Is K-Pop Emerging As The New Global Music Melting Pot?
Move over, America. We have a new musical melting pot, and it’s K-antastic!
The term “melting pot” refers to a dynamic in which people from distinct cultures come together and form a single, unified culture.
This is exactly what the current musical scenario looks like, where k pop music has become the contemporary melting pot.
The various cultures that are amalgamating into this genre are breathtaking. The global footprint of k pop music is strong, and it is here to stay.
In this article, i will be writing a detailed analysis of how and when the k pop music industry became the global melting pot of cultures. Let’s dive right into it!
When Did Kpop Become Popular?
The popularity of K-pop music spread differently across different countries and cultures. To understand this, I can start by discussing how I first became obsessed with it.
My primary exposure to K-pop music occurred during the pandemic, which I’m sure is the same for most people globally.
Although other K-pop music bands had existed, the push towards global fandom began in 2012 with the emergence of Korean rapper PSY and his phenomenal song, “Gangnam Style.”
Within just two months, ‘Gangnam Style‘ emerged as the most-liked video in YouTube history for that year, earning a Guinness World Record.
This accomplishment also marked PSY as the first South Korean artist to enter the Billboard music chart with a song performed entirely in Korean.
Even though this invasion was unintentional, and despite South Korea’s initial dissatisfaction with the song that brought Korea to the global platform, the K-pop music industry sought to put this fandom to good use.
The Roadmap To Recognition
The upsurge in k pop music’s global recognition, paved by PSY’s song, gave a massive breakthrough to other boy bands, which decided to launch their songs as well.
This is how our very own boy band, BTS, was introduced to the scene.
In 2017, BTS achieved a significant milestone by winning the “Top Social Artist” award at the Billboard Music Awards, outdoing well-known artists like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande.
That same year, they made history as the first South Korean group to present an award at the Grammys, showcasing their growing influence in the global music industry.
By 2018, their impressive sales had reached 214.2 billion won (approximately $179.928 million), surpassing the combined revenue of the three major South Korean entertainment companies, which highlighted their remarkable impact on the music scene.
KCON, a cultural event dedicated to Korean music and entertainment, was first organised in the US in 2012. This played a significant role in the global recognition of pop music.
KCON is a Korean cultural event that originated in Los Angeles and has since expanded to be hosted in various parts of the United States and Japan.
This significantly contributed to community building and fostering relationships between fans globally. This event in 2012 was a major push towards the global recognition of k pop music.
Awards And Spotlight: K Pop Music is Here To Rule
BTS and Blackpink were the two main k pop music bands that paved the way for success. BTS has been the Top Social Artist since 2017.
BLACKPINK’s MV ‘Ddu-du Ddu-du’ is the first K-pop group to reach 1 billion views. BLACKPINK has broken YouTube records with multiple music videos, surpassing 1.5 billion views. It is the first K-pop group to achieve this feat.
All four artists, Jennie, Jisoo, Rose, and Lisa, have become the brand ambassadors for global brands such as Celine, Chanel, and Dior.
BTS is the most awarded BBMA group in history with 12 wins. BTS’ music video ‘Butter’ set a YouTube record with over 108 million views within 24 hours. Honestly, I am proud to be a part of that 108 M.
Taking The Legacy Forward: The K Pop Music Saga Continues
The next generation of Kpop music is no longer confined to BTS and BLACKPINK. We have bands such as TXT, SEVENTEEN, TWICE, and the list goes on.
TXT is undoubtedly one of the most hyped-up new-generation K-pop bands, and I am not complaining.
Winning the “Rookie Grand Slam” award at the Seoul Music Awards in 2019, this band has gained so much momentum in such a short time.
Within the first eight days of their debut performance, this band got their first music show and were also chosen for Lollapalooza in 2023.
TXT has gained a reputation as Gen-Z’s K-pop favorite, created by Big Hit Entertainment, and has impressed listeners with tracks like “Devil By The Window” and “Sugar Rush Ride.”
Almost 5,52,000 fans across 18 shows attended SEVENTEEN’s “FOLLOW” music tour, and it grossed $67.5 million, being the top-grossing Kpop act in 2024.
Stray Kids is another rising K-pop music band, whose songs “5-Star” and “Rock Star” were global top sellers in 2023, along with six consecutive entries on the Billboard 200.
ENHYPHEN’S SONGS “FATE” and “FATE PLUS” tours have been attended by more than 198,000 people, earning them nearly $35.5 million.
TWICE’s “Ready To Be” world tour sold out nearly 2,20,000 tickets from 5 shows, earning them $24.2 million gross. TWICE is also the first K-pop girl group to headline stadiums in the United States and Japan.
The global sales and economic impact of the k pop music bands are also noteworthy. In 2023, K-pop’s global sales surpassed $1.24 billion, with performances contributing 589 million KRW.
The K-pop events market, valued at $8.1 billion in 2021, is projected to reach a total of $20 billion by 2031.
Is The Grass So Green?
Well, well, well. You know me; I had to take off my rose-colored glasses (pun intended) at some point during this article. Oh, here we are!
The craze for K-pop music is undoubtedly legitimate and well-deserving, but some obvious and serious concerns have begun to cloud my judgment. Let me just clear it out.
Cultural Hybridity
My first and foremost problem regarding this industry has recently emerged in my mind. I did my fair share of research, and unfortunately, the problem persists.
I started watching K-pop to become more closely associated with Korean culture. As the K-pop music industry gained popularity, I witnessed a wave of Western influence sweeping over it.
The singers began rejecting Korean lyrics gradually and incorporating English lyrics. Their music videos (MV) also started becoming more Westernized; I noticed the hit of K-pop missing.
Furthermore, I am concerned that the primary reason most people, including myself, developed an interest in this was our fascination with Korean culture itself.
I dont know about others, but I do not want to watch such hybridity. It makes me hurt seeing how an Asian culture started dominating the global scene, only to get westernized itself.
Do you share my feelings about this? Please share your thoughts on this in the comments below.
Toxic Agencies
Another grim truth regarding the k pop music industry is that the relationship between the agencies and the k pop music stars is extremely toxic.
The agencies engage in significant power politics with K-pop music stars, as if these stars themselves did not generate their revenue. Delusional much?
Moreover, agencies usually have considerable influence over idols’ careers, encompassing their training, public persona, and private lives.
This control is frequently established in exclusive agreements, which can be extensive and limiting. Celebrities often encounter rigorous training schedules and exploitative methods.
Toxic Fashion and Beauty Trends
These days, the youth is constantly adhering to the fashion and beauty trends influenced by k pop music stars, which is a good thing, until it’s not.
In India, a thoroughly conducted survey reveals that among 60 candidates, 21 are influenced by Korean fashion trends.
A probable downside to this is that brands will mercilessly capitalize on their passion and interests. The upsurge in these trends has led to an increase in demand for these fashion and beauty products.
Furthermore, the Korean glass skin trend might cause an uproar of negativity amongst young girls.
Especially in India, where we are yellow-skinned, the obsession over white skin will surely lead to damaging effects.
When a civilization starts to get taint, every single person belonging to it gets equally affected. I have shared my opinion on the positive and negative sides of the upsurge of k pop music trends. Have anything to say? Share in the comments below!
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