12 Concepts and Styles in K-Pop
Start writing a post
Entertainment

12 Concepts and Styles in K-Pop

The Trendsetters of the Youth Generation

17579
12 Concepts and Styles in K-Pop
Kpop Lyrics

K-Pop (Korean Pop music) has been recognized and grown in global attention. Although the name suggests just pop music, K-pop encompasses every genre. In K-Pop, most artists are called "idols" because of how devoted fans are to their favorite musicians. Although the music and people are different, many K-Pop groups and idols share similar concepts and styles.


1. Blonde Hair

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2F07%2F635904405664408920-818960500_tumblr_nxr7ea96gA1rb0cv0o1_r2_400.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=940&h=927a289c7c876e89978c217b05d32adbe7b7bc88dc2029b228f1c17d4972bad9&size=980x&c=1683285465 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F02%252F07%252F635904405664408920-818960500_tumblr_nxr7ea96gA1rb0cv0o1_r2_400.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com%26s%3D940%26h%3D927a289c7c876e89978c217b05d32adbe7b7bc88dc2029b228f1c17d4972bad9%26size%3D980x%26c%3D1683285465%22%7D" expand=1]

The style that most idols go through is dying their hair blonde. As most Asians have black or dark brown hair, blonde hair is hard to pull off. When an idol is found to match in blonde hair, the idol is acknowledged as beautiful or handsome. As South Korea is a country that puts a lot of emphasis on beauty, this style can boost the popularity of a star.


2. School Uniforms

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2F07%2F6359044080429206641483958581_large.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=946&h=23116c84a491f977e7e3ab9f6018a950b00cc89d145e0ccadda277e15c2ab141&size=980x&c=2858068967 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F02%252F07%252F6359044080429206641483958581_large.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com%26s%3D946%26h%3D23116c84a491f977e7e3ab9f6018a950b00cc89d145e0ccadda277e15c2ab141%26size%3D980x%26c%3D2858068967%22%7D" expand=1]

Usually during the debut or early years of an idol's career, the school uniform look is used to bring out the youthfulness in the artists or create a pure and innocent concept. This concept usually attracts student or young fans.


3. Funny Concepts

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2F07%2F635904411354179789-535417148_Crayon%2520Pop%2520Bar%2520Bar%2520Bar%2520A%2520Critical%2520Analysis%2520%285%29.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=199&h=b30a5a07316167177ca04f1aa372a7633a22bee7a51f83417faff328398ba4b0&size=980x&c=423209055 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F02%252F07%252F635904411354179789-535417148_Crayon%252520Pop%252520Bar%252520Bar%252520Bar%252520A%252520Critical%252520Analysis%252520%25285%2529.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com%26s%3D199%26h%3Db30a5a07316167177ca04f1aa372a7633a22bee7a51f83417faff328398ba4b0%26size%3D980x%26c%3D423209055%22%7D" expand=1]

Not many idols use this concept. However, many artists have gained immense popularity with funny costumes, dances or music videos. In the case of Crayon Pop's Bar Bar Bar single, the combination of helmets, synchronized jumping dance and unusual outfits changed their status from little-known to a nationally-known girl group. Their video was even showed on The Ellen Show for its uniqueness.


4. Retro/Vintage Concepts

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2F07%2F6359044138383020111747632390_tumblr_nu3z2nTSkH1u9061fo1_540.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=461&h=b42fcf4dd3c09654155a4ddb826186bfb9d89b4c7d90b6b77381c90c61db9fc1&size=980x&c=3200901730 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F02%252F07%252F6359044138383020111747632390_tumblr_nu3z2nTSkH1u9061fo1_540.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com%26s%3D461%26h%3Db42fcf4dd3c09654155a4ddb826186bfb9d89b4c7d90b6b77381c90c61db9fc1%26size%3D980x%26c%3D3200901730%22%7D" expand=1]

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2F07%2F635904414211529227999763022_T-ARA-Roly-Poly-Gif-t-ara-tiara-35917782-500-264.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=1006&h=c3783c22052c8479d5e52e7b04b742354a5af727a46241710df286c3f146b098&size=980x&c=1103355414 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F02%252F07%252F635904414211529227999763022_T-ARA-Roly-Poly-Gif-t-ara-tiara-35917782-500-264.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com%26s%3D1006%26h%3Dc3783c22052c8479d5e52e7b04b742354a5af727a46241710df286c3f146b098%26size%3D980x%26c%3D1103355414%22%7D" expand=1]

These concepts and styles arouse nostalgia of past eras and decades. Brought back with a modern twist, the retro feel is found in artists' fashion, music or dances.


5. Party Concept

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2F07%2F635904416557111865717635166_tumblr_o10bvjMSn71ufyu6uo1_500.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=801&h=ab1c2597c54a844f26066ef4bcbc10a87b3e425e833ddf6948e614284114211f&size=980x&c=217551926 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F02%252F07%252F635904416557111865717635166_tumblr_o10bvjMSn71ufyu6uo1_500.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com%26s%3D801%26h%3Dab1c2597c54a844f26066ef4bcbc10a87b3e425e833ddf6948e614284114211f%26size%3D980x%26c%3D217551926%22%7D" expand=1]

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2F07%2F635904416739873826-565844799_tumblr_mr6uz7vGMn1rfovzio1_500.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=666&h=dd2da1e8fb72ccf8eed2eb2d51da464cd4ade283a8620181dbd7eb3d75abdb02&size=980x&c=290243294 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F02%252F07%252F635904416739873826-565844799_tumblr_mr6uz7vGMn1rfovzio1_500.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com%26s%3D666%26h%3Ddd2da1e8fb72ccf8eed2eb2d51da464cd4ade283a8620181dbd7eb3d75abdb02%26size%3D980x%26c%3D290243294%22%7D" expand=1]

This concept is frequently adopted in the summer when students are on break because the weather is nice. These songs become the number one song heard in clubs or festivals. The songs are meant to be danced to and boost energy in the listeners.


6. The Athletic Concept

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2F07%2F635904418695303341-676523650_tumblr_nq1b5jwkFI1uyxxulo2_500.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=341&h=6116452ad0e3eac45f14db37348050824ada477d2153d3567f096ffc0d47f3af&size=980x&c=1073923548 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F02%252F07%252F635904418695303341-676523650_tumblr_nq1b5jwkFI1uyxxulo2_500.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com%26s%3D341%26h%3D6116452ad0e3eac45f14db37348050824ada477d2153d3567f096ffc0d47f3af%26size%3D980x%26c%3D1073923548%22%7D" expand=1]

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2F07%2F635904419288041986188368943_tumblr_nqbuntcqd81rnzd35o2_r1_400.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=467&h=fade6091305523f00b32646d0f66aaf8faf086713d939bca3cb1cf14a039a1eb&size=980x&c=144980288 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F02%252F07%252F635904419288041986188368943_tumblr_nqbuntcqd81rnzd35o2_r1_400.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com%26s%3D467%26h%3Dfade6091305523f00b32646d0f66aaf8faf086713d939bca3cb1cf14a039a1eb%26size%3D980x%26c%3D144980288%22%7D" expand=1]

This concept incorporates the uniforms of athletes and is used to show off a healthy look. As many musicians are performance-based, a large focus is put on the outfits and beauty. These outfits usually trend among the youth or generate a lot of interest.


7. The Band Concept

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2F07%2F635904421177671392-500074690_wonder-tumblr.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=64&h=5efb08520a2207c50a6ee233f274271655b63064dabad2aab8ce8424de6fbdb5&size=980x&c=2471890131 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F02%252F07%252F635904421177671392-500074690_wonder-tumblr.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com%26s%3D64%26h%3D5efb08520a2207c50a6ee233f274271655b63064dabad2aab8ce8424de6fbdb5%26size%3D980x%26c%3D2471890131%22%7D" expand=1]

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2F07%2F6359044215429744071459305392_CNBLUE%2520-%2520Can%2527t%2520Stop%2520M_V_1228-MOTION.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=170&h=343e52851adc4b86f9089cfc76f337d47a19883a90bc46b62f3675e0fa59f772&size=980x&c=5202791 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F02%252F07%252F6359044215429744071459305392_CNBLUE%252520-%252520Can%252527t%252520Stop%252520M_V_1228-MOTION.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com%26s%3D170%26h%3D343e52851adc4b86f9089cfc76f337d47a19883a90bc46b62f3675e0fa59f772%26size%3D980x%26c%3D5202791%22%7D" expand=1]

This concept is used to bring out the musicality of the artists and prove that they are worthy of being called "musicians." Idols have a negative stigma of being untalented to be considered a musician or artist. Through recent shows broadcasting the versatility and wide range of vocals of idols, self-written compositions and instrument use, this stigma has died down.


8. Gender Swap Concepts

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2F07%2F635904424020694135-1946888241_tumblr_nq69k1VUPY1rcdlmio1_540.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=380&h=31a27be0fa0f6d5046e56c2f7362090a1143d63f8ed837f8319e2109c4fb9e36&size=980x&c=2458645590 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F02%252F07%252F635904424020694135-1946888241_tumblr_nq69k1VUPY1rcdlmio1_540.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com%26s%3D380%26h%3D31a27be0fa0f6d5046e56c2f7362090a1143d63f8ed837f8319e2109c4fb9e36%26size%3D980x%26c%3D2458645590%22%7D" expand=1]

This concept is either used for comedy purposes, perform songs of an opposite gender artist or group or for fashion. Ren of Nu'est gained large interest for matching the feminine concept. Many females have commented, "He's prettier than me." He is shown in the first picture below.


9. Suits Concept

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2F07%2F6359044257242940971168804849_tumblr_n1q5mxcjYi1siyk8bo1_500.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=284&h=0ef9554052d9bb463b5e584e719d95cb67abf3f03982b479a7cba4ae563f8c5e&size=980x&c=361993336 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F02%252F07%252F6359044257242940971168804849_tumblr_n1q5mxcjYi1siyk8bo1_500.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com%26s%3D284%26h%3D0ef9554052d9bb463b5e584e719d95cb67abf3f03982b479a7cba4ae563f8c5e%26size%3D980x%26c%3D361993336%22%7D" expand=1]

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2F07%2F6359044259027232271712017385_wpid-tumblr_npxzjwn2cm1qbb8n2o1_540.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=639&h=d72a5d53ec69c448d372385ea65a73d23574b690b72f513ff29fa4b3d585ba37&size=980x&c=1635363423 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F02%252F07%252F6359044259027232271712017385_wpid-tumblr_npxzjwn2cm1qbb8n2o1_540.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com%26s%3D639%26h%3Dd72a5d53ec69c448d372385ea65a73d23574b690b72f513ff29fa4b3d585ba37%26size%3D980x%26c%3D1635363423%22%7D" expand=1]

This concept is used by both female and male stars. This style displays sophistication and formality.


10. Fantasy Concepts

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2F07%2F635904428172289372-1251283069_tumblr_msnxugEMcG1s2qgjzo1_500.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=548&h=1ddf87f345ba402987b9e0fcd05c71444ad944c3dd90c23dbba02b8bcac30eb9&size=980x&c=1149419858 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F02%252F07%252F635904428172289372-1251283069_tumblr_msnxugEMcG1s2qgjzo1_500.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com%26s%3D548%26h%3D1ddf87f345ba402987b9e0fcd05c71444ad944c3dd90c23dbba02b8bcac30eb9%26size%3D980x%26c%3D1149419858%22%7D" expand=1]

This concept is used for music videos, fashion and the performance of a song. From werewolves to robots, the concepts are used to make key dance moves and bring in more fans.


11. Military, Police or Sailor Uniforms

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2F07%2F635904431878680061-1401153304_97fb8419ad5380df956dcd2b86c28c93ba32935b_hq.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=532&h=8ac4304925ce15f94cb9f1fb119148fc25ab7c34e4d200bc75b00052e16f1fcf&size=980x&c=2263284779 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F02%252F07%252F635904431878680061-1401153304_97fb8419ad5380df956dcd2b86c28c93ba32935b_hq.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com%26s%3D532%26h%3D8ac4304925ce15f94cb9f1fb119148fc25ab7c34e4d200bc75b00052e16f1fcf%26size%3D980x%26c%3D2263284779%22%7D" expand=1]

[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F02%2F07%2F6359044322372069922021935397_d2594e37e2314dcd9fa0509aab812cee.gif&ho=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com&s=41&h=c433574d96ccceed669b1dd764a53dd31ec1ee46097d67f3e7661a5cfc2cf3b7&size=980x&c=258484235 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F02%252F07%252F6359044322372069922021935397_d2594e37e2314dcd9fa0509aab812cee.gif%26ho%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn1.theodysseyonline.com%26s%3D41%26h%3Dc433574d96ccceed669b1dd764a53dd31ec1ee46097d67f3e7661a5cfc2cf3b7%26size%3D980x%26c%3D258484235%22%7D" expand=1]

This style is modeled to imitate the polished clean look and emphasize the synchronization of the dances of idols.


12. The Hanbok Concept

The hanbok is Korean traditional clothing. This outfit is usually worn on holidays, weddings and at other formal events. This look is heavily praised and gathers tons of interest because the light make-up is applied for these outfits and emphasizes natural beauty.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

Fall Is Here!

10 reasons why you should love fall

1205
Fall Is Here!
Photo Cred: T Stangell

It's officially fall, which means I am happy, so very happy. Fall is hands down the best season on the planet. Below, I will go over reasons as to why fall is the best and should be loved by everyone.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Coffee! Coffee! Coffee!

Lorelai Gilmore and I are kindred spirits.

2947
Coffee! Coffee! Coffee!

When I was in high school, I was the occasional coffee drinker, if you could call it that. I would drink Starbucks frappuccinos and iced mocha drinks, which were more like snacks than coffee, BUT they had coffee in them, so I said I drank coffee. I progressed from my love of “snack drinks" to a more general appreciation of coffee, and would have a cup of coffee once a week or so. My “cup of coffee" would consist of a little coffee and a lot of cream and sugar, but it was coffee nonetheless. Then I started college.

Keep Reading...Show less
14 of the Most Revolutionary Short Films of All Time
JoinOneLove

Today's society places a ridiculous amount of importance on social media and what we see on our computer screens. Some of these short films you might have seen shared on Facebook. Some of them you may have never even heard of. Whatever the case may be, these productions have used thier position of power in our world today to spread a message. The messages vary from domestic violence, LGBTQ acceptance, self-love, the role of men in society to end the unfair treatment towards women and even the promotion of the furtherence of medical discovery in our country. Regardless of the message, each film advertises something that needs far more screen time than Victoria's Secret Fashion shows or Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Here are 14 of the best and most revolutionary short films to date:

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Heading Home For The Summer

Why go somewhere fun when you can go home?

3354
girl with parents

Well, this school year has come to a close, and it's off to having fun in the sun. For college students, summer offers a few different options: get an internship somewhere AMAZING like NYC, India or somewhere else awesome, travel, stay in your college town or go home for the summer. Whatever the reasoning, many people do end up going home and living with their parents during the summer. Many things are different when you go home for the summer. After almost a whole year being an adult, it's time to return to your parent's home and follow rules that you threw to the wind the second you stepped on campus last fall. And you get to see all your old friends, the ones who came home anyway. You'll also see people you haven't talked to since you graduated that you were really okay with never seeing again. If you are going home for the summer, here are some things that will happen to you.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

14 Signs You Have A Big Butt

You will only understand these if you have a big rear end.

112219
Kim Kardashian pours champagne onto her big butt
celebitchy.com

The 'big booty' is all the rage right now, thanks to Kim Kardashian. People are getting butt implants just to have that 'perfect butt.' But what a lot of people don't realize is having a big butt kind of sucks. Here some things you will understand if you have a big butt.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments