Music is something that ties many people together. There are people who like the more typical genres such as rock, pop, hip-hop, jazz and classical. Korean pop music, more commonly known as K-pop, has been becoming increasingly popular just within the past decade. Groups such as SHINee, EXO, f(x), BTS, TWICE, GOT7 and newcomer BLACKPINK are reaching a more international audience and beginning to break records. Just recently, BTS's new album "WINGS" debuted at number 26 on the Billboard 200 chart. This marks the best week for any K-pop album. K-pop stars are now even daring to make strides in American music. CL, a member of girl group, 2NE1, who has been on hiatus, made her American debut with her song "Lifted," and many Korean musicians such as Chanyeol of EXO and Tiffany of Girl's Generation are featured on Far East Movement's new album "Identity."
Nevertheless, many new fans of K-pop tend to be overwhelmed by the flashy videos, heavily choreographed dances and the many members of various groups. Trust me, I've been there, So, if there are any of you out there reading this that need a little boost in order to dive into the world of K-pop, here is a little guide with the basics you should know.
1. Terminology
Much like any language, K-pop has a terminology and slang that is all its own. The important terms to learn are "bias," "bias wrecker," "aegyo" and "sasaeng." "Bias" and "bias wrecker" refer to someone's favorite member of a group they like or their favorite K-pop idol overall. "Bias wrecker" is an idol who frequently tests someone's love for their ultimate idol. "Aegyo" refers to a cuteness that idols will sometimes do to please fans, although there are plenty of idols who are really bad at it (I'm looking at you, Park Jimin of BTS). Finally, a "sasaeng" is an obsessive fan of an idol or group (If anything, you don't want to be this). There's plenty of other terms to know, but that would make this article way too long, so those are the important ones to get you started.
2. Groups and group members
Just in the past nine years, 244 groups debuted. K-pop groups tend to have as little as four to as many as 12 members. NCT, SM's newest boy band, has as many as 40 members. Entertainment companies tend to form larger groups and then split the group into units, or smaller groups, this is the case for NCT. EXO, another popular group both domestically and internationally, used to perform as two separate units, with one promoting in Korea and one promoting in China, before three of the 12 members left. Now, EXO has just debuted a new unit with three of the members. Although the groups may be big in number, dedicated fans take the time to figure out who is who and usually have no problem memorizing names.
3. International reach
Not all K-pop idols are from Korea or are even Korean. In fact, there are a number of idols who are from other countries. It's very common for entertainment companies to hold auditions in other countries and then have their new recruits move to Korea. There are many idols from China, Hong Kong, Thailand, America and even Australia. Because of this, K-pop has reached more international fans than ever before.
4. Trainees, training periods and debut
Here in the states, many musicians start off as independent artists and then eventually become picked up by record labels. When it comes to K-pop, idols go through a very formal process. Usually if one wants to become an idol, they have to audition for an entertainment company. If they are accepted into the company, they go through a training period to prepare them for their debut. This training period can last from a year to at least six. In the months leading up to a debut of a group, the company may release teaser trailers or pictures of the members and upload music video trailers to give the public a taste of the group.
5. Music videos
K-pop has always been known for its music videos which sometimes have an unusual feel to it. However, once you get over the initial shock of the level of production, you're looking at some of the most popular music videos of all time. Super Junior's, "Mr. Simple" has over 110 million views, making it one of the most watched K-pop videos ever. More recently, BTS's, "Blood, Sweat, and Tears" was viewed more than six million times in 24 hours, and BLACKPINK's, "Playing with Fire" was viewed more than four million times in 24 hours. While watching a K-pop music video for the first time is an experience, they are a part of the culture that makes it so unique.
There you go. Those are some of the basics in order to start your adventure into K-pop. If you still need a diving off point, Billboard has a section of their website dedicated to K-pop and has articles about some of the hottest groups right now. Farewell, my dear readers! I will be over here watching BTS's, "Dope" on repeat.
