Behind the Scenes

BTS, BLACKPINK, and TWICE are just a few of the hundreds of groups in K-pop. But what is this industry that is taking the world by storm? K-pop, short for Korean Popular music, began in the 1900s. But, since K-pop has not just become a Korean genre but now millions across the world listen to it.

The members of K-pop spend years training and trying to become big in the industry. Only for a handful to become idols. Some take two years while others much more than a decade.

Agencies such as YG Entertainment hold auditions to recruit members for potential new acts. After they are chosen, they spend years training for their debut. Which many trainees do not achieve.

These trainees practice their dancing, singing, rapping, and vocals and learn new skills during their time as a trainee. Their time there depends on how well they exceed at specific skills.

An iconic song that might sound familiar, is Gangnam Style by PSY. Yes, the track that we’ve all danced to at least once. Gangnam Style went viral in 2012 and began the K-pop craze. With over 4 billion views, it is the eleventh most viewed video on YouTube.

Korean boy band BTS made billboard history by becoming the first Korean act to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with their hit English-only track “Dynamite”. The sensational song took the podium for three weeks straight. Since then, it has had 32 weeks on the chart overall.

But they did not want to stop there. Less than a year later, the group released “Butter” and instantly rose to the top. The track was stuck at #1 for ten consecutive weeks. It opened millions of people up to K-pop and brought a spotlight to BTS.

Creative is just one word to describe these astonishing concepts. From girly and cute to futuristic and innovative. A lot of work gets put into every detail to make every comeback surpass everyone’s expectations.

K-pop idols do not always live the picture-perfect life. With millions of fans come tsunamis of hatred. Whether it is online or in real life, idols are constantly hated for their looks, race, concepts, etc.

Although it is different, K-pop is just music with a slight language twist. Giving it a try could lead to finding a new favorite music genre.

Written by Jennifer Rosales | Graphic Designed by Jennifer Rosales

Published June 6, 2022 | ePathfinder | Entertainment