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K-pop: Origin and some facts

There might be some of you that have no idea what k-pop is, or maybe you are new to k-pop. So this is why I thought I should make a post where I explained k-pop a little thoroughly.

K-pop is a music genre that originated in South Korea in the 1900s. K-pop music cover a wide variety of music genres, not only typical pop music that the name might suggest, and this is probably why some get confused. K-pop music covers genres such as R&B, hip-hop, pop (of course) and dance-music, and many many more.
One of the first k-pop bands were "Seo Taiji and Boys" who were active from 1992-1996. "Seo Taiji and Boys" had three members; Seo Taiji, Yang Hyun-suk and Lee Juno. The band are known for experimenting with many different music genres of Western origin, and this might be why they were extremely successful and are known for changing South Korea's music industry. "Seo Taiji and Boys" retired in 1996 during their prime time. After their retirement Lee Juno and Yang Hyun-suk established their own record labels, Yang Hyun-suk is the successful creator of YG Entertainment, one of the three biggest record companies in South Korea.


The global spread of K-pop and Korean culture is known as the "Korean Wave", and we can thank the internet for this. Internet has made it possible for people all around the world to discover K-pop and to immerse themselves in Korean culture. 

Young aspiring artists are found by management agencies in South Korea and are offered a binding contract. These potential trainees live together in a controlled environment where they spend hours of training, learning languages, music and dance. Basically acquiring skills in preparation for their debut. It is said that the cost of training one idol under the management of SM Entertainment is roughly US$3 million, however I do not have any sources to back this statement. 
K-pop idols are known for their excellent music, sharp dance routines and good taste in fashion. 

Agencies reveal new idol groups to the audience with a "debut showcase", which both covers online marketing and television broadcast promotions. Groups are given their own unique name and a concept. Sub-units are quite popular and we have examples like Super Junior-K.R.Y and Super Junior-M. 
YouTube is essential when it comes to online marketing, by posting music videos they can reach a worldwide audience. Before the actual music video is released, teaser photos and trailers are dropped. "Comebacks" are known as promotional cycles of consecutive singles, this is however not to be familiarized with the group going on hiatus, because a "comeback" basically means that the group is dropping a new album  or a single and are getting ready for fan-meetings, concerts etc. 

Modern K-pop is influenced by the English language, and is known for using English phrases in their songs. By using English it makes it easier for a wider audience to find songs and artists, and groups might get a better chance of getting overseas fans, or so the thought might be, but this is however not guaranteed. Some commentators believe it can be seen as a Western Music rip off, and it makes it difficult for K-pop to get recognition in this though marked. 
Foreign songwriters such as will.i.am and Sean Garrett have been employed to work on songs for K-pop artists. And it is not uncommon that foreign musicians feature on K-pop songs.

References: 

If you find some mistakes or something that is unclear, please let me know. I have no possibility to tell you what is right or wrong, since I am not familiar with this type of culture. Everything I know have I either read about or heard from other people. 

Lots of love from your very own
Scratchers ^.^
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