WRITER – GAURI ANAND KAKDE
EDITOR – ARPITA JENA
What is K-pop?
K-pop means Korean pop music.It includes singing, dancing, rapping, acting, fashion, and live performances.
K-pop idols are not just singers — they are trained performers who can sing, dance, model, and sometimes act in dramas and movies.Today, K-pop is famous all over the world, but this didn’t happen overnight.
1. The Beginning of K-pop (Before the 1990s)
Before K-pop became popular, Korea mostly listened to traditional music or simple ballad songs.
In the 1970s and 1980s, some singers like Cho Yong-pil experimented with new styles like rock and pop.However, Korea’s music industry was still small at that time.
2. The Real Start of K-pop (1992)
In 1992, a group called Seo Taiji and Boys performed on TV.They mixed Korean lyrics with rap, hip-hop, dance, and Western pop music.
At that time, no one in Korea had seen such a performance before.They also wore cool street clothes, danced in sync, and sang about social issues.
Because of Seo Taiji and Boys, many people in Korea started loving this new style of music.This is why 1992 is known as the birth of modern K-pop.
3. First Generation K-pop (1996–2000)
After Seo Taiji, entertainment companies started creating idol groups.They trained young trainees for years in singing, dancing, acting, and foreign languages.
Popular first-generation groups included:
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H.O.T. – Korea’s first boy group to gain massive popularity
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Sechs Kies – Another famous boy group from that time
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S.E.S. and Fin.K.L – Famous girl groups
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Shinhwa – One of the longest-running K-pop groups
These groups had huge fan clubs. Fans began supporting their idols with light sticks, banners, and fan chants.This was the beginning of K-pop fandom culture.
4. Second Generation K-pop (2003–2012)
In the early 2000s, K-pop became more popular across Asia.Fans from China, Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia started listening to K-pop.
Famous second-generation groups included:
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TVXQ (DBSK)
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Super Junior
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Girls’ Generation (SNSD)
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BIGBANG
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Wonder Girls
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2NE1
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SHINee
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KARA
In 2009, the Wonder Girls became the first K-pop group to enter the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. with their song “Nobody.”This was K-pop’s first step into the American market.At this time, the word “Hallyu” (Korean Wave) began to be used.K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean fashion started becoming popular in other countries as well.
5. Fourth Generation K-pop (2020–Present)
The fourth generation of K-pop began around 2020.
Idols now use TikTok, online fan meetings, and virtual concerts to connect with fans.K-pop has become even more creative and high-tech.
Famous fourth-generation groups include:
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Stray Kids – Known for self-producing their songs
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ATEEZ – Known for their powerful performances
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TXT (Tomorrow X Together) – Known for their youth themes and catchy songs
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ENHYPEN – Formed through the survival show I-LAND
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ITZY – Known for their girl-crush concept
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aespa – Known for AI virtual members and a futuristic concept
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NewJeans, IVE, and LE SSERAFIM – Popular girl groups that broke records quickly
Today, K-pop groups are breaking records on Spotify, YouTube, Billboard, and iTunes.
6. Love for K-pop
K-pop is special because of:
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Catchy music – Songs mix pop, rap, R&B, and EDM
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Perfect dancing – Idols practice for years to dance in perfect sync
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Fashion and visuals – Idols always look stylish and trendy
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Fan interaction – Idols talk with fans through social media
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Fun content – Idols share vlogs, dance practices, behind-the-scenes videos, and games
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Strong fandoms – Fans support their idols by streaming music, voting, and attending concerts
7. K-pop Today
Today, K-pop is not just about music and dance — it has become a major part of global culture.Many fans around the world start learning the Korean language so they can understand their favorite idols’ songs, interviews, and live broadcasts without subtitles.K-pop has also sparked interest in Korean food.
Fans try popular dishes like ramyeon, tteokbokki, kimchi, and Korean BBQ.Some even cook Korean food at home or visit Korean restaurants in their cities.K-pop idols are also famous for their fashion and beauty.
Fans love to copy their clothes, hairstyles, and makeup.Many use Korean skincare products that idols promote.K-pop has also boosted Korean tourism.Fans travel to Korea to attend concerts, visit K-pop companies, buy official merchandise, and explore places related to their favorite idols.Because of K-pop, Korea earns a lot of money from album sales, concert tickets, merchandise, and tourism.New jobs have been created, including K-pop dance teachers, stylists, lightstick designers, and music producers.In short, K-pop is now a global cultural phenomenon.It connects people to Korean language, food, fashion, travel, and business — and it continues to grow every year.
Conclusion
K-pop started with Seo Taiji and Boys in 1992.It grew through artists like H.O.T. and BoA, to BIGBANG, Girls’ Generation, and BTS.
Now, groups like BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, TXT, and NewJeans are leading the new generation.K-pop is still evolving and will continue to be one of the most popular music industries in the world.
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