K-POP K-Pop K-pop (Korean Popular Music) refers to a contemporary South Korean music industry characterized by its fusion of diverse musical genres, including pop, hip-hop, R&B, and EDM, combined with visually oriented performances, intricate choreography, and highly trained “idol” artists produced through systematic entertainment-training programs. K-pop is distinguished by its elaborate music videos, carefully crafted group identities, and robust global fandom culture amplified by digital platforms and social media. More than a musical style, K-pop functions as a cultural, economic, and transnational phenomenon that reflects broader trends in globalization, media production, and cultural consumption. This video provides a quick overview of how K-pop has developed over time, as the creator explains. Because the history of K-pop is long and multifaceted, the video offers a brief survey of major events, influential groups, and key milestones rather than an in-depth analysis of specific musical traits or the accomplishments of individual artists. You are encouraged to research the history of K-pop in more detail for your assignment if you wish to expand this section. This additional article also offers a helpful overview of K-pop’s history (article link). The People of ‘Heung 흥’ How can we translate the word “heung” (흥) into English? A rough translation would be “joyful energy” or “lively, expressive excitement.” The following examples show how Korean people, even those who are not singers or dancers, naturally enjoy music and dance, responding almost instinctively to rhythm. They embody a lively spirit filled with excitement, energy, and a sense of fun. Even feelings of sorrow are often transformed into song, reflecting a cultural tendency to express emotion through music. Sing DNA Would you pay to enjoy singing alone? Many Koreans do! A coin noraebang (노래방) is a smaller, often self-service version of noraebang. Instead of renting a whole room for hours, you pay by inserting coins, tokens, or sometimes cash or card. Usually, it’s a single-person booth or a tiny room for 2–3 people. These booths are popular for quick singing sessions and are often found in convenience-store-like spaces or small shops. Dance DNA This video shows a random man dancing so enthusiastically that the singer had to stop the performance and invite him on stage to dance together. You might think this is a rare occurrence, but I would say it’s actually quite common among Korean! Some comments say they’re suddenly curious about how that guy is doing now. I feel the same, lol! Drink DNA This clip is from the drama Work Later, Drink Now (술꾼 도시 여자들). The song and dance performed by the actress are typical of what Koreans do while drinking, either to invite others to join them or as a playful penalty in drinking games. The lyrics go something like: “How long are you going to make us wait? My shoulders hurt! Drink Drink Drink!!” Holiday Dance Korea has many dances and songs for special holidays. This video shows Ganggangsullae (강강술래), a traditional Korean circle dance, especially associated with Chuseok (the Korean harvest festival) and other holidays. The songs and movements are joyful and rhythmic, and the dance originally had ritual and communal purposes, such as praying for a good harvest or celebrating togetherness. Singing in Sorrow (Pansori) The video is a trailer for the highly acclaimed 1993 movie Seopyeonje (서편제). The film tells the story of a father and his two children, who travel across rural Korea performing pansori, the traditional Korean musical storytelling art. Pansori is especially associated with Korean emotion, particularly han (a deep feeling of sorrow and bitterness, check this page for the details, Link) expressed and incarnated through song. Fanchant (떼창) Koreans are famous for their ttechang (떼창), crowd singing, or Fanchant at concerts, which is highly praised by many foreign artists, including Eminem, Bruno Mars, and so on. The audience not only knows the song lyrics but also knows exactly when to start and stop singing, as if they had practiced together, which is quite rare in other countries. The “heung 흥” of Korean audiences often surprises and deeply moves performers. Many singers love performing in Korea because of this unique and heartfelt connection. Read the article for more details! (article link) Music Shows This section illustrates the variety of music programs in South Korea. There are so many that it is impossible to introduce them all in this limited space, but this section provides just a taste of them. … Busking The video shows Begin Again, which became a very popular busking performance. The singer, Henry, is a Chinese-Canadian musician. He talks about the song in Korean (his Korean is excellent!) before performing it, and the connection between the singer and the audience is truly impressive. Music Talk Show The video shows one of the popular music talk shows, You Hee-yeol’s Sketchbook. In the show, the actor Park Bo-gum sings and also plays the piano, showcasing his impressive musical skills. Enjoy the first song, “Let’s See the Stars!,” my favorite! University Song Festival The video is a clip from the drama Reply 1988, in which the characters are watching the MBC University Song Festival together. The song festival features the late singer Shin Hae-chul, who was incredibly influential to young people in the 1990s and continued to impact generations until his death in 2014. Originally launched in 1977, the MBC University Song Festival was held annually until 2012; after a 13-year hiatus, the festival has since returned. Radio Music Show The radio show On a Starry Night began in 1969 and continues to be beloved today. In the 1980s, when few other music devices were available, the program was incredibly popular—especially among teenagers. Fight Song:Come On, Yonsei! The Yonsei–Korea rivalry games are an iconic part of Korean sports culture, and the two rival schools, Yonsei University and Korea University, have produced countless classic cheering songs. Neighborhood Singing Contest National Singing Contest,” which began in 1972, is a beloved and long-running South Korean musical variety show on KBS that features local people from across the country, showcasing local talent and regional pride. This video features the Top 4 moments. The show brings in local people to perform without any rehearsal, so these hilarious moments happen completely spontaneously. Contemporary K-Pop What is K-pop? K-pop is not just music; it is a multimedia entertainment culture combining sound, dance, visuals, fashion, and fandom into a unified global phenomenon. This section begins to explore the characteristics of contemporary K-pop and its global influence. Genres and Hybridity K-pop isn’t a single genre: it’s an umbrella that includes many musical styles. It includes pop, dance, hip-hop, R&B, EDM, ballad, rock, trot, and many hybrid genres.Its strength is genre fusion, creating unique and dynamic songs. Choreography Korean choreography refers to the dance routines created for K-pop songs and performances. It is known for being precise, expressive, and visually striking, often matching the music’s structure and the concept of each comeback. Industry The K-pop industry is a highly organized entertainment system in South Korea that produces and promotes idol groups and solo artists. It is not only built on a trainee system, but also emphasizes a specific concept or theme whenever a group debuts or makes a comeback, often accompanied by related merchandise and other products. Music Video You can see the “Most Viewed K-pop MVs (All Time)” here (Link). K-pop music videos are known for their polished production, striking visuals, and tightly integrated choreography. They combine bold colors, stylized fashion, and dynamic cinematography to reflect each group’s concept. Many MVs blend narrative and performance, using symbolism, thematic sets, and fast-paced editing to engage viewers. These videos are more than promotion: they are cultural texts that shape global fandom and define K-pop’s visual identity. Performance Video Unlike MVs, performance videos focus primarily on choreography and stage performance. They show the full dance routine of a song, usually without elaborate storytelling or cinematic effects. Often filmed in a studio, practice room, or minimal set, these videos emphasize the idols’ synchronization, formations, and dance skills. One of my favorites is G-Dragon’s “Too Bad.” GT K-Pop Dance Club: Seoulstice Georgia Tech has an official K-pop Dance Club, Seoulstice! The following is their statement: Our vision is to immerse students into the realm of Korean pop music and culture through various events and activities. We upload dance covers on YouTube, participate in multiple performances on campus, and hold multiple workshops and showcases! I selected a thumbnail above featuring my student! Guess who he is! K-Pop in Media This section explores how K-pop is used in various media formats. Beyond music-related media, it now appears in animations, movies, commercials, and more, promoting global influence and creating a unique cultural phenomenon that reaches audiences worldwide. K-Pop in Animations This animation, The K-pop Demon Hunter, demonstrates how K-pop can be powerfully integrated into another media format, animation, while also emphasizing that music isn’t just entertainment; it is magical and protective. In the story, the protagonists fight demons with their songs, turning their performances into a form of real power. Idols in Acting Casting idols helps productions gain attention, increase ratings, and reach global audiences thanks to their international popularity. For the idols, acting offers a chance to expand their careers beyond music and build long-term stability. While some face criticism for inexperience, many succeed and bring fresh energy and visibility to Korean entertainment. Here’s the expert’s view on this (Link) Idols in Commercials K-pop idols appear in a lot of commercials—both in Korea and internationally—and there are several reasons why brands use them, as well as clear positive effects. This article discusses the effects of this phenomenon. Commercial Song K-pop is widely used in commercials because its catchy music, dynamic visuals, and idol star power instantly attract attention. These commercials not only boost sales but also strengthen the global reach of both the brand and the K-pop artists, making advertising an important platform for promoting new music and shaping pop culture. Also check out ‘1997–2013 Phone Commercials (Link)! You’ll spot many Korean celebrities in their younger days! Drama OST Korean drama OSTs play a crucial role in shaping the emotional tone and storytelling of a series. These songs, often performed by well-known K-pop artists or talented ballad singers, highlight key moments—such as romantic scenes, dramatic twists, or character growth. OSTs help viewers connect more deeply with the narrative and often become hits on their own, charting on music platforms and contributing to the drama’s overall popularity. Also take a look at ‘Round and Round Sing-Along (Link)’ from Squid Game. Originally a Korean children’s song, it became globally recognized after the show’s success. Gaming Song K-pop plays an increasingly prominent role in esports, adding energy, style, and global appeal to gaming events. Many tournaments use K-pop songs as theme music, opening performances, or promotional tracks, and popular idols often collaborate with major game companies for special events or character promotions. Groups like K/DA and artists featured in League of Legends or Overwatch (Link). have helped blur the line between gaming culture and pop music. This fusion boosts the excitement of esports broadcasts and strengthens the connection between fans of K-pop and competitive gaming. Current Issue: Idolism We’ve developed a separate chapter on Idolism. Click here to go to the Idolism chapter.