K-Pop and K-Drama 101

It’s pretty safe to say that only someone living under a rock would not have heard of the K-Pop and K-Drama phenomenon that has rapidly grown in global popularity over the last few years. It may come as a surprise to some but in this case, K does not stand for Kardashian. K, in fact, stands for Korea, and more specifically, South Korea.

K-Pop refers to Korean popular music. This type of music has not only swept through all of South Korean but it has avid followers and die-hard fans all over the globe, in almost every corner of the world. While the early days of K-Pop can be traced back to the 90’s, it was only in the past few years that the genre rapidly grew in popularity and exploded in the international entertainment scene.

K-Pop can apply to almost any type of popular, mainstream music genre whether it be pop, hip hop, R&B, rap, rock, dance or even electronic music. Whatever specific genre it may be, K-Pop music is especially characterized by ultra-catchy melodies, precisely choreographed dance moves, and large stage productions. However, what truly sets K-Pop apart and sets fans screaming are the musical acts or groups of performers. K-Pop groups are typically comprised of several all-male and all-female performers.

K-Pop groups are not discovered by accident. Members are typically hand-picked by management agencies who are on a mission to create the next global sensation. The members of the group all train and rehearse together, spending endless hours every day for numerous years singing and dancing. This training usually begins in their young, teenage years. In addition, members are also typically given media training and language lesson. Only after years of preparation are they deemed ready to make their debut and take the stage.

Today, some of the most popular K-Pop idols belong to the groups BTS and Black Pink. Both BTS and Black Pink have devoted fans all over the world who call themselves ARMY and Blinks, respectively.

Alongside, K-Pop, K-Drama is another form of Korean entertainment that has taken over televisions all around the world. As you may assume, K-Dramas are dramatic Korean shows that could be likened to soap operas. Like other television shows, K-Dramas are aired in a series of episodes.

What you may not guess simply based on the sheer number of K-Drama viewers throughout the world is that the shows are entirely in the Korean language. Yet their gripping and often romantic storylines cross any language barriers with subtitles and dubbing. Thanks to various steaming services which air the shows, K-Dramas are easy to access and watch from anywhere in the world.

K-Dramas don’t only draw millions and millions of viewers for their compelling storylines. Viewers also pay close attention to the style, fashion, and culture reflected in the different shows. Countless social media accounts document not only the drama that unfolds in every episode. The clothes and accessories worn by the Korean stars on screen are also well-documented, dissected, and scrutinized. They often set fashion trends. It’s unsurprising that some of the most well-known, luxury fashion houses have selected Korean stars to be their latest brand ambassadors and endorsers.

Some of the most internationally popular K-Dramas have been The World of the Married, Sky Castle, Squid Game, and Crash Landing on You. Naturally, the Korean actors and actresses in the shows are now superstars, not just in South Korea but all over the world.

Both K-Pop and K-Drama have become among the most popular and successful forms of entertainment today. They’ve also become a great way for people from different countries to learn more about and appreciate Korean culture.