What Is K-POP??

K-Pop (Korean: 가요, kayo^[1]) (an abbreviation of Korean pop or Korean popular music^[1]) is a musical genre consisting of dance, electronic,electropop, hip hop,^[2] and R&B music originating in South Korea.^[1] In addition to music, K-pop has grown into a popular subculture among teenagers and young adults around the world.^[3]

Although in a bigger scope K-pop may include other genres of "popular music" within South Korea, outside of the country the term is more commonly used for songs sung by Korean teen idols, which covers mostly dance, electronic, rap, hip-hop, and R&B genres.^[4] Starting in 1992, dance and rap music became popular due to Seo Tai-ji & Boys, which is seen by many as the beginning of modern K-pop.^[4] Genres such as ballad and rock are still popular today; however, the term can be debatable.

As an important part of the Korean Wave, K-pop has come from humble beginnings to gain a huge fan base not just in Asia but also other parts of the world. As South Korea continues to develop its IT infrastructure, K-Pop music is being shared over the internet and through mobile devices more rapidly than ever.^[6]

According to The New York Times, "attempts by K-pop stars to break into Western markets had largely failed prior to the proliferation of global social networks." However, K-pop artists are now gaining more international exposure through social media networks such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, making it easier for K-pop artists to reach a wider audience.^[7]

Fans come from all around the world^[8] and K-Pop is considered by some to be South Korea’s greatest export because of its popularity and growing influence.^[9]