For my last cultural post, I thought I would explore a really popular topic that I have not yet really discussed, kpop groups. BTS is a kpop group also known as Bangtan Boys. They are a seven member group formed in 2010. The seven members include 정국, V or 태형, 지민, Suga, J-hope, 진, and Rap Monster or 남준 who is their leader. They were originally a hip-hop group when they debuted but now they have branched out to other genres with each member contributing to writing of the songs and directing the dances. They debuted in 2013 and became more well-known in the world in 2015 through 2017. They seem to be the most well-known Kpop group known worldwide at this moment.
I learned that Kpop culture started with a boy idol group called H.O.T. in 1996 and after a slump started up again with the groups TVXQ and BoA who expanded to Japan. Since then Kpop has spread throughout the world. The most interesting thing about Kpop groups to me is that they work so hard to achieve the success and fame they have reached. They practice long hours, and work hard perfecting their singing and dancing for many years before they are able to debut. Some groups aren’t even able to reach the sought after success after working hard for many years. BTS is one of the groups that has been able to reach the success they have worked extremely hard for. Their group is especially special because everything they have produced from music videos to songs follow a storyline of the BTS Universe. Another special thing about kpop groups is that they will make videos specially to their fans which are a major part of the support system to success. Kpop groups will always thank their fans for the continuous love and support because without the help of their fans, it would be hard to reach any success.
I think I learned about kpop shortly after I started watching Korean dramas. I would listen to their music and wish that I understood the language. The first group that I learned about was GOT7 who are similar to BTS in that they are a seven membered boy idol group. The difference with GOT7 is that they have three members who are from different Asian countries which made them especially special. The members consist of those from South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Taiwan. I think this was a good strategy to make them more well-known in those countries. It seems like the Kpop groups that have gotten the most success are the ones that have something special and unique about them. Kpop is also different from American music in that their music videos and dance have a story behind them or some artistic background to them. American music videos are very different in that aspect. I think the topics that are discussed in the songs are also different. A lot of the songs are mostly about love but American songs can be more about partying and other things like that. For the artifact I thought I would link a music video from BTS to showcase the difference.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEeFrLSkMm8
Comments
Hi Annie!
It's still crazy to me just how big BTS has gotten over these years. I would have never guessed that Kpop could be loved and admired by so many different nationalities all over the world. I remember when I was young, I was quite embarrassed to mention kpop out loud in front of my white friends, but now, I could not be more proud of the work BTS is doing for our country's pop culture. I guess the one down turn now is since BTS has gotten so popular, their concert tickets are simply ridiculously expensive.
Hi Annie, great post! I learned about Kpop groups and the idea of "idols" after Korean dramas and variety shows too. In Running Man, one of the first Korean variety shows I've watched, the MCs look so happy when a Kpop idol is coming to the show. They would give them some time to showcase their dances or songs too. I really appreciate the hard work and effort that Kpop idols have put into their work for their success.
Hi Annie! This is a great post that I can relate to. Growing up I was an avid listener to KPOP, so it is always fun to listen and hear what other people think about the genre. It is crazy to think that something like KPOP has become globalized and loved by everyone around the world. I liked how you gave a brief history of KPOP in your post.
Hey Annie! I have many friends who are die-hard fans of BTS, although I’ve never really gotten into Kpop myself. I do admit that some of their songs are very catchy. I didn’t know GOT7 had 3 members from different Asian countries. It always blows me away that many Korean actors/actresses and Kpop stars are able to learn languages that are not their first language and become almost fluent in them. It’s certainly useful for them when they go on world tours, but I wish they could give me some of their secrets or tips for efficient language learning.
Great post Annie! I think that the Korean music industry is really interesting as well. When I first learned about how the music industry works, I was surprised. Becoming a Kpop star is not easy and requires a lot of time and effort. It's pretty unfortunate that some people will put all this time and effort into it and it'll never amount to success. I also think it's interesting how Kpop groups take members from all over Asia, making these groups appealing to not only Koreans but to the rest of the world.