"K-pop" is a term that's gradually becoming more and more common to hear in the mainstream music scene....but that doesn't mean everyone knows what it is. Unless you're already a K-pop fan, there are some aspects of K-pop that might surprise you.
Here are five things people don't realize about K-pop:
1. Not all K-pop artists are Korean
As long as you have talent and are able to sing in Korean, you could potentially be a K-pop artist.
A good portion of current K-pop singers are from countries outside of South Korea. The K-pop group NCT is a great example, with members from eight countries: South Korea, Thailand, Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Canada, and the USA.
This NCT music video doesn't even have all of their current members in it, but all of the countries listed above are represented except for Taiwan. Can you tell who isn't actually Korean? Probably not.
2. Not all K-pop songs are in Korean
Similar to how not all K-pop artists are Korean, not all K-pop songs are sung in Korean. Any popular music made in Korea is considered K-pop.
Many K-pop artists and groups release songs and even entire albums in languages such as Japanese, Chinese and English. Every now and then someone will release a song in an even different language, like Spanish. Don't believe me? Check out GOT7's "Lullaby".
Yep....even though this song by Monsta X is entirely in English, it's still K-pop:
3. Not all K-pop groups knew their members before being a group
In fact, very few K-pop groups knew their members before being a group.
The way most K-pop groups are formed is by Korean entertainment companies holding auditions or scouting for talent. Once the entertainment company has found everyone they want, they put the members in a group to start making music and performing.
Some K-pop artists join a company at an age as young as 10 years old, training for a few years until they're ready to be in a group.
Taemin from the K-pop group SHINee auditioned for SM Entertainment as a nervous elementary school student....this is him now:
4. Not all K-pop artists are rich
Although there are some wealthy K-pop artists, a lot of them get a pretty average or even small pay. The entertainment company they are in is their employer; they work for them and get paid just like any other job.
Don't think K-pop artists are in it for the money....they're in it for the passion.
5. Not all K-pop is "bubblegum pop"
This is a very common misconception. People think that K-pop is only "cutesy" music....which is FAR from the truth.
Yes, K-pop does have some "bubblegum pop", but that's just one part of K-pop. Merriam-Webster defines K-pop as "popular music originating in South Korea and encompassing a variety of styles". Pop, rock, ballad, R&B, and popera are just some of the genres that make up K-pop.
There is something for everyone if people are willing to get passed the idea that K-pop is only "bubblegum pop"....it's not.
If you're into R&B, check out this female soloist named Leenzy:
https://koreanmag.com/