THE EMERGENCE OF K-POP
If pop culture isn’t your thing, you might think that K-pop emerged overnight. But in truth, the Korean entertainment industry has been gradually growing over decades. As more idols emerge from South Korea and go international, it’s clear that the Korean entertainment industry has achieved a scale of influence once thought impossible. Thanks to the emergence of a musical group called Seo Taiji and Boys, with a vibrant and creative amalgamation of music, fashion, and art, many believe the modern foundations of K-pop were born in the early 1990s.
The music industry has witnessed the meteoric rise of K-pop, a genre originating from South Korea, which has gained popularity worldwide. They call it Hallyu, the Korean wave: the idea that South Korean pop culture has grown in prominence to become a major driver of global culture, seen in everything from Korean dramas on Netflix to Korean skincare regimens dominating the cosmetics industry to delicious Korean tacos on your favourite local menu. At the heart of Hallyu is the ever-growing popularity of K-pop — short, of course, for Korean pop music.
Thanks to its distinctive blend of addictive melodies, slick and synchronised choreography, catchy tunes, dedicated fandoms, production values, and an endless parade of attractive South Korean performers who spend years in gruelling studio systems learning to sing and dance in synchronised perfection, K-pop has become a truly global phenomenon. This article explores the rise of K-pop and its influence on the global music scene.
Spreading to a Global Audience
As Korean audiences turned their attention to teen-centred pop music, talent agencies began seeking out the best young singers and dancers nationwide. Using the same so-called ‘idol’ business model already existing in Japan, budding creatives undergo a rigorous training programme from an early age. These intense “trainee days” determine whether they have what it takes to succeed in the K-pop industry and possibly, with a strong enough fanbase, influence the world.
It is believed that South Korean artists attained international success over Japanese and Chinese artists precisely because they used social media platforms dominant in the English-speaking world. Backed by fans using Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, K-pop artists expanded their influence far beyond their home country. Although the follower count for most of these K-pop idols might not reach those of the Top 20 Most Followed Instagram Accounts of 2021, members of Blackpink like Lisa and Jennie are well on their way to the top, as the top K-pop idols on Instagram themselves.
However, a large part of K-pop’s success is also the result of the South Korean government’s support. Eager to push cultural exports to international audiences, the South Korean government gives big tax breaks to businesses operating in the entertainment sector. Offering tax credits to companies spending on producing film and television content, with 25% in cash rebates for projects approved by the Korean Film Council, this investment into homegrown media content encourages creators to push out content made on home soil.
Influence on Pop culture
K-pop serves as a vehicle for cultural exchange. K-pop’s influence extends beyond the realm of music. Introducing Korean language, fashion, and traditions to audiences worldwide. It also examines how fans have embraced the Korean culture, leading to tourism booms and increased interest in learning the Korean language. K-pop has left a mark on the broader pop culture landscape. K-pop’s impact can be seen in various aspects of mainstream culture from fashion trends, and beauty standards to dance challenges and viral memes.
This gradual evolution suggests that part of the reason K-pop has been able to make international inroads in recent years is that it’s been able to push against its rigid norms, through the use of modern themes and sophisticated subtexts. That would seem to be a formula for continued global success — especially now that South Korea and its culture have the world’s attention. Hallyu may swell or subside, but the K-pop production machine goes ever on. And from here, the future looks fantastic. Or don’t you think so?
