What is K-pop now? As BTS and Blackpink become global stars, and non-Korean groups enter the industry, we ask what it means to be a K-pop act
- ‘K-pop’ has typically been used to refer to South Korean pop music by young idols managed by major entertainment labels, but that is changing
- Bands like London-based Kaachi, with only one Korean member, have been criticised by many K-pop fans for entering a cultural space they don’t belong in
Just what is K-pop exactly? As South Korean pop artists receive increased global recognition, and more non-Korean artists get in the game, the idea of “K-pop” is becoming harder to define.
“K-pop” as a term has been popularised by English-language media over the past few decades and is typically used as a catch-all term to refer to not just South Korean pop music, but more specifically that created by young, multitalented pop idols who are managed by major entertainment labels and engage intensely with their fandom audiences.
“When defining K-pop, one should consider the music, visual images and people who participate in the scene together,” said Gyu-tag Lee, assistant professor of cultural studies (anthropology) at George Mason University Korea, who researches K-pop and the surrounding South Korean entertainment industry.
According to Lee, “K-pop” not only refers to the musical styling but also the associated choreography, fashion, music video aesthetics, structured business management system (where idols are managed by entertainment agencies), relationship between fans and artists, and dependence on new forms of media.
“This is considered the ‘K-pop style’ or ‘Korean style’, and makes it ‘K’-pop rather than just ‘pop’,” said Lee, adding that the term also differentiates the acts from other popular South Korean artists such as Hyukoh, Jambinai and Say Sue Me, which are more typically seen as indie outfits.
