When upon having a conversation with my sister-in-law, she told me about this idea for my blog. She was interested in K-pop but, because it's such a large genre, there's a lot to confusion as to where to begin. I realized that even I had this problem when I got into K-pop. There are so many bands and those bands have so many albums which have so many different styles of songs. It's a confusing place to be in. I was lucky to have a friend who is very knowledgeable about it and gave me recommendations. Not everyone is as blessed as I am so, I'm going to be that friend for you.
This post will explore what K-pop is, including a little bit of the history of the genre, as well as offering recommendations based on your music taste. K-pop is a genre that I feel like offers something for every taste so chances are there's something you will like if you give it shot! Let's go!
What Is K-Pop?
K-pop is pop music that originates from South Korea. It encompasses and has influences from many genres, including hip-hop, EDM, jazz, rock, experimental, R&B, classical, and experimental. And that's only some of the genres. Many K-pop songs mix and match these genres in one song. Meaning in one song you could have some aggressive raps then in ten seconds you are experiencing some EDM drop which then moves to a rock heavy part. And, not all K-pop songs have to be sung in Korean. Many K-pop idols will release Japanese albums, English versions of songs, or in a rare case, an English album. Also, some Korean entertainment companies will have Chinese subgroups*.
Modern K-pop started in the early 90s with the group Seo Taiji and Boys. Seo Taiji was really influenced by American hip-hop culture and he brought it over to Korea. While the older generation was more opposed to this group, the younger generation ate it up! They influenced everything in South Korea at the time. The fashion was heavily inspired by American street fashion and rap started becoming big. They were short-lived, ending their career in 1996. Their influence though is forever seen in K-pop now.
The South Korean government, after a financial crisis, put 1% of their budget into the culture (movies, tv, and music). This led entertainment companies, particularly the big 3 (SM, YG, and JYP), to go crazy. H.O.T was the first idol group to be formed in 1996 by SM Entertainment, and they became the formula for the idol groups after. This led to the explosion of K-pop particularly in the 2000s. The success typically stayed in Asia though. It didn't become a global phenomenon until after, yes that song, Gangnam Style. Now with BTS, it's taking over the world with them breaking record after record.
If you want to learn more about the history or what K-pop is about I totally recommended the Netflix Explained episode on it!
*(Then it technically becomes Mandopop but I put it in the same area as K-pop because the formulas are essentially the same and they are typically formed by Korean companies.)
"Where Do I Begin?"
This section will be divided into sections based on different genres. Under each section, I will put some song and group recommendations. My knowledge is still very finite as I still need to explore early K-pop. But there are still many songs that encompass different tastes. Each section should have an extensive list to get you started! Scroll down to the genre that best encompasses your tastes and give these songs a shot!
Also shout out to my friend Gaja for making sure this list was good and thorough enough.
Note: Band names will be in bold. Also if one song doesn't seem to fit your taste, move on to the next the song. All these groups have different sounds so there's sure to be something.
For those who love: Rock/Alt-Rock/Music with guitars
These groups, except 1 (Dreamcatcher), all play instruments. So if the flashy choreography isn't your thing then these guys are for you!
Day6 - 121U, Stop the Rain, Rescue Me
IZ - Eden
2Z - 25
Wetter - Gonggdae, Who
The Rose - Baby
ONEWE: End of Spring
DREAMCATCHER - Deja Vu, Piri
Wonder Girls - Why So Lonely
For those who love: Rap/Hip-hop/Pop rap
Rap and hip-hop elements are really popular in K-pop so it was really hard to narrow down songs. If you are into any of these songs, K-pop might be the genre for you.
BIGBANG - Zutter, Doom Dada (T.O.P solo track)
BTS - Cypher 2: Triptych, BTS Cypher 4
EXO-SC - What a life, On Me (Sehun Solo)
ONE - Victoria, Swift
Agust D (Suga from BTS) - Give it to me, Agust D
Jooheon - Should I Do, Runway (ft. KillaGramz)
Zico - Any Song, Bermuda Triangle (Crush & DEAN)
Bobby - Holup!
For those who love: EDM/Music that makes you dance
Like with Rap and hip-hop, K-pop uses EDM elements in loads of songs so if you like any of these songs then I really recommend digging into K-pop more.
BIGBANG - Bang Bang Bang, B******T (G-Dragon solo track)
BTS - Mic Drop (Steve Aoki Remix), DNA
Monsta X - Shoot Out, X-Phenonemon
NCT 127 - Fire Truck, Superhuman
EXO - Ko Ko Bop, Artificial Love
Stray Kids - Double Knot, District 9
A.C.E - Savage
LOONA - So What
BLACKPINK - BOOMBAYAH, Kill This Love
EVERGLOW - Dun Dun, Adios
SUNMI - Lalalay
For those who love: Pop/Top 40
Got7- You Calling My Name, Just Right
BTS - Boy With Luv (ft Halsey), Fake Love
EXO - Call Me Baby, Growl
Astro - Crazy Sexy Cool
NCT 127 - Touch, Highway to Heaven
ATEEZ - Answer
Twice - Fancy, TT
For those who love: R&B/Smooth Music/Sexy Music
IU - Palette (ft. G-Dragon), SoulMate (With Zico)
Monsta X - Mirror
DEAN - Instagram
Jus2 - Focus on Me, Drunk On You
NCT U - The 7th Sense
EXO - Groove, Cloud 9, Love Shot
Taemin - Want, Move
Red Velvet - Be Natural (ft. Taeyong)
Triple H - Retro Future, 365 Fresh
For those who love: Music that doesn't have Korean lyrics
I get it. Music in a language you can't understand can be super intimidating. I just hope that if you like any of these songs then you consider giving K-pop a try. There's a lot that's offered in this genre that you might like! Don't let the language scare you away.
Monsta X - Play It Cool (ft. Steve Aoki), You Can't Hold My Heart
NCT 127 - Regular (English Version), Highway to Heaven (English Version)
WayV - Love Talk
BVNDIT - Cool
Stray Kids - Double Knot (English vers.)
BTS - Dynamite
SuperM - Jopping (this has some Korean in it but it's largely sung in English)
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