Do you listen to Korean pop?

Even if you think not, you may unknowingly have! What you may not have known is that Cupid by FIFTY FIFTY and Seven by Jungkook fall into the genre of Korean pop (K-pop). Songs like these and other K-pop songs have been on the rise. The genre has blown up in popularity outside of Korea in the past couple of years.

TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) and StrayKids are two groups that performed at the 2023 MTV Music Awards. This was the second time a K-pop group was invited to perform after BTS. This appearance was a vital moment for the integration of Korean music into mainstream American pop culture.

Ms. Shelby Bentler, SJHS math teacher and ardent K-pop listener, says, “I do think K-pop is more accepted than a year ago. A lot more K-pop artists are creating songs in English, so it is becoming more common to hear them on the radio or in a store.” 

K-pop has even gained the recognition of retail brands, one of which is Crocs. On October 3, 2023, AESPA X Crocs Stomp Lined Clog hit the shelves. 

Different luxury brands have been selecting K-pop idols as ambassadors and collaborators for their companies. In 2020, MAMAMOO’s Hwasa, EXO’s Kai, and soloist IU had major collaborations with Gucci. Other brands such as CELINE, Chanel, and Dior have collaborated with Korean pop artists.

One of the biggest accomplishments for the genre was when the popular boy group BTS visited the White House. In May of 2022, BTS was invited to the White House to discuss anti-Asian hate crimes, Asian inclusion, and diversity. 

These are only a few of the many achievements that the K-pop industry has made for itself. In the past few years, the K-pop industry has emerged beyond Korea by infiltrating American pop culture and music which has sparked fascination.  Just think, next time you see K-pop, you are witnessing an expansion of cultural acceptance.