Assuming You Know
Nothing
Here are a few words you should know when exploring Korean culture:
2
2AM and Davichi. The artists in these groups can all actually sing. I’m not saying that normal pop groups can’t sing, there are a lot of talented members, but there are times when members are recruited for their visuals instead of their talent and it is noticeable. The members of ballad groups can belt out notes like it’s nothing. Ballads are my favorite form of Korean music.
R&B and Hip-Hop such as Epik High or Big Bang(occasionally), are less mainstream than pop groups. The rappers in pop groups have nothing on the actual K-Rappers (except maybe G-Dragon or T.O.P., but I’m biased so ignore). I have also observed that when you’re a K-rapper or R&B singer, you don’t have to be as attractive. I mean this in a totally non-negative way. it’s just that you can tell that members of pop groups are put to a different set of standard of attractiveness.
Since I have no other way to classify the music from boy bands, I’ll just say the next style is general boy band & girl group music like 2PM, Super Junior and SNSD. When I started listening to K-pop the groups I was listening to had started changing their images from boys to men. Some groups market as “beast idols”, full of chocolate abs and intense glares into cameras. Other groups like to be known as “noona’s boys”; they target older women and charm them with their boyish smiles and heartfelt lyrics.
These type of groups are what makes up K-pop. Once you start listening you’ll be able to guess what type of music most groups go for. There’s rarely any deviation from their genre.
aegyo: the act of being overly cute and adorable. Idols use aegyo a lot to show off their charms.
There are five main styles of Korean music that most non-Korean K-Pop fans listen to. I’ll break them down and explain them a bit.
There are of course, bubblegum pop groups such as A-Pink or Orange Caramel. These girl groups are full of bright colors, puffed out cheeks and ridiculous coordinated outfits. From what I’ve observed over the years, most girl groups start out with bubble gum pop music and then go for sexier concepts as they get older, they find themselves and then stick to what sells.
Another style of groups are ballad groups like
hanbok: traditional Korean dress(seen on opposite page)
jeju-do: an island and top vacation destination in South Korea. Jeju-do is frequently seen in K-dramas and K-variety shows
kimchi: a delicious side dish served with most Korean meals. It consists of red pepper powder or paste, cabbage, and a lot of pickled vegetables(seen on opposite page)
Here's a breakdown of
K-pop music genres
hallyu: Refers to the increase in popularity of South Korean pop culture internationally since the late 90's