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K-Pop: The New Rage in India | Bhavleen Kaur Sethi


K-pop, or Korean popular music, is a genre of popular music that has its roots in South Korea and is a component of the culture of that nation. In addition to its origins in traditional Korean music, it incorporates forms and genres from around the world, including pop, hip hop, R&B, rock, jazz, gospel, reggae, electronic dance, folk, country, disco, and classical. In the 2000s, "K-pop" gained popularity, particularly on a global scale. Gayo is the term used in Korea for domestic pop music, and it is still often used in South Korea. Although the term "K-pop" can be used to describe any popular or pop music from South Korea, it is frequently used generally to refer to any Korean music and artists connected to the nation's entertainment and idol industries, regardless of genre.

Unlike other musical genres, contemporary K-pop can be traced back to a specific day: April 11, 1992, the day Seo Taiji and Boys debuted their music on television. Due to their striking resemblance to current Kpop groups, Seo Taiji and Boys are regarded as Korea's original Kpop group. Mid 1990s, the group was active and well-known for experimenting with many musical styles. Integrating rap into K-pop, for instance, was something they pioneered. This served as the inspiration for the establishment of all of your favourite pop groups in the Korean music industry, including SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment, which were all founded in 1995, 1997, and 1998, respectively.


Seo Taiji

Since the early 2000s, South Korean pop music has become extremely well-known because to the internet and the development of social media. South Korean music is growing in popularity as it becomes more widely available. They gradually surface in local news and television programmes in many nations as well as on social media. This achievement is made possible by the characteristics of K-pop, such as synchronised dancing moves, simple songs with catchy hooks, and the outward beauty of every member of K-pop groups. Some of these idols are especially well-known in dramas as the stars who portrayed the characters' roles in the OSTs.

Back in 2018, In a meeting with his Korean counterpart, Moon Jae-In, President Ramnath Kovind emphasised the rich shared cultural legacy between India and Korea. Years later, one of the most beautiful forms of art, music, has only served to enrich that heritage. "From Gangnam Style to Korea's band 'BTS,' our youth are captivated by the tunes of these iconic pop groups," President Kovind stated.

Characteristics (Features of K-pop music):

Audiovisual Content:

K-pop, which mainly refers to South Korean popular music and the related industry, is viewed by some as an all-encompassing genre showcasing a wide range of musical and visual aspects. K-pop is described by the French National Audiovisual Institute as a "fusion of synthesised music, sharp dance routines, and fashionable, colourful outfits." Pop, rock, hip hop, R&B, and electronic music genres are often included in a single song or in combination.

Systemic Training of Artists:

Potential artists are given legally binding contracts by South Korean management companies, sometimes at a young age. In order to prepare for their debut, trainees spend numerous hours each day training to sing, dance, speak foreign languages, and acquire other abilities while living together in a controlled environment. The "robotic" training system is frequently criticised by Western media. According to a 2012 Wall Street Journal article, it costs an average of US$3 million to train one Korean star for SM Entertainment.

Hybrid genre and transnational values:

The principles, identities, and meanings of K-pop go beyond its purely commercial significance, making it a cultural product. It is distinguished by a combination of contemporary Western sounds and African American elements (including sounds from Hip-hop, R&B, Jazz, black pop, soul, funk, techno, disco, house, and Afrobeats), as well as a Korean aspect of performance. (including synchronised dance moves, formation changes and the so-called "point choreography" consisting of hooking and repetitive key movements). It has been noted that Korean popular culture possesses a "vision of modernisation." For some, K-pop's success can be attributed to its global values.

Dance:

K-pop includes dance as a fundamental component. Using a technique known as "formation changing," many singers will frequently change positions while singing and dancing. The so-called "point dance," which refers to a dance made up of hooking and repeated movements within the choreography that fits the qualities of the lyrics of the song, is a common feature of K-pop choreography. Songs with significant "point" choreography include Super Junior's "Sorry Sorry" and Brown Eyed Girls' "Abracadabra." The writers must take the tempo into mind when choreographing a dance to a song.

Fashion:

Starting in the late 2000s, K-pop evolved into a contemporary fusion of Western and Asian cultures, and K-pop fashion trends also expressed diversity and individuality. In Asia, K-pop has a big impact on fashion since youthful fans follow trends set by their idols. The following categories best describe fashion trends from the late 2000s to the beginning of the 2010s:

· Street fashion emphasises uniqueness; includes vivid colours, mix-and-match styling, graphic designs, and sports brands like Adidas and Reebok.

· Retro seeks to revive "nostalgia" from the 1960s through 1980s; includes dot prints and intricate patterns. Denim jackets, wide pants, boot-cut pants, hair bands, scarves, and sunglasses are examples of common apparel pieces.

· Black and white emphasises modernity and style, represents grace and charisma, and is typically used for formal attire.

· Futurism is frequently worn with electronic and hip-hop genres; it incorporates brightly coloured objects, metallic embellishments, and designs, and it promotes a futuristic outlook.

K-Pop: The New Rage in India:

K-Pop music has become so popular over the last year or two in India that Gen Z is practically addicted to it 24 hours each day. Late in May, the euphoria even helped 18-year-old Shreya Lenka from Odisha, a small-town girl, become the first K-pop star in India when she won the global audition held by DR Music. As a result, the singer gained membership in the well-known K-Pop girl group Blackswan. It is no longer a secret that young people in India are madly in love with K-pop. However, this journey didn't begin in 2022. It was growing.

Something exceptional had previously influenced India's music fans back in 2021. The well-known K-Pop group Bangtan Boys (BTS) topped Twitter India's music trends last year and received a staggering 1.52 billion views on YouTube in India alone. And within 24 hours after the release of Dynamite, BTS had 8 million Indian fans like the video. The extraordinary rise also pushed them to the dizzying heights of being featured as Next Generation Leaders on the cover of TIME magazine. The following are the factors that make K-pop popular, a cult, and a religion among Gen Z:

One of Us:

India's youth are desperate for role models who reflect their unique way of life. They are not looking at a perfect person. They desire a person who is human, someone who is not scared to make errors, a person who, upon falling, immediately stands up and continues. Viha Bhosekar, a bright young vocalist from Bangalore, claims that they are "extremely relatable." "Like our celebrities, we fans grew up in a similar era. For instance, TXT switched from stories about teenagers growing up to more mature content about people falling in love in their early 20s. She exclaims with pride, "I love it (K-Pop) to the point of crying!"

Getting Goofy:

The Gen Z generation is completely obsessed with the actions you take when you are completely inactive. A sense of isolation brought on by the pandemic calls for comfort in the shape of simple silly nothings. The K-Pop groups like spending their leisure time together at resorts and amusement parks while playing innocent games at one another's expense. Their onscreen presence is complemented by their off-screen personalities, which keeps them authentic. And the Army can't get enough of this. (ARMY is the official name of BTS fans and stands for Adorable Representative MC for Youth.)

Universe of its own:

The K-Pop music teleports the listener into its own parallel universe. The stylish set designs and the energetic colour choices are appealing to Gen Z and provide escape from the monotony. The use of space and sci-fi elements reflects the growth of AI and technological ideas coexisting with Barbie's version of Wonderland.

Killer Dance Moves:

K-Pop emphasises dancing almost as much as it does music. The choreography is frequently gigantic and intricate. To perfect a single routine, K-Pop idols work out for 8 to 9 hours every day for several weeks. And this is clear from their live performance, which frequently immerses the audience in an incredible adventure. 127's Kick by NCT had choreography that was influenced by martial arts, a flying kick from a rapper, and superhero-level personality. Deveshi Kumar, a bubbly ten-year-old from Ranchi, is completely impressed of K-pop, particularly the female group Blackpink. The young girl exclaims,"I wish there was a Junior K-Pop Idol. I would love to be one," while praising their wonderful dance.

From K-pop to K-beauty:

Young people in India and the rest of the world have been admiring the coolness of K-Pop idols' personal style. The K-Pop teenage boys are really cool and self-assured since they do not shy away from makeup. The fans are pretty excited about their vibrant clothing and mid-song wardrobe changes. One of the BTS stars, Kim Seok-jin, introduces himself as Worldwide Handsome, and he immediately becomes popular for being fashionable. Sangeetha Rajeev, an independent singer and performer, has the same opinion. "We had grown up falling in love with the youthful, attractive Backstreet Boys. Suddenly there was an empty space. That’s where BTS grasped the moment. Young, Gorgeous, and with a Great Sense of Fashion!

According to fashion experts, both boys and girls enjoy using the 10-step skin care programme to obtain flawless skin by following the beauty routine of their K-Pop characters. Ironically, K-Pop quietly but significantly contributed to the growth of the country's cosmetics and grooming sector. This sector, currently known as K-beauty, is anticipated to reach a global market size of USD 20 billion by 2026.

Top 7 K-Pop Groups:

The music industry has been completely overtaken by these top 7 KPOP groups! Their success rates in the music business are proof that they have won over many hearts. These bands have established themselves through their timeless songs and distinctive choreography. They consequently made a big impression on people all around the world.
BTS


BTS:

One of the most popular groups in the genre, this boy band of seven members ruled the charts and took home several prizes. They have a large, international fan base. They discuss mental health, self-love, and acceptance in their lyrics, which are primarily personal and social commentary.

They also display the group's amazing coordination and intensity while performing complex choreography. They frequently work together with other musicians, pushing the envelope and attempting new sounds. The KPOP standard-setters BTS have raised the bar and inspired others with their creativity and originality. They are a must-see group. BTS is renowned for its distinctive flair and elegance.

They frequently coordinate their clothing with vibrant colours. BTS is a fantastic group that has solidified its position as one of the greatest overall.

· Started On: June 12, 2013

· Member Names: RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook.

· Current Followers: 70.9 M

BlackPink



BlackPink:

Since making their debut in 2016, the Korean four-piece female group has dominated the global music landscape. They have countless followers all over the world due to their distinctive fusion of pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music.

Their songs have danceable beats and distinctive hooks that make them catchy and cheerful. Their distinctive sound has instantly won them fans, and their music videos have been praised for their eye-catching design and creative ideas.

BLACKPINK is well known for its dynamic performances. Their complex and impactful choreography highlights their musicality and agility. Each member of the group showcases their individual skills and personalities in their captivating live performances.

In its brief career, BLACKPINK has already crossed some remarkable milestones. In addition, they have won various accolades for their innovative music.

· Started On: August 8, 2016

· Member Names: Jennie Kim, Lalisa Manobal, Jisoo, Rosé

· Current Followers: 52M

Seventeen:

Since 2015, this 13-member boy band has been stunning listeners with their inventive music, energising dancing, and contagious enthusiasm. SEVENTEEN contributes something distinctive to the music world with everything from their lively title tunes to their moving ballads.

To get a sense of their diverse variety of sound, listen to singles like "Don't Wanna Cry" and "Clap." You'll be singing along as soon as you hear their upbeat, electro-pop sound. Plus, you'll like watching their elaborate dances.

SEVENTEEN has also been praised for its self-production. Members design stage clothes, make music, and choreograph performances. SEVENTEEN brings something genuinely original to the table with their artistic vision.

· Started On: May 26, 2015

· Member Names: S.coups, Wonwoo, Mingyu, Vernon (the hip-hop unit); Woozi, Jeonghan, Joshua, DK, Seungkwan (the vocal unit); Hoshi, Jun, The8, Dino

· Current Followers: 10.8 M

Itzy:

ITZY made its debut in February 2019 and have been gaining popularity among fans all around the world ever since with their smash tune "Dalla Dalla." Hip-hop, EDM, and pop components are combined in their lively, energising music to provide a distinctive sound.

The music videos for ITZY are as entertaining as their songs. The dancers' excellent abilities are displayed by the flawless choreography, which is constantly on spot. ITZY consistently offers you all something new and fascinating with its vibrant and eye-catching concepts.

· Started On: February 12, 2019

· Member Names: Ryujin, Yuna, Yeji, Chaeryeong, Lia

· Current Followers: 18.3 M

BigBang


BigBang:

The K-pop scene has been dominated by this five-member group. It made its debut in 2006 and has continued to grow ever since.Five full-length studio albums, one live album, three compilation albums, and four extended plays have all been released by BIGBANG. Their songs have a distinctive sound that combines hip-hop, R&B, and irresistible pop hooks. They've also worked with some of the biggest stars in music, like G-Dragon and Sky Ferreira.

They are one of the most popular K-pop groups because to their music's over 5 billion streams. On the Billboard World Digital Songs list, their tracks "Bang Bang Bang" and "Fantastic Baby" both peaked at number one.

BIGBANG is also well known for their outstanding live performance. The biggest music festivals in the world, such as Coachella and SXSW, have included their performances. They are a must-see live act due to their engaging stage presence and strong choreography.

There's no denying that BIGBANG is one of the greatest K-pop groups of all time, due to their timeless songs and enthusiastic live performances. They continue to serve as an example for young musicians everywhere because of their perseverance and hard work.

· Started On: August 19, 2006

· Member Names: G-Dragon, Taeyang, T.O.P, Seungri, Daesung

· Current Followers: 13 M

Red Velvet:

This five-member girl group, which was formed in 2014, has captivated the world with its distinct style and sound. In addition to full-length albums like "The ReVe Festival: Finale" and "The ReVe Festival: Day 1," Red Velvet has released a number of singles that have reached the top of the charts, such as "Red Flavor" and "Psycho." Their distinctive music combines pop, R&B, and EDM components to create a genuinely unique listening experience.

However, Red Velvet isn’t just about their music. But They are also renowned for their excellent taste in clothing and impressive stage presence. Red Velvet has a reputation for putting on some of the most thrilling live performances. Their stage presence is exciting, and their choreography is always spot-on. Red Velvet consistently puts on shows that are entertaining.

· Started On: August 1, 2014

· Member Names: Irene, Joy, Yeri, Wendy, Seulgi

· Current Followers: 11.9 M

TXT

TXT:

The hottest K-pop group nowadays is TOMORROW X TOGETHER, or TXT. This amazing septet made its debut in 2019, and success has been building ever since. Its musical style is a mashup of pop, hip-hop, and rock. Their album The Dream Chapter: STAR has received accolades for its upbeat beats, memorable melodies, and humorous lyrics. You all enjoy the unique sound and style that each of these albums offers.

The group also has a distinctive look. They stand out from other groups due to their vibrant, striking attire. Their live performances are consistently well-received, and their choreography is smooth and energetic. Members of TXT are excellent role models. They try to make the world a better place and let you know that everything is possible. Additionally, they've appeared on TV shows, variety shows, and radio programs.

· Started On: March 4, 2019

· Member Names: Yeonjun, Soobin, Beomgyu, Huening Kai, Taehyun

· Current Followers: 13.3 M

Most Popular K-pop Songs:

· Psy: Gangnam Style

· Super Junior: Sorry Sorry

· Infinite: Be Mine

· Brown Eyed Girls: Abracadabra

· Blackpink: DDU DU DDU DU

· Big Bang: Lies

· Exo: Monster

· BTS: DNA, Boys With Luv

· Girls’ Generation: Gee

· Twice: TT

· 2NE1: I Am the Best

· Wonder Girls: Nobody

· iKon: Love Scenario

K-pop has become a global phenomenon, which has given rise to a whole sector of the economy that includes businesses that produce music, arrange events, distribute music, and offer other merchandise and services. The "Big Three," which are commonly referred to as the three largest businesses in terms of sales and revenue, are SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment.

K-pop experienced substantial development in 2018 and grew to become a "power player," with a 17.9% increase in income. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry's "Global Music Report 2019," Korean popular music is now positioned at number six among the top ten music markets worldwide, with BTS and Blackpink named as performers driving the industry growth. K-pop had a record-breaking year in 2020, expanding by 44.8% and taking the top spot among the year's fastest-growing main markets.

Gen Z India looks up to their K-Pop idols for hearing out and understanding their sorrows and insecurities despite being a generation that is frequently criticised for being careless, borderline lazy, and entitled. In spite of the complexities of youth and growing up, K-Pop is able to uncover their skill and true personality because they have aspiration buried deep inside of them. The Gen Z generation shares the spirit of the song "I'm diamond," which is featured in the popular BTS song Dynamite. You are aware of my brightness. K-pop groups have won over millions of fans with their memorable songs, incredible dancing, and distinctive visuals. Both their concerts and their music are always energetic and passionate.

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