In the present music scenario, K-pop has become one of the most famous genres. It can be said that K-pop has had a huge influence globally in every aspect. From music, movies, fashion trends, makeup trends, and in food culture, K-pop is playing a great role. It is quite astonishing to see how a particular culture can make such a deep influence in such a brief time. If you observe closely, then you will get to understand that, in every part of the world, you will find K-pop lovers. People are now more interested in this particular culture, which is assisting it to grow at an even larger scale. It has reached an international level that no one before could have achieved. And that is what surprises more that how a particular culture can make such a huge impact on all.
One of the best parts of the K-pop genre is that it is enriched with various diverse elements. By listening to their music, one will get to witness unique and intriguing elements that make that genre completely different from all. Each music video of this genre is filled not only with high-quality music but videos. Their excellent choreography and performances have contributed to making the genre even exceptional. It is one of the reasons why this genre has become so popular. In South Korea, the term ‘Hallyu’ is extremely popular, which means ‘Korean Wave’. Now it can be said that this wave has spread from the East Asia peninsula all over the world. The associate professor of sociology, Paul Lopes, has said, ‘It’s about television series and film, and then from about 2005 on, it’s music’. He even added, ‘It meant a lot to the Koreans that they were exporting culture’. Thus, let’s understand the reason behind why K-pop culture has become so popular-
• What are the key facts of the K-pop rise?
There are many key factors that play a great role in the K-pop global rise. The major factors have helped to bring a huge change in the industry. Here are some of the key facts about it-
• Planned language use:
K-pop is a particular genre that has used its language in an excellent manner. They didn’t lose the charm of the Korean language, but they have included foreign languages like English to boost its reach. Right now, the reason behind such a massive K-pop buzz is bands like BTS and BLACKPINK. The managing companies of such bands have implemented the strategy of using both languages tactfully. If you pay more attention, then you will get to understand that they make songs in their language only, but add a few sentences in English. This helps to make an even better approach in a hassle-free way. Making songs only in Korean might create a barrier. If they followed that strategy, then probably so many people wouldn’t have fallen for them. But, as they approach in both languages, it makes it way easier to approach the listeners. Such companies also encourage artists to learn English you that they can have a greater influence on the audiences.
• ‘Hallyu’:
‘Hallyu’ or the Korean Wave is another key factor of K-pop making such a huge impact on all. This word means a wave from the East Asia Peninsula to take the whole world. They have put the strategy to create such music that will not be limited to Korea or only in Asia, but the reach out to global listeners. The makers have added the charm that drives the South Korean culture to the whole world. It is the unique approach that has made ‘Hallyu’ successful in every way. K-pop is right now a significant driver that is bringing people from all around the world in a hassle-free manner.
• Exclusive soundtracks and performances:
K-pop is one of the first industries that focused on performances along with captivating music. They have showcased a whole new side by offering captivating dance performances. It is their exceptional choreography that has helped to make such a huge impact on the audience. In addition to that, each of their videos is high in quality, which helps to boost the interest of the audience. It is one of the major reasons why K-pop became such a massive global sensation. If you observe their music culture, then you will get to understand that in each of their music videos, artists give excellent dance performances that are well-rehearsed. All the artists are trained to dance so flawlessly. Such an initiative has assisted in achieving such recognition.
• Social media platforms:
Another key factor of K-pop taking such a huge shape is social media platforms. It is the social media sites that helped them to go outside of the traditional method and reach out to global audiences. With the help of social media and digital platforms, they got the chance to cater to more audiences in a hassle-free way and make an even deeper influence. Without the help of social media sites, bands like TXT, BTS, and BLACKPINK wouldn’t have so much recognition. That is why the digital platforms are considered one of the great factors behind the growth of K-pop.
These are a few key factors behind the influence of K-pop all over the world. The brilliant factors have made a significant change in the music industry and others. Now, let’s find out some of the biggest milestones achieved by K-pop-
• The ‘Gangnam Style’ fever:
If the first and most famous K-pop music is asked to the young generation, everyone will say ‘Gangnam Style’ without giving any second thought. In 2012, this song by Psy was released and created a sensation all around the world. It was the very first song to reach one billion views. The song got so much recognition for its fresh presentation and unique dance style. Even people who didn’t understand the language vibed with the track and danced the step without wasting any time. It can be said that ‘Gangnam Style’ was a song that got K-pop mainstream global attention. And from then on, K-pop started gaining more recognition in the mainstream music industry.
• The biggest fanbase:
With each passing time, the K-pop fanbase is growing at a large scale. It has been observed that the K-pop artists have created a global sensation by offering excellent pieces of music. They have amused all with their excellent music, captivating dance performances, social media interaction, and engaging activities. All these have led K-pop to achieve the biggest fandom in the whole world. In every corner of the world, fans of K-pop found. No other artists or bands have had the chance to do so. It is their unique and relevant approach that has helped to build such a huge fanbase over the years. It is one of the biggest milestones that K-pop has achieved.
• The massive success of BTS:
BTS is a band that needs to introduction. Seven boys made a group, and they became the most renowned boy band in the whole world. In the success of K-pop music and its global success, BTS’s contribution is undeniable. This band broke all the records and topped all the charts with its music. They were the very first band to do so by delivering Korean music. It was their innovative and catchy music presentation that led to attaining such great recognition. Along with that, they also performed in the biggest global venues that no Korean band has ever done. In addition to that, they also collaborated with Western artists, which also quite amusing for all.
• Industry recognition:
K-pop as a music industry has achieved a lot of recognition that is worth mentioning. It has been seen that for five consecutive years, BTS has won the Top Social Artist at the Billboard Music Awards. It is a massive success for a group. No one has ever done that previously in the music industry. BTS has done that, and it is definitely a milestone achievement for the industry. Other than that, this group has also been nominated for multiple Grammys. Various K-pop acts are out there that have gotten recognition from AMAs, VMAs, iHeartRadio, Brit Awards, and many more. There is no doubt that they have gotten the biggest recognition in the international music scene.
• Fashion influence:
The renowned K-pop artists have not only kept themselves bound to music, but they have also tried their hands at many other things as well. The BTS singer, Jimin, has been the ambassador of the luxury brands like Dior and Tiffany & Co. Being a K-pop artist and working with these kinds of luxury brands is truly an achievement for the whole industry. On the other hand, BLACKPINK’s Lisa has worked with Bulgari and Celine as an ambassador as well. In addition to that, Jennie from the same girl band has been the ambassador of Chanel. From this, it can be understood how the K-pop industry has made a huge impact on the fashion industry. Their remarkable job has helped the industry to become even bigger in every possible manner.
• Massive collaborations:
Artists from the K-pop industry slowly made a deeper impact on the global music industry. They have worked with some of the biggest bands and artists, that not only led them to gain more recognition and boost the K-pop industry even more. For example, BTS worked with Coldplay, which was a great success. In addition to that, BLACKPINK worked with phenomenal artists like Selena Gomez, Dua Lipa, and Lady Gaga. Jungkook from BTS has worked with Jack Harlow and Justin Timberlake. All of them came to make K-pop music famous. Now, they are not only famous, but can be said they be ruling the global music industry. So, it can definitely be said that it is one of the biggest achievements for K-pop.
• Brilliant digital records:
Currently, the K-pop industry owns some of the biggest digital records in the whole world. It started with Gangnam Style’s hitting 1 billion on YouTube. It gave the K-pop culture global visibility. On the other hand, BLACKPINK and BTS broke the record with their YouTube premiere, which got more than 100 million views in a single day. It can be said that no other artists from any industry in the world could do so. There is a record of BTS’s song, Butter achieving more than 108 million views within the first 24 hours. From this, it can be definitely understood how the world of K-pop has influenced the rest of the world.
Right now, K-pop is considered one of the biggest music and entertainment industries that is ruling the world. It is their exceptional works that helped to achieve such great recognitions, which will be remembered for a long time.
