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INTERNATIONAL VIEWS K-P P INVASION STORY BY LESLY GUZMAN Misunderstandings about the popular music import is creating a negative image while ignoring the real reach of its infl uence. STAFF EDITORIAL: Ehent ullut exerupt atiur, cum voles aut volum as for their good-looks. The music -Pop is much dit, more than quam promoting diversity and unity. resequodis vitem qui doluptat omnimol. words here ok K a bunch of Asian kids singing and dancing. In my three years of being a K-Pop fan, I have noticed that many instantly connect the genre to PSY’s Gangnam Style. Either they fi nd it cringey, overrated, or just too “feminine.” They do have interesting music videos and dress androgynously, but several don’t know the impact K-Pop has done for international fans and their country. Some groups are breaking international records while 8 el Don Santa Ana College · June 2019 Blackpink is the fi rst female group that performed at Coachella. GOT7 was the fi rst to sing entirely in Spanish. KARD is the most popular mixed-gender group. Bangtan Boys, aka BTS, are one of the most popular and internationally awarded South Korean boy band group. Their introspective lyrics deal with self-acceptance, empowerment, and Korean taboos such as self- love, and mental illness. Many think that international fans only like K-Pop members becomes addicting to hear, sing, listen, and dance to because it is diff erent and energetic. Thus, giving many the motivation to learn this new language. This type of infl uence has allowed fans to embrace themselves and to be more open-minded in trying new things. So next time someone says K-Pop groups are sell-outs or that the genre is overrated, let them know how K-Pop is a cultural phenomenon that is staying.