It’s been 10 over years since the Hallyu wave hit our shores, and it doesn’t look to be letting up anytime soon. Perhaps you are a new fan, or someone who has never dipped their toes into the K-pop realm before. Are you wondering why Korean pop music has found its way into the hearts of so many fans?
The best way to answer that question is to head on to Youtube and experience some of K-pop greatest hits for yourself! However, if you are looking for a condensed answer, read on for our highlights of some of the best parts of K-pop that have made it so famous.
Immersive storytelling
You know how a good book or movie can transport you to another world? Some of the best K-pop songs also do that – and in a span of less than 5 minutes! K-pop is known for their vast-ranging concepts, from sweet romantic love stories to fantasy themes involving vampires. Coupled with dramatic music videos and detailed costumes, these songs are not just songs, but a whole experience in itself.
For some of the wildest concepts in K-pop, you can check out some of VIXX’s songs like ‘Voodoo’ and ‘Error’.
Entertaining personalities
A true K-pop fan doesn’t just stop at enjoying the songs – they also fall in love with the stars through their appearances in variety shows and interviews. Not only do these K-pop idols wow viewers with their talents and good looks, but they also charm their audience with their hilarious antics and alluring personalities. These shows and video clips offer a glimpse into the lives and characters of these celebrities, proving that they are more than just singers – they are all-rounded entertainers.
Trendsetting fashion
Aside from the songs itself, K-pop artists are also well-known for being trendsetters in the fashion industry. When they are not busy writing or practising for their next big hit, they can be found rocking the stage in eye-catching outfits. Airport fashion is also a big thing for K-pop stars, as they can’t escape the eyes of watchful paparazzi and ardent fans. It is not unusual to have photos of influential K-pop stars to surface on the Internet, only to have their fashion item being the next fashion craze in Korea and the region.
One stellar example of a fashion trendsetter in Korean fashion is G-Dragon, member of K-pop group Big Bang. His style is bold and – as some will say – rebellious, which has earned him deals with numerous big-name brands in the fashion world, including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy.
Impeccable choreography
Of course, you can’t talk about K-pop without mentioning their killer dance moves! Majority of the top K-pop groups are also dance groups, which means that their hit songs come with their own choreography. If the catchy lyrics are not enough to become your new earworm, the key point of their choreography will definitely grip you. These brilliant moves are designed to capture your attention and often become synonymous with the song itself.
You’re bound to have seen some of these iconic moves somewhere before: Think the horse-riding dance of Psy’s Gangnam Style, the hand-washing move of Super Junior’s Sorry Sorry, and the cutesy hand sign from Twice’s TT.
With such multifaceted charms, it is no wonder K-pop has captivated audiences all around the world. K-pop has had so much influence on people around the world, including Singapore, that increasing numbers of people are enrolling in Korean lessons for beginners to pick up the language of their favourite oppas and idols. If you have been won over by the Korean wave, why not join us at Sejong Korean Language School for some lessons? Our friendly team of native Korean teachers will be more than happy to welcome you!