K-Pop is far from being a new concept. The movement of music began back in the 90s with the first generation of K-Pop music began to be cultivated by “The Big Three” of the genre: SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment. However, within the past two years, I’d say that the growth of K-Pop outside of Korea has reached a peak it has never seen before. Personally, I believe that this growth is important to the world as a culture experience.
With the integration of music with other languages, it opens up more doors for artists around the globe. Not only is it creating a pathway for success, but it is broadening the horizons of those listening to music casually. If they hear a catchy song on the radio, people are much more likely to tune into it on their own free time. This can be seen through past hits in different languages such as Psy’s “Gangnam Style” and more recently, Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito.” There is an interest in these songs regardless of being able to speak the languages or not. That is exactly what K-Pop is doing for those who are becoming interested in it.
On top of that, K-Pop is not just a genre, it is an industry filled with different types of genres. K-Pop is usually referred to as any song spoken in Korean. However, the further you search into the music, one can come to realize that a “Satellite” by Loona sounds nothing like “Miroh” by Stray Kids (Thank god for that… no offense Stays.) But what I’m trying to say is, K-Pop is offering more than what local American’s realize. There is a song for everyone within that category, you just have to open your mind into pulling up that YouTube tab in the first place.
Groups like BTS and BLACKPINK have had the head start in beginning to open doors for those too skeptical to add K-Pop to their playlists. They have offered up a variety of songs that are more appealing to those outside of Korea. I know there is controversy when it comes to the westernization of Korean music but think of it this way: Taking a spin on something people do not recognize and turning it into something that they do will allow them to open their minds to other options. For example, I did not enjoy Twice music when I first encountered them (I should be put in jail for that, but that’s beside the point.) But, when I listened to Red Velvet’s RnB rhythm that is “Bad Boy,” I began to dive deeper and get used to music that I would never have listened to before.
Now these groups are touring in arena’s and stadiums. BLACKPINK made girl group history by being the first female Korean girl group to perform at Coachella in 2019. These groups are no joke, and are gaining a lot of traction, not only here in the United States, but everywhere in the world.
Listening to music in a different language is an important part of our society today. Especially with quarantine happening, it is easy to run out of things to keep one entertained. I find that it is so much better having multiple things to watch even if they do require a little more reading. It opens up possibilities for not only those creating, but those taking in creations.
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