What is Kpop?What is Kpop?K-pop is an abbreviation of Korean pop and this type of genre consists of hip-hop,electronic, rock, and R’n’B music that is originating from South Korea. It connotes that this musical genre subverts the stereotype of being all overly sweet and sounding too-sugary bubble gum pop. Throughout Asia the kpop subculture has grown between teenagers and young adults, in terms of the interest in the fashion and style of Korean idol groups and singers. Nowadays, people all over the world now enjoy kpop even though some of the kpop fans don’t necessarily understand the words. However, at times the lyrics even are partially sung in English.

Here’s some examples of K-pop that we often spin: The first song is a 2007 hit by the Wonder Girls, “Tell Me,” an example of a Korean pop song that is fun, danceable and very accessible to American ears, featuring a dash of an ’80s retro freestyle sound. Next is “Run to You” by hip-hop group DJ Doc, an insanely catchy party anthem from the late ‘90s that now and then sounds like it could be could be the Asian cousin of House of Pain’s “Jump Around.” Last is a tune from 2008 by Korean superstar Rain called “Rainism,” a song that’s both edgy and smooth, and at times echoes Justin Timberlake and newer Kanye West.

His t o ryKorean pop, or Kpop as it is more popularly known as, is a huge hit among Korean and international students. With Korean music getting recognized on the Asian market, as well as at a worldwide level, Kpop is becoming extremely popular among both Korean speaking people and non Koreans.

The history of Korean pop music is not very old. Pop music has become quite popular in Korea due to the Western influence of pop music. This doesn’t mean that Western culture is overtaking the Korean culture, but more that it was the start of various popular music channels like MTV and internet sources, that have spread pop music and had a great influence upon the inspiration of Korean musicians, as well as general music lovers.

When we look at the history of the Korean pop music, we find out that the Kpop music radio has indeed played a great role in promoting it and bringing it to the masses. The Korean youngsters are absolutely in love with their Korean pop music bands and are really proud of the fact that many of them have gained recognition on an international level as well.

The history of Korean pop music is quite exciting, although quite short, with the rapid spread of Kpop music radio shaping it. In fact, over a period of only 20 odd years, South Korea itself has evolved from being a poor country, to being a major international player with incredible commodities and technology. With the coming of many great bands like FINKL and Super Junior, many music lovers which are not familiar with the Korean language are also loving the Korean music a lot. Meaning that in a very short period of time, Kpop has in fact become a major export for the country.The Korean pop music history does not date back to very old times, as It was just back in the 1990’s that pop music started to becoming really popular in Korea. Since then, many bands and singers have emerged on the scene, some of which even proved to be world class players.

However, Korean TV shows have spread the scene further, with many 'soaps' being a huge hit across Asia and some finding niches in the west. Although many people say that bands like Wonder Girls are actually inspired by the Western girl bands from their make up, to the music that they make, it is in fact that most modern dance music actually has a universal language and style ... it is not set in a specific place, or from a particular descent, although I guess it must have started somewhere first, way back in history.

1. Super Junior2. GOT73. Big Bang4. SHINee5. TVXQ6. BEAST7. VIXX8. EXO9. BTS10.2PM

Key artistsKey artists

The main kpop fans are teenagers and young adults who are aged 16- 20 year old. However, the popularity of the kpop genre is that as been spreading across the nation. And gradually the age group for the audience has grown which indicates that the number of fans have accumulated. In addition, regardless of the fans demographic such as religion and nationality the number of fans is increasing. This is due to the number of kpop singers and bands that has been having concerts in the USA, China, Japan and in the UK. It connotes that the more that the fans advertise the Kpop music it is more likely that the popularity of this genre will accumulate. Within the kpop genre there are sub-genres that is within this genre which is hip-pop, electronic, rock and r’n’b.

Public perception of the genre, is it a popular genre with mainstream appeal or more niche?

The public perception of the genre is that it subverts the stereotype that kpop is a too overly sweet type of genre. Such as, there are different sub- genres within the kpop genre. It indicates that people who are interested in one of the sub-genres are able to explore kpop music. In my opinion the kpop genre is popular with mainstream appeal because fans across the nation have posted and are able to access updates on the popular music artists and their songs. This signifies that no matter what your demographic is everyone can enjoy listening to kpop music.

In South Korea, JYP Entertainment is the leading company for over 10 years, JYP has effectively made the music production successful due to the recruitment, training, and management of new artists. JYP Entertainment has been portrayed as a business model of planning, producing, marketing, and selling entertainment content throughout global networks in New York, Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing. This is where artists like Rain, Wonder girls, Miss A, 2AM and 2PM.

There are some other magazine that covers the kpop genre, such as the Sparkling magazine, ASTA TV magazine, Bromide Magazine. The Sparkling magazine is the first Kpop music magazine available in the Philippines that is 150 pesos. Every year and season the Sparkling magazine come out. Within the magazine it features the key artists, exclusive interviews, Horoscopes, Korean events, Fashion advice and Fashion bloggers. Also the Bromide Magazine is also available in the Philippines which costs 200 pesos. This Magazine is also issued every year and season, and features the same features as the Sparkling Magazine.

ASTA TV magazine is focused on teenagers, teen idols and entertainment. Every year 12 is issued and within 2-4 weeks. The shipping costs are:

Ground (Continental US address) ---> $65.88 ... USPS Priority Mail (PO Box, APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, and other US territories) ---> $101.88 ... International Standard (Non-US nations only) ---> $167.88 ... USPS Express Mail (Non-US nations only) ---> $311.88

This magazine includes free kpop CDs or kpop Books.

There are different media covers that is covering the kpop genre. Such as, websites and a wide number of radio stations (http://www.shoutcast.com/radio/KPOP). The two most popular radio stations are BigB Radio and SEOULFM because 414 people listen to BigB Radio whereas 244 people listen to SEOULFM. Each of these radio stations have websites to update the fans on the popular songs that have been released. (http://seoul.fm/) (http://www.bigbradio.com/p/kpop.html) This connotes that in terms of media covers it has helped the kpop genre to become popular amongst a wide range of people with different demographics. The way in which the kpop genre may continue to develop by Allkpop (http://www.allkpop.com/) updating news on the new artists and songs.