We have definitely progressed past the point where we choose not to like music just because we don’t understand the language. I mean, can you honestly tell me you understand what’s being said in all of your favorite rap songs? Music is so much more than the language; it’s the meaning behind the music, the composition of the music, and the artistry that goes into it. K-pop has all of those things and more, creating something completely different from western music as we know it. K-pop has the ability to consistently create something new, while still incorporating some of the best parts of western music. This extensive genre of music is taking over the world more than ever before; its western reach and fanbase is growing everyday which is exactly why you should take the chance to get into it now.
As an active K-pop multi-stan, here are some reasons you should start listening to k-pop and maybe, just maybe, you’ll find yourself becoming a fan.
- K-pop is more than just “pop”
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K-pop expands the boundaries that simplifies it into “pop” music and encompasses more than 50 genres. From hip-hop, rock, and funk to ballad, alternative, and jazz, k-pop has it all. Boy groups, girl groups, bands, and solo artists alike explore all the genres music has to offer, but to make it simple we just call it k-pop. That being said, there’s something for everyone’s style. If I want to cry, there are lyrical ballads for that and if I want to have a dance party all by myself there’s dance pop and hip-hop. K-pop is full of incredible vocalists and rappers who deserved to be recognized for their talent, not just by those in South Korea, but around the world. In order to give you a nice introduction, I have compiled a playlist of k-pop stans’ go-to songs for getting into k-pop. And, surprise! There actually are songs in English which you’ll be able to fully understand. Since I reached out to many k-pop fans, there’s a wide range of k-pop incorporated into this playlist so I hope you find something that fits your style. Click here to listen!
- The performances are an art form
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One of the biggest differences between k-pop and western music is the performance piece that defines k-pop. When releasing a new album, k-pop groups have a title track they promote and usually a second song they promote as well. With these songs comes performances. Unlike western music, k-pop groups promote on Korean music shows for weeks after their new album is released and these promotions usually consist of incredibly choreographed performances. They then take these performances a step further when it comes to performances on Music Award Shows or reality shows. The performances become even more about telling a story. For example, The Boyz took part in a show called “Road To Kingdom” where various boy groups competed against each other. The Boyz used this show to create a storyline within their performances, so the performance from one night would connect to the performance the next week. Not only did they create a story, but they incorporated so many unique and incredible stunts that took their performances to the next level. Performances like these allow you to get invested into the music and the story it’s telling and it’s something truly amazing to witness.
- Immaculate choreography
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As I stated in the last point, k-pop creates performances like no other. Since I am someone who loves watching people dance, the way choreography and performance play a role in k-pop made it something so much more for me. I not only get to listen to amazing music, but I get to watch these groups come up with brand new choreography everytime they release new music. One of my favorite groups, Ateez, has some of the most intense choreography I’ve ever seen and when you watch it you will just be in awe. It’s more than just the synchronization or dance moves, it’s the facial expression and emotions exuded in the choreography that hooks you and reels you in. What I have included for you to watch isn’t even a final, perfect performance and the energy they put into it is insane.
- You get new music throughout the entire year
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Rather than getting one album a year, k-pop groups will release music two to three times a year with mini-albums, and even full length albums. The mini-albums are similar to EPs in western music in which the album usually has up to 7 songs. While the fans may not always get a full length album, they can look forward to new music throughout the year. New mini-albums means new concepts, new choreography and months of excitement. When I first became a k-pop stan this was one of the most intriguing things to me because I hate waiting a year, or more (I’m looking at you Lorde) for new music from my favorite artists. For most k-pop stans, there’s never an opportunity to be bored; there’s always something happening or something to look forward to.
Now, I’ve told you some of the amazing reasons you should start listening to k-pop, but I must now tell you the one reason being into k-pop is hard. Your wallet will suffer. In the beginning you’ll tell yourself you don’t need to buy an album, because who even listens to CDs anymore? Then you’ll buy your first one, everyone does at some point. And it’s not the CD that’s going to hook you. No, it’s the tiny pieces of paper that come with it. The photocards. A staple in k-pop albums are the photocards, which are small, polaroid-sized pieces of cardstock-like paper with k-pop idols on them. The thing is, one album usually just gives you one to three photocards (sometimes more if you’re lucky), but this is for a group of 5 to 13 idols which means the photocards are always a surprise and you don’t get one of each member. That’s how they keep getting your money. K-pop stans will buy multiple albums, ranging from $15 to $50, just for photocards. It’s truly capitalism at its finest, and we eat it up. I can say I am guilty of this excitement over these pieces of paper but the thing with getting k-pop albums is that they really emphasize the idea of creating concepts and stories within their music. The music truly becomes so much more than just music which explains why the k-pop fandom, while not accepted by everyone, is large and dedicated.
I may not be able to understand every song, but that doesn’t stop me from singing along. K-pop has truly given me a wider appreciation for music, as well as new cultures. And along the way I have made new friends which I didn’t expect, so you never know what you’ll get out of k-pop. You might just be surprised.