign languages, such

as Japanese and English, and be taught other skills. For example, interviewing
skills may be among the training programs you will undergo.

Usually, you’ll already become a trainee to a company when you’re still of school
age, even before turning 18. During the training period and early on into your idol
career, you are expected to live in a dormitory with the other trainees in the
company.

How to Get into Kpop?

To get into K-pop yourself, a good place to start is by exploring the most popular
and modern K-pop groups and artists. This way, you can find some new
favorites, particularly the type of K-pop you like the most. Then, when you have
identified that, you can find more groups with a similar sound!

For example, Spotify is a great tool for that, as it offers recommendations on

each artist’s page. Here is a list of the best K-pop groups so that you can get
started on your musical journey.

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and start speaking Korean confidently in just 90 days. Click here to take the
first step!👉

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we’ll cover the questions frequently asked about K-Pop.
What did K-Pop mean?

K-Pop means Korean pop which is a popular music genre that comes from South
Korea. It’s marked by a fusion of Western sounds with an Asian aspect of
performance.

It covers not only music but also dance, fashion, and a distinctive visual style in
music videos and performances.

What does K in K-Pop stand for?

The ‘K’ in K-pop stands for Korean. This label differentiates it from other forms of
pop music by highlighting its origin in South Korea.

It emphasizes the Korean influences in the music, performances, and styles that
are part of this musical movement.

Why do people like K-Pop so much?

People are drawn to K-pop for several reasons.

 Musical Elements – K-Pop songs are known for high-energy beats,

catchy tunes, and synchronized dance moves that contribute to dynamic
performances.
 Visual Appeal – It offers lively music videos and distinctive fashion styles.
 Diverse Themes – It produces a wide variety of themes and concepts,
often addressing relatable subjects for young people globally.
 Close Fan-Idol Interaction – This is made possible through social media
and fan events.
 Strengthened Loyalty – These interactions build loyalty and deepen
emotional connections between fans and K-pop artists.
Is K-Pop good or bad?

Labeling K-pop as good or bad depends on individual preferences. Here are the
following things that K-pop has been praised for:

innovative integration of different musical styles

training system that produces polished performers
global appeal that bridges cultural gaps
However, it has also faced criticism. Here are some of the criticisms it got:
  setting high and strict beauty standards
 overworking its artists
 intense pressure on the trainee system
How you see K-Pop depends on personal values and preferences in music and
performance art.

How old is K-Pop?

K-pop started in the early 1990s when Seo Taiji and Boys came onto the scene
in 1992. They changed South Korean music by mixing in Western styles. This
means K-pop has been evolving for over three decades, growing from a national
music genre to a global phenomenon.

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first step!👉

Why is K-Pop important?

K-pop is important because it has become a cultural export for South Korea. It
has contributed to the global influence of Korean culture, known as the Korean
Wave or Hallyu.

Here are other things that K-Pop has helped promote:

 Korean culture
 Korean language
 products
It has also become a tool for soft power. It enhanced the country’s image and
global standing.

Who created K-Pop?

K-pop didn’t just come from one person; it grew over time with lots of different
artists adding to it.

However, the modern form of K-pop is often credited to the producer Lee Soo-
man, founder of SM Entertainment. He’s seen as a key player in making K-pop
what it is today by setting up how artists are trained and planning how it goes
global.

Who is the king of K-Pop?

While there is no official title, the term “King of K-pop” is often linked to G-
Dragon, a member of the boy band Big Bang. This is because of his influence
and success in the music industry. He is recognized for his unique style,
songwriting, and his role in shaping contemporary K-pop.

How has K-pop changed the world?

K-pop has made a big mark on the world! It’s not just about the music—it’s
influenced fashion, videos, and even other types of music worldwide.

It’s helped people see how cool Asian pop music and cultures are. It has shaken
up the usual Western pop scene.

Plus, it’s brought fans from all over together, no matter where they’re from or
what language they speak. This has opened up a lot of doors for sharing and
understanding different cultures.

Where is K-Pop most popular?

K-pop is very popular in East Asia and Southeast Asia. It has significant fan
bases in China, Japan, and the Philippines.

Its popularity has also increased in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and
Latin America. And cities like Tokyo, Bangkok, Los Angeles, and Paris, among
others, frequently host K-pop concerts and events.

Ready to Speak Korean Like a Local? Join our community of passionate learners
and start speaking Korean confidently in just 90 days. Click here to take the
first step!👉

Wrap Up
If you enjoyed this, you may want to read about:
 1. Best KPop Groups of All Time
2. Learn Korean with Kpop
3. The Best Korean Dramas for Learning Korean
4. Korean Drama Phrases
5. Best Korean Movies for Learning Korean
Want more interesting Korean facts? Check out our article Facts About South
Korea – 30 Interesting Things to Learn

Have you already listened to K-pop before? Let us know in the comments who
your favorite idol and idol group are!

Was this post helpful?

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54 thoughts on “What is Kpop? Here is everything you need to know”
Newer Comments
Older Comments

1.

LILLY

Oct 26, 2023 At 10:30 Pm

thank you your website helped me site information for my paper.????thanks so

much????

Reply

1.
90 DAY KOREAN
Nov 01, 2023 At 6:48 Pm
You’re welcome, Lily! ^^ I’m glad that our article has been helpful to you.

Reply

2.

JAMES

Jul 28, 2023 At 9:49 Pm

There is a typo on the popular song. The BTS song name is “Boy with luv”, not
“Boys”. However, the article is very informative.
감사합니다!

Reply
 1.
90 DAY KOREAN
Jul 31, 2023 At 12:01 Pm
Thanks for letting us know! ^^ I’m glad that our article has been helpful to
you. If you want to know more about the Korean language and culture, you
can also check our blog and visit our YouTube channel for articles and
videos with great Korean content.

Reply

3.

LUCKY_MYTHIC

Jun 06, 2023 At 11:54 Am

cool, this helped a lot

Reply

1.
90 DAY KOREAN
Jun 06, 2023 At 6:59 Pm
Thanks for your comment! I’m glad that our article has been helpful to you. ^^
If you want, you can also check our check our blog and visit our YouTube
channel for articles and videos with great Korean content.

Reply
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