If you happen to be a regular reader of my Odyssey posts, you may know I write a lot about what makes me happy, especially K-pop.

I truly adore K-pop. From the music to the members of various groups, I always feel immense happiness after watching a performance video or listening to my favorite group's music.

Now, I know my obsession with K-pop can be weird for some people to understand, but I'm a firm believer in trying not to judge things you are unfamiliar with until you give them a chance.

My journey with loving K-pop is somewhat recent. It all started when I watched BTS perform on "Saturday Night Live". As a huge fan of comedy, I always watch "SNL" and it just so happened that BTS was the musical guest on April 13th, 2019. Ever since that date, I have grown to appreciate and love K-pop.

Before my obsession with everything K-pop started, I was aware of its presence, but I never ventured into the genre. I didn't know what to expect or if I would like it or not. I think I was hesitant because I didn't know how I could understand and enjoy songs in a completely different language.

Yes, the language barrier between English and Korean is very prominent; however, it doesn't have to prevent you from enjoying and understanding what they are saying. Both subtitles and Genius lyrics have been a huge help to me. Popular groups typically add subs to their videos, and if they're not directly on the video, lots of people will translate and write the subs on Youtube.

Even though K-pop idols are singing in Korean, that shouldn't stop you from enjoying their amazing vocals and music. I usually look up the translated lyrics on Genius or on a color coded lyric Youtube video. This was a new adjustment for me at first because I'm so used to knowing what a singer is talking about in their song by just listening to the lyrics, but now I have to seek out translations.

K-pop groups also offer so much more than just singing. Another one of their other outstanding qualities is dancing. From watching them perform or watching their dance practices, you can see how talented they are. I am constantly watching these types of videos because I love seeing the choreography and my favorite artists doing what they love.

[CHOREOGRAPHY] BTS (방탄소년단) 'IDOL' Dance Practicewww.youtube.com

One of my favorite things about all the K-pop groups I listen to is the special bond between members that forms within each group. In addition to listening to their music and watching their performances, I also watch them on Korean variety shows and their own variety shows. The relationships they have built up with one another are constantly overflowing with love and respect.

I truly regret not getting into this genre sooner because I've honestly never been happier listening to one group's discography. Once you get into K-pop, you realize it's so much more than just singing and dancing. You realize how strong the bond between members is within each group and how a group dynamic should work.

If you're looking to get into K-pop, I highly recommend BTS. They have over 130 songs and tons of content, including music videos, dance practices, and their variety show, "Run BTS!". NCT and EXO are also incredible groups that I would recommend getting into if you're interested in listening to K-pop.

https://www.facebook.com/btsjnghsk/photos/pcb.542972619419712/542972132753094/?type=3&theater

I absolutely adore writing about K-pop, and in the future, I plan on also creating a post that contains a beginner's guide to understanding K-pop.

As a passionate fan of many K-pop groups, and the genre in general, I hope you'll give K-pop a chance and listen to it before judging it.