What is K-pop?

K-pop is taking the internet by storm; in fact, some K-pop bands have been given so much attention so quickly that they almost broke the internet.  The band 2NE1 (pronounced twenty one) for instance had a large influx of views on the internet, over six hundred million views!  This invasion of demands really put youtube and other video hosting sites to the test.

 So back to K-pop, what is it? 

K-pop or Korean pop music is not just referring to a genre but an entire movement that began in the early 1990’s and continues to move its way into every nation.  The music itself is pretty similar to American pop music but seems to have heavy influences from electro, house, and hip-hop music as well as pop.  The bands are Korean which means many of the lyrics are, you guessed it, in the Korean language.  Surprisingly though, a number of songs have lyricss that seem to be 50/50 if not 60/40 in English to Korean words.

K-pop music videos have created a following all their own.  The music videos that accompany K-pop songs are often mesmerizing and nothing short of fantastical.  Videos usually have crazy costuming, intricate choreography and electrifying scenes that are aesthetically stimulating.  Below is one of 2NE1’s newer videos to give you a feel for the K-pop way.

If you are interested in seeing more K-pop, here is a video that compiles many popular K-pop MV clips.

What do you think of K-pop comment below.

--Nikole Higgins, Communication Director, Nikole@utahliveband.com