K-pop, or Korean pop music, has become increasingly popular globally and its upbeat and energetic nature makes it a great option for workout playlists. Here are some of the best K-pop songs to add to your workout playlist:
This upbeat and danceable track is perfect for your strength training routine, with its fast tempo and lively beat.
15. “Butter” by BTS
With its smooth vocals and upbeat melody, this song is perfect for your weightlifting routine.
16. “Cherry Bomb” by NCT 127
With its fast tempo and high-energy beat, this song is perfect for your cardio routine.
17. “Really Really” by WINNER
With its upbeat melody and positive lyrics, this song is great for your warm-up routine.
18. “Lion Heart” by Girls’ Generation
With its cheerful melody and upbeat beat, this song is perfect for your cool-down routine.
19. “Lotto” by EXO
With its high-energy beat and catchy chorus, this song is perfect for your strength training routine.
20. “How You Like That” by BLACKPINK
With its fast tempo and powerful vocals, this song is perfect for your weightlifting routine.
These K-pop songs are sure to add energy and excitement to your workout routine. So turn up the volume, get moving, and enjoy the upbeat sounds of K-pop while you work out!
K-Pop has been growing in popularity over the past few years, becoming one of the biggest music industries in the world. The genre has expanded beyond its Korean roots, attracting fans from all over the globe. As K-Pop continues to rise in popularity, so does the influence that its idols hold over their fans.
Idols in K-Pop are not just artists, but role models for their fans. They are known for their hard work, dedication, and impeccable image. However, many K-Pop idols are now using their platform to spread messages of social activism, addressing important issues such as mental health, LGBTQ rights, and environmental activism. This article will explore how K-Pop idols are using their fame to make a difference and the impact they are having.
Mental Health Awareness
Mental health has become a prevalent issue in society, and K-Pop idols are taking notice. With the intense demands of their careers, K-Pop idols are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues. The pressure to maintain their image and keep up with the rigorous demands of their schedules can take a toll on their mental well-being.
In response, many K-Pop idols have taken to social media to talk about their experiences and raise awareness about mental health. For example, BTS‘s RM has been open about his struggles with anxiety, and he has used his platform to encourage others to seek help and support.
By speaking out about mental health, K-Pop idols are breaking down the stigma that surrounds the issue. They are using their fame to start important conversations and raise awareness about the importance of mental health. This helps to destigmatize mental health, making it easier for people to seek help and support when they need it.
Environmental Activism
Environmental activism is another important issue that K-Pop idols are taking on. Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today, and K-Pop idols are using their platform to raise awareness about the issue and encourage their fans to take action.
For example, BTS‘s Jungkook has been vocal about his love for nature and the environment. He has encouraged his fans to take care of the planet, reduce waste, and use environmentally friendly products. In addition, the group has taken part in eco-friendly initiatives, such as using recycled materials for their merchandise and donating to environmental organizations.
jungkook is wearing hoodie from ‘Children of the Discordance.’ the brand's website states they practice “ethical sourcing” which means “buying of ethically made products that support small-scale manufacturers or local artisans and protect animals and the environment” 🥹 pic.twitter.com/t1Jr9uIIT4
By using their platform to talk about environmental activism, K-Pop idols are encouraging their fans to become more environmentally conscious. This can have a significant impact on the world, as K-Pop fans are known for their dedication and passion. If they follow the lead of their idols, they can help to make a difference in the fight against climate change.
LGBTQ Rights
The LGBTQ community has been fighting for equal rights for many years, and K-Pop idols are now taking a stand in support of their cause. With their huge following, K-Pop idols have the power to raise awareness about LGBTQ rights and promote acceptance and equality.
For example, NCT‘s Taeyong has been open about his support for the LGBTQ community, and he has used his platform to encourage his fans to embrace diversity and inclusion. Additionally, many K-Pop groups have performed at LGBTQ pride events, using their music to show their support and raise awareness about the importance of equality.
By standing up for LGBTQ rights, K-Pop idols are sending a message of hope and acceptance to their fans. They are helping to create a more inclusive and accepting world, where everyone can be themselves without fear of discrimination.
Conclusion
K-Pop idols are using their fame to make a difference in important social and political issues. By speaking out about mental health, environmental activism, and LGBTQ rights, they are encouraging their fans to become more aware and involved in these issues. With their huge following, K-Pop idols have the power to raise awareness, start important conversations, and create positive change in the world.
The impact that K-Pop idols are having on social activism should not be underestimated. By using their platform to promote important causes, they are inspiring their fans to take action and make a difference. As K-Pop continues to grow in popularity, it is likely that we will see more and more idols using their fame to bring attention to important issues and make a positive impact in the world.
In conclusion, the role of social activism in K-Pop is a testament to the power of music and the impact that artists can have on society. K-Pop idols are using their platform to make a difference, and they are proving that fame can be a force for good.
Featured Image: Screenshot from BTS’s “Permission to Dance” performance at the United Nations.
K-Pop, or Korean Pop, is a rapidly growing music genre that has taken the world by storm. With its catchy tunes, captivating dance routines, and well-coordinated fashion, K-Pop has built a massive following of fans, known as K-Pop stans. If you’re a newcomer to K-Pop, the vast and complex world of K-Pop fandom culture can be overwhelming. This beginner’s guide will help you understand the basics of K-Pop fandom culture and how to get involved.
Understanding K-Pop Groups
K-Pop groups are the backbone of K-Pop music. Each group consists of a number of members, each with their unique talents, personalities, and styles. K-Pop groups are managed by entertainment companies and are often divided into subunits, with each subunit having a different concept or genre. Some of the most popular K-Pop groups include BTS, BLACKPINK, EXO, and Red Velvet.
Getting to Know the Members
Once you’ve chosen a K-Pop group that you like, it’s time to get to know the members. You can learn about their personalities, hobbies, and interests by watching videos, reading interviews, and following their social media accounts. Many fans also create fan content, such as fanfictions and fan art, to showcase their love for their favorite K-Pop idols.
Joining the Fandom
Remember when GFRIEND united many fandoms by covering Seventeen, BTS and EXO songs. The fans were enthusiastic and singing along.
Joining a K-Pop fandom is a great way to connect with other fans who share your love for a particular group. There are several online communities, such as forums and social media groups, where fans can interact, share news, and discuss their favorite groups. You can also attend K-Pop concerts and events to meet other fans and see your favorite groups perform live.
Participating in Fan Projects and Activities
K-Pop fans are known for their dedication and passion, and this often manifests in fan projects and activities. For example, fans often create fan-made music videos, dance covers, and art projects to show their support for their favorite groups. Fans also participate in voting and streaming events to help their groups win awards and chart on music platforms.
K-Pop has its own unique language and terminology that can be difficult to understand for new fans. Some of the most commonly used terms include “stan,” “bias,” “OTP,” and “fanchant.” A “stan” is a super fan, a “bias” is your favorite member of a group, an “OTP” is your favorite pairing of members, and a “fanchant” is a chant that fans use to support their favorite groups during concerts.
In conclusion, K-Pop fandom culture is a vibrant and passionate community that is constantly growing and evolving. By getting to know the groups, participating in fan projects and activities, and understanding K-Pop terminology, you can become an active and engaged member of the K-Pop community. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring the exciting world of K-Pop today!
K-Pop, short for Korean Pop, has been taking the world by storm over the last few years. Originating in South Korea, the music genre has now become a global phenomenon, with millions of fans worldwide and multiple K-Pop groups topping charts across the world. But how did K-Pop rise to the heights it is today?
K-Pop can be traced back to the early 1990s when South Korea was rapidly developing and modernizing. The government saw the potential for K-Pop to promote Korean culture globally and began investing in the music industry. This investment helped to bring about the creation of record labels, talent agencies, and training programs that would later launch the careers of many of today’s most popular K-Pop groups.
One of the first K-Pop groups to gain recognition was Seo Taiji and Boys. The group was formed in 1992 and combined elements of pop, hip hop, and techno music. Their music and innovative style quickly gained popularity in South Korea and they became known as the pioneers of K-Pop.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, K-Pop continued to grow and expand, with new groups and solo artists emerging. The music genre began to incorporate more Western influences and started to gain a following outside of South Korea. This period saw the emergence of some of K-Pop’s biggest names, including BoA and TVXQ, who became popular not only in South Korea but also in Japan and other countries in the region.
However, it wasn’t until the late 2000s and early 2010s that K-Pop truly began to make its mark on the world stage. With the rise of social media and the increasing globalization of the music industry, K-Pop groups and artists were able to reach a larger audience than ever before. In 2012, K-Pop group PSY’s “Gangnam Style” went viral, becoming the first K-Pop music video to reach one billion views on YouTube. This global recognition helped to introduce K-Pop to a whole new audience and opened the door for other K-Pop groups to follow in PSY’s success.
Since then, K-Pop has continued to grow in popularity and reach new heights. Groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and EXO have become household names and have topped charts across the world, selling out arenas and attracting millions of fans. K-Pop groups are known for their high-energy performances, catchy music, and visually stunning music videos. The attention to detail and the level of dedication and hard work put into every aspect of their image and music have helped to make K-Pop a truly unique genre of music.
K-Pop groups are also known for their tight-knit communities of fans, known as “fandoms.” These fans are fiercely dedicated to their favorite groups and are known for their passion and loyalty. They play an important role in helping to promote and spread the popularity of K-Pop, using social media to share news, videos, and merchandise with other fans around the world.
One of the key factors in the success of K-Pop is the intense training and preparation that goes into becoming a K-Pop star. Record labels and talent agencies invest a lot of time and resources into training and preparing their artists, helping to create polished and professional performances that have become a hallmark of the genre. Many K-Pop groups and artists undergo years of training before making their debut, learning everything from singing and dancing to acting and foreign languages.
In conclusion, the rise of K-Pop has been nothing short of phenomenal. From its humble beginnings in the early 1990s, K-Pop has become a global sensation, captivating millions of fans and helping to promote Korean culture and entertainment to the world. With its high-energy performances, catchy music, and dedicated fan base, K-Pop is showing no signs of slowing down and will continue to shape the future of the music industry for years to come.
K-Pop, short for Korean Pop, has become a global phenomenon in recent years. With its infectious beats, catchy tunes, and visually stunning music videos, K-Pop has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. One of the key elements that set K-Pop apart from other forms of popular music is the use of original soundtracks (OSTs) in K-dramas (Korean dramas), films, and web series. In this article, we will explore some of the best K-Pop OSTs and soundtracks of all time.
Top 10 Best K-Pop OSTs and K-Drama Soundtracks
1. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo: From now on, Vincent Blue
2. Goblin: “Stay With Me” by Chanyeol and Punch
“Stay With Me” is a melancholic ballad from the soundtrack of the hit Korean drama Goblin. The song’s heart-wrenching lyrics and powerful vocals perfectly capture the intense emotions of the drama’s central characters. The track quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts and establishing Chanyeol and Punch as some of the top K-Pop artists of their time.
3. “EYES, NOSE, LIPS” by Taeyang
“EYES, NOSE, LIPS” is a soulful and emotional track from the soundtrack of the Korean drama It’s Okay, That’s Love. The song’s powerful vocals and touching lyrics make it one of the most memorable K-Pop OSTs of all time. The track quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts and establishing Taeyang as one of the top K-Pop artists of his generation.
Update: If you’re a fan of YoonA and Junho in King the Land, you would have heard the iconic song recently. Taeyang’s “EYES, NOSE, LIPS” also made an appearance in King the Land, although not as its OST but more of in a funny encounter with Jin Seon Kyu playing a police officer. Sounds familiar? Did we just see a crossover from Extreme Job?
4. Goblin: You are so Beautiful, Eddie Kim
5. “Always” by Yoon Mi-rae
“Always” is a touching and emotional track from the soundtrack of the Korean drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. The song’s powerful vocals and touching lyrics perfectly capture the intense emotions of the drama’s central characters. The track quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts and establishing Yoon Mi-rae as one of the top K-Pop artists of her time.
6. “Everytime” by Chen and Punch
“Everytime” is a beautiful and haunting ballad from the soundtrack of the Korean drama Descendants of the Sun. The song’s tender vocals and touching lyrics perfectly capture the intense emotions of the drama’s central characters. The track quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts and establishing Chen and Punch as some of the top K-Pop artists of their time.
7. “You Are My Everything” by Gummy
“You Are My Everything” is a touching ballad from the soundtrack of the Korean drama Descendants of the Sun. The song’s powerful vocals and emotional lyrics perfectly capture the intense emotions of the drama’s central characters. The track quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts and establishing Gummy as one of the top K-Pop artists of her time.
8. “A Little Braver” by New Empire
“A Little Braver” is a powerful and uplifting track from the soundtrack of the Korean drama Uncontrollably Fond. The song’s upbeat melody and motivational lyrics make it the perfect anthem for anyone looking to achieve their goals and dreams. The track quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts and establishing New Empire as one of the top K-Pop artists of their time.
Erratum: We initially published that Start-Up used “A Little Braver” for their OST. We have since updated it to the correct K-drama, Uncontrollably Fond. Thanks to Ashley, one of our readers.
9. “Beautiful” by Crush
“Beautiful” is a beautiful and emotional ballad from the soundtrack of the Korean drama Goblin. The song’s powerful vocals and touching lyrics perfectly capture the intense emotions of the drama’s central characters. The track quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts and establishing Crush as one of the top K-Pop artists of his time.
10. “My Destiny” by Lyn
“My Destiny” is a beautiful ballad from the soundtrack of the Korean drama My Love from the Star. The song’s powerful vocals and touching lyrics perfectly capture the intense emotions of the drama’s central characters. The track quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts and establishing Lyn as one of the top K-Pop artists of her time.
In conclusion, K-Pop OSTs and soundtracks are an essential component of the Korean entertainment industry, adding depth and emotion to the stories being told. From “Everytime” by Chen and Punch to “My Destiny” by Lyn, these tracks are some of the best K-Pop OSTs and soundtracks of all time. They not only enhance the viewing experience but also showcase the talented voices and musical abilities of some of the top K-Pop artists. If you’re a fan of K-Pop or Korean dramas, these tracks are definitely worth a listen.
Featured Image: Screenshot from Taeyang’s “Eyes, Nose, Lips” Music Video.
K-Pop, or Korean Pop, is a genre of music that has taken the world by storm in recent years. With its catchy tunes, electrifying dance performances, and visually stunning music videos, K-Pop has quickly become one of the most popular musical genres globally.
Here are some of the best K-Pop music videos that are sure to get you hooked:
1. “Gangnam Style” by PSY
This is one of the most iconic K-Pop songs of all time, and its music video is just as memorable. The video features PSY performing his signature horse-riding dance in various locations around the Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea.
2. “Blood Sweat & Tears” by BTS
This music video features the seven members of BTSin a futuristic world, filled with intricate choreography, captivating visuals, and stunning fashion. The video is a feast for the eyes and is sure to leave you in awe.
3. “Fantasia” by Monsta X
This video takes you on a journey through a mystical world, filled with stunning visuals and electrifying dance performances. Monsta X‘s powerful vocals and dynamic choreography will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
4. “I Am the Best” by 2NE1
This is a classic K-Pop music video that showcases the fierce and confident personalities of the members of 2NE1. With its upbeat music, high-energy dance performances, and fun fashion, “I Am the Best” is a must-watch for K-Pop fans.
5. “DDU-DU DDU-DU” by BLACKPINK
This music video features BLACKPINK performing their hit song in a futuristic, neon-lit world. The video’s dance performances are a highlight, with the members of BLACKPINK showing off their incredible skills and style.
6. “Bad Boy” by Red Velvet
This video features Red Velvet‘s smooth vocals, mesmerizing dance performances, and stylish fashion, all set against a stunning visual backdrop.
7. “Lotto” by EXO
This video features EXO’s powerful vocals, mesmerizing dance performances, and stylish fashion, all set against a visually stunning futuristic world.
8. “I Am the Best 2.0” by Lee Hi
This video features the powerhouse vocalist Lee Hi in a funky, retro-inspired world, complete with electrifying dance performances and funky fashion.
9. “Miroh” by Stray Kids
This video features Stray Kids‘ powerful vocals, mesmerizing dance performances, and stylish fashion, all set against a visually stunning world filled with mythical creatures.
10. “Cherry Bomb” by NCT 127
This video features NCT127‘s powerful vocals, mesmerizing dance performances, and stylish fashion, all set against a visually stunning futuristic world.
These are just a few more examples of the many incredible K-Pop music videos out there. Whether you’re a fan of smooth ballads, high-energy dance performances, or visually stunning worlds, there’s a K-Pop music video out there that is sure to capture your attention.
Featured Image: Screenshot from NCT 127’s “Cherry Bomb“
BTS, also known as the Bangtan Sonyeondan, is a South Korean boy band that has taken the world by storm. The group has become the biggest K-Pop group in the world and has gained a massive following of dedicated fans, known as the “ARMY.” Here are 10 reasons why BTS is the biggest K-Pop group in the world:
1. Dynamic Performances
BTS is known for their high-energy and dynamic live performances, which showcase their incredible vocals, dance skills, and stage presence. These captivating performances have earned them a reputation as one of the best live acts in K-Pop.
2. Connections with Fans
BTS has a strong connection with their fans and makes an effort to interact with them through social media, fan meetings, and other events. They also involve their fans in their music-making process through voting and other methods, which has helped to build a strong and dedicated fanbase.
3. Innovative Music
BTS is known for their innovative music, which blends traditional K-Pop with hip-hop, R&B, and other genres. Their unique sound has helped to set them apart from other K-Pop groups and has earned them critical acclaim.
4. Impactful Lyrics
BTS‘s music is known for its impactful lyrics, which often tackle important social issues such as mental health, self-acceptance, and societal pressures. Their powerful messages have resonated with fans around the world and have helped to build a strong connection between the group and their fanbase.
5. Success in the U.S.
BTS has become the first K-Pop group to achieve massive success in the United States, breaking multiple records and becoming the first K-Pop group to perform at the American Music Awards. This success has helped to establish BTS as a global phenomenon and has helped to increase the popularity of K-Pop around the world.
6. Social Media Presence
BTS has a massive presence on social media, with millions of followers on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. This presence has helped to increase their reach and has allowed them to connect with fans around the world.
7. Versatile Members
Each member of BTS has their own unique style and personality, which helps to add diversity and versatility to the group. This diversity has helped to appeal to a wide range of fans and has helped to establish BTS as a well-rounded and dynamic group.
8. Artistic Vision
BTS has a clear and consistent artistic vision, which helps to set them apart from other K-Pop groups. Their music, performances, and visual content are all part of a larger narrative that they have been carefully crafting over the years.
9. Strong Company Support
BTS is backed by one of the biggest and most successful entertainment companies in South Korea, Big Hit Entertainment. This support has helped to provide the group with the resources and support they need to reach new heights and achieve global success.
10. Global Appeal
BTS has a truly global appeal, with fans from all around the world. Their music and message have resonated with fans of all ages, genders, and nationalities, which has helped to establish them as one of the most successful and beloved groups in the world.
In conclusion, BTS is the biggest K-Pop group in the world for many reasons, including their dynamic performances, connections with fans, innovative music, impactful lyrics, success in the US, social media presence, versatile members, artistic vision, strong company support, and global appeal. These factors have helped to establish BTS as a global phenomenon and have solidified their position as one of the most successful and influential groups in the music industry.
In recent years, BTS has achieved numerous milestones and accolades, cementing their status as one of the biggest groups in the world. They have become the first K-Pop group to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart, have won multiple awards at international music awards shows, and have even been featured in Time magazine’s list of 100 most influential people.
Despite their massive success, BTS remains humble and grounded, and continues to prioritize their fans and their music. Their commitment to their art and their fans has helped to create a passionate and dedicated fanbase that continues to support them through their journey to global stardom.
BTS‘s impact on the music industry and on K-Pop cannot be overstated. Through their innovative music, captivating performances, and powerful messages, they have helped to put K-Pop on the map and have paved the way for other K-Pop groups to achieve international success. They are a true testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the ability of music to bring people together from all around the world.
In conclusion, BTS is the biggest K-Pop group in the world for good reason. Their innovative music, powerful messages, and dedicated fanbase have helped to establish them as a global phenomenon and one of the most successful and beloved groups in the music industry.
K-Pop, short for Korean Pop, is a music genre that originated in South Korea and has since taken the world by storm. With its catchy tunes, dynamic choreography, and visually stunning music videos, K-Pop has become a global phenomenon and has cemented itself as one of the most popular music genres in the world.
Here is a list of the top 10 K-Pop groups of all time.
1. BTS
BTS, also known as the Bangtan Sonyeondan, is a seven-member group that debuted in 2013. The group is known for its meaningful lyrics and impressive choreography, and they have been credited with popularizing K-Pop globally. With numerous awards and record-breaking performances, BTS is undoubtedly one of the biggest K-Pop groups in the world.
2. BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK is a four-member girl group that debuted in 2016. The group has become a global sensation, with their music videos setting records for the most views in 24 hours on YouTube. BLACKPINK is known for their energetic performances and unique fashion sense, and they have become a staple in the K-Pop industry.
3. EXO
EXO is a nine-member group that debuted in 2012. The group has won numerous awards and is known for their intricate choreography and powerful vocals. EXO has a large and dedicated fanbase, and they are considered to be one of the biggest K-Pop groups in the world.
4. BIGBANG
BIGBANGis a five-member group that debuted in 2006. The group is known for their unique style and innovative music, and they have been credited with paving the way for K-Pop’s global success. BIGBANG has won numerous awards and is considered to be one of the most influential K-Pop groups of all time.
5. TWICE
TWICE is a nine-member girl group that debuted in 2015. The group is known for their cheerful and upbeat music, and they have won numerous awards for their performances. TWICE has a large and dedicated fanbase, and they are considered to be one of the most popular K-Pop groups in the world.
6. Wanna One
Wanna One is a 11-member group that debuted in 2017. The group is known for their impressive vocals and dynamic choreography, and they have won numerous awards for their performances. Wanna One has a large and dedicated fanbase, and they are considered to be one of the most popular K-Pop groups of all time.
7. Girls’ Generation
Girls’ Generation is a nine-member girl group that debuted in 2007. The group is known for their synchronized dance routines and catchy songs, and they have won numerous awards for their performances. Girls’ Generation has a large and dedicated fanbase, and they are considered to be one of the most influential K-Pop groups of all time.
8. Red Velvet
Red Velvet is a five-member girl group that debuted in 2014. The group is known for their unique style and powerful vocals, and they have won numerous awards for their performances. Red Velvet has a large and dedicated fanbase, and they are considered to be one of the most popular K-Pop groups in the world.
9. SHINee
SHINee is a five-member group that debuted in 2008. The group is known for their unique style and powerful vocals, and they have won numerous awards for their performances. SHINee has a large and dedicated fanbase, and they are considered to be one of the most influential K-Pop groups of all time.
10. 2NE1
2NE1 is a four-member girl group that debuted in 2009. The group was known for their powerful vocals, edgy fashion sense, and innovative music. 2NE1 had a significant impact on the K-Pop industry and was credited with helping to popularize the genre globally. Despite disbanding in 2016, 2NE1’s music and influence continue to live on.
In conclusion, these 10 K-Pop groups have all made their mark on the industry and have left a lasting impact on both the Korean music scene and the world at large. From their impressive vocals and dynamic choreography to their unique styles and innovative music, these groups have captured the hearts of fans everywhere and have cemented their place in K-Pop history. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the genre, these groups are sure to impress and entertain you.
K-Pop, or Korean Pop, has taken the world by storm in recent years with its catchy tunes, energetic performances, and visually stunning music videos. It’s no wonder that fans flock to concerts and tours to see their favorite artists live in person. In this article, we’ll explore the best K-Pop concerts and see for those who want to experience the excitement and energy of K-Pop in person.
1. BTS World Tour “Love Yourself”
BTS, also known as the Bangtan Sonyeondan, is one of the most popular K-Pop groups in the world. Their World Tour “Love Yourself” was a massive success, attracting fans from all over the world to their shows. The tour featured their hit songs from their album “Love Yourself: Tear” and showcased their incredible live performances, complete with synchronized dances, stunning visuals, and powerful vocals.
2. BLACKPINK World Tour “In Your Area”
BLACKPINK, one of the hottest K-Pop girl groups, recently embarked on their World Tour “In Your Area.” The tour saw the group perform their popular hits such as “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” and “Kill This Love” in cities across Asia, Europe, and North America. BLACKPINK’s electrifying performances and impressive stage production made for an unforgettable experience for fans.
3. EXO Planet #5 – Exploration Tour
EXO, a popular K-Pop boy group, embarked on their EXO Planet #5 – Exploration Tour in 2019. The tour was a showcase of EXO’s impressive musical talent, showcasing their powerful vocals, captivating choreography, and visually stunning stage production. With concerts in Asia, North America, and Europe, EXO’s tour was a must-see for fans of the group.
4. MONSTA X World Tour “We Are Here”
MONSTA X, a popular K-Pop boy group, took the world by storm with their World Tour “We Are Here.” The tour saw the group perform their hit songs, including “Shoot Out” and “Alligator,” in cities across Asia, Europe, and North America. With their energetic performances and impressive stage production, MONSTA X’s tour was a must-see for fans of the group.
5. TWICE World Tour “Twicelights”
TWICE, a popular K-Pop girl group, recently embarked on their World Tour “Twicelights.” The tour saw the group perform their hit songs, including “Feel Special” and “Fancy,” in cities across Asia, Europe, and North America. TWICE’s upbeat performances and charming personalities made for an unforgettable experience for fans.
In conclusion, K-Pop concerts and tours offer fans a chance to experience the excitement and energy of their favorite artists live in person. From BTS’s “Love Yourself” tour to BLACKPINK’s “In Your Area” tour, there’s no shortage of amazing K-Pop concerts and tours to see. Whether you’re a fan of BTS, BLACKPINK, EXO, MONSTA X, or TWICE, be sure to catch them on their next tour for an unforgettable experience.
In this industry of Korean pop music which we all love, change (pun alert to HyunA’s debut single) can be a good thing. The risks associated with change paid off for groups like Apink, BTS, and Dreamcatcher, as well as with Jay Park who established a solo career after leaving 2PM, and Chungha and Somi who opted to go solo after being identified with the girl group survival show Produce 101 and the subsequently produced girl group IOI.
But changes are indeed risky. The odds of getting good results after a change can only be matched by the odds of falling flat on your face after deciding to go ahead with the change. Here are two cases of changes in K-pop that may not have gone in the artists’ (and their companies’) favor.
Weeekly: The Case of the Unexplainable Concept Change
When it comes to image, concept, or sound change, IST Entertainment (aka the company that is only keen on changing its name from A Cube to Plan A to Play M before finally settling on IST, but who knows what the future holds) is one of the more conservative companies. After all, IST is behind the most enduring concepts for a girl group in K-pop, with Apink taking a whole seven years before finally tweaking their bright and innocent concept into a more sophisticated one. With how the concept change was resoundingly successful for their banner group and not a lot of revamps have also been implemented on the company’s male group VICTON, it was expected for the company to also be very cautious and deliberate when it comes to any change for their representative 4th gen group, Weeekly.
The group actually started out well. Considering everything (the fact that they’re not a Big 4 group, they debuted four days after Blackpink released How You Like That and a day after Hwasa released Maria, among others), their debut with the EP We Are and Tag Me went fairly well. Their steady performance continued with their next single Zig Zag from their second EP We Can released four months after their debut. By this time, people were anticipating that it won’t be long before the group will get their big break ala My My of their sunbaes Apink, their breakthrough song that was released six months after their debut.
Alas, IST hit a gold mine nine months into the group’s career as After School, a single off Weeekly’s 3rd EP We Play became a viral hit. It wasn’t just one incident or factor, but Koreans started using the song on their social media posts because of its inherent catchiness. Casual K-pop fans quickly pointed out that the song sounds like something Apink can release, which means that the song sounds like a 1st to 2nd gen k-pop song, something that obviously piqued the interest of the more “advanced” (in age) music lovers.
With IST’s track record of shying away from risky concept changes, no one expected the company to rock the boat, especially after a wildly successful release. They did exactly that, all right, with the bright and cheerful Holiday Party, which more or less continued the group’s infectious and youthful sound. Alas, Holiday Party did not perform as well as the viral After School, for which the company seemed to take matters into its own hands. And by that, they implemented a concept change that was something so left field with the group’s next release Ven Para.
Ven Para… an attempt at doing a Chungha/D.O by releasing a Spanish-tinged song? Not really, because as you may have heard and seen from the song and the music video, there’s not a lot of Latin flavor on both, except that phrase. Instead, we were given a girl crush song coupled with a girl crush music video. Yes, the girls we saw donning casual attire and performing silly cute antics were not wearing leather-infused outfits and dancing with literal fire (not just fire on LED screens) in the background.
Now, you may argue that this is basically a Cube Entertainment move when they completely revampedCLC from cuties singing No On Ohwith fruits in their outfits (watch the music video and look for the cherries, strawberries, and lemons in the girls’ shirts, pants, and skirts) to barbed wire-covered baseball bat brandishing women in Hobgoblin. But then, until that time, CLC didn’t have an established concept and the company felt like there was space that their girl crush group 4Minute vacated after their disbandment that CLC could readily occupy.
In the case of Weeekly, the concept change doesn’t add up for a number of reasons. One, the company hasn’t had prior successful experience in the girl crush realm – not that the queens of Apink cannot do girl crush, it’s just that they didn’t need to do it as girl crush just isn’t their stryle, AS IST WOULD KNOW). Two, Weeekly already had success with the colorful and uplifting After School, so why fix what clearly wasn’t broken? Three, IST is a company known to be quite conservative when it comes to implementing changes to their groups, so why start now and in such a drastic fashion?
Take note that the group has steadily sold more units with every new release, with Play Game: Awake (the single album that has the anomalous Ven Para on it) selling more than 83,000 units. This goes to show that the group has continued to rise in popularity at least in Korea. What that weird concept change did was to definitely alienate fans (mostly international) who fell in love with the group in their After School era, hoping to hear more of the same from them. Moreover, there is doubt that the concept change was successful in establishing the girls’ identity as a group because when you ask people what comes to mind when they hear “Weeekly”, they will likely sing to you the melody of After School’s chorus, the one that goes, “Urin seukeiteubodeu wiro” or that English line, “I’m so good with you”, not leather-clad girls dancing with literal fire behind them!
Weeekly’s Ven Para comeback is one of the biggest conundrums of k-pop, and with the girls still not having a comeback after that fiasco, we sincerely hope that their next release won’t have everyone scratching their heads again because one more misstep for this group may inch them closer to the world of doomed k-pop girl groups (read CLC, Momoland, and Lovelyz).
KARD: The Case of the Temporary Unnecessary Sound Change
The world of K-pop is not that kind to coed groups. If you’re not convinced, give me a name of a hugely successful K-pop coed group. Give up? That’s because there’s none. The only successful female-male collabs are in pairs, with AKMU and Troublemaker defying the odds – only that they’re actually just pairs, not groups. In recent memory, only Triple H managed to perform decently, and unfortunately, we all know what happened to them after only two releases. The rest like SM The Ballad and SSAK3 are only project groups and if you don’t know Roo’Ra, don’t blame yourself because they were active in the 1990s. And there was s#arp, which figured in the biggest bullying scandal in the K-pop industry and Coed School with the female subunit figuring in bullying incidences as well. With all those bullying events, it’s not hard to see why Koreans may have lost interest in coed groups.
Thus, when DSP Media, a company that, if we’re being honest here, has a patchy history of managing their idol groups, debuted a new coed group in 2017, people were a bit excited but have somehow managed expectations. You see, DSP Media actually has a solid track record of creating idol groups. Fin.K.L, Sech Kies, April, Rainbow, Kara, and SS501 all started with DSP. You might wonder now, how can a company with such a stellar line-up not end up at the Big 3 (or 4) level or even with legit challengers like Cube and Starship? It seems to be a combination of factors, with the main reason being the artists do not seem to have that much of an affinity with their agency. Not a lot of their talents choose to renew their contracts once they are about to expire, as evidenced by Jiyoung and Nicole of Kara. When the group Sech Kies reunited years after their disbandment, they did so under YG Entertainment, not DSP. Alas, when Kara reunited in 2022, DSP was already bought by RBW, so the Kara comeback was already handled by the buyers.
Anyhow, KARD was off to a promising start in 2016 despite DSP not really having the best standing in the industry. The foursome caught the attention of some Korean music fans who were intrigued by the tropical sound of which the group was one of the earlier adapters. But more than their domestic success, the group acquired a bigger following in the international market, with fans liking their fresh sound, the idea of a group with boy and girl members together, and the undeniable physical attractiveness of all four members. I mean, who can ignore how hot J Seph, BM, Somin, and Jiwoo are?
The group’s success continued with their next releases, particularly with their official debut single Hola Hola released in 2017, which charted in Korea and pushed the group into a “world tour” of Asian countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, Manila, Melbourne, and Jakarta. They also performed in high-profile music festivals in Japan (Summer Sonic Festival) and even the US (SXSW). Finally, it was on August 19, 2018, when the group held their first solo concert in Seoul. Throughout these ballsy efforts by DSP to promote the group overseas, criticism of the group also started in their home country, as it was apparent that the company is pushing the group more internationally. Domestic K-pop observers have gone as far as saying that KARD is a “fictional group” along the lines of aespa’s virtual members who live in the virtual world of KWANGYA.
But this is not actually where the weird events related to KARD started. Everything was (and actually, still is) swimmingly fine for the group until three years in, they decided to tweak their sound with the two successive releases in 2019, Bomb Bomband Dumb Litty. The Latin-tinged moombahton sound which has become the group’s bread-and-butter signature sound since their first project single was adjusted to reflect a more commercial dubstep sound that for a time, was the trend in K-pop.
4 years ago today in kpop history, KARD debuted with Hola Hola. It would go on to peak at 2 on the Gaon 3 on the Billboard US World Albums charts. pic.twitter.com/eDvsN3EdM1
— i'm too old to be this into k-pop (@TooOld4Kpop) July 20, 2021
For us fans with basic music taste, here’s a simple explanation: In the “old” Kard releases, the Latin influences come in chill, reggaeton beats. With Bomb Bomb and Dumb Litty, the group shifted to singing songs that ceaselessly build up in the verses until that explosive “beat drop” that supposedly makes everyone including their mom lose their heads because… the beat has dropped! In a euphoric, almost orgasmic fashion at that! For further reference, go to the following: Hate by 4MINUTE, Miroh by Stray Kids, and I Don’t Wanna Cry by SEVENTEEN. But that’s not to say that moombahton-heavy songs don’t have beat drops. It’s just that the beats are being dropped in a rather… suave manner. With dubstep songs, it’s as if listeners are encouraged to hold their breaths until they turn blue before the beat finally drops and we can all breathe freely once again.
Which was why when the 2019 KARD releases came out, fans scratched their heads in confusion. Why am I listening to something so familiar, though I swear to all supreme beings that this is not the KARD I am used to? What is going on? The two tracks continued the group’s popularity especially overseas, although many die-hard Hidden KARDs found the songs… strange Obviously, they love the songs because they’re by KARD, but it feels awkward to see the group surrender their signature sound to the all-consuming “beat drop” trend.
I mean, KARD is supposed to be a group setting trends, not merely following them. They’re the lone coed act in a sea of exclusive-gender groups, they were more focused (read: stubborn) in maintaining their international appeal rather than gaining a foothold on the domestic music market, and they are among the pioneers of the moombahton sound in k-pop. BM has been quoted in interviews in saying that the group in 2019 was trying to diversify their sound, but doing so would mean being unfaithful to the sound they’ve attached themselves to a bit too early in their careers. And that can put off some fans who were on their way to completely joining the Hidden KARD fandom.
But then, 2020-2022 happened, the world went into a standstill because of the pandemic, J Seph served his mandatory military service for Korea, Somin had to deal with the undying rumors of her role in the APRIL bullying scandal, (yes, KARD main vocal Somin was also APRIL main vocal Somin for a time, and the two girls had to continue dealing with the other undying rumor of them not getting along with each other. Fortunately, on June 22 last year, the group came back with the EP Re: (complete with teasers asking the question, “Do you RE:member KARD?” after all that has happened in the world, including that weird sound change in 2019) and the title track Ring the Alarm gave us KARD pre-2019, so yes, we remember KARD, all right. More of these and less of the suffocating beat drops in the future, juseyo!
The good news with both groups, as we’ve already mentioned in the case of KARD, is that they are still active groups and therefore can still do some “damage control”. KARD has already reverted to their old sound that is not too beat drop-reliant and Weeekly can still be pretty much considered a rookie group, being only in the business for two years. May the odds be in their favor the next time they (or their companies) plan on implementing such huge risks!
![[MV] IU(아이유)_LILAC(라일락)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/v7bnOxV4jAc/hqdefault.jpg)
![[도깨비 OST Part 1] 찬열, 펀치 (CHANYEOL, PUNCH) - Stay With Me MV](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pcKR0LPwoYs/hqdefault.jpg)
![[FMV] t Yoonmirae(t 윤미래) - ALWAYS (Descendants of The Sun OST Part.1)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dTqBQWW6HqA/hqdefault.jpg)
![[MV] CHEN(첸)XPunch(펀치) - Everytime l Descendants of the Sun 태양의 후예 OST](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fTc5tuEn6_U/hqdefault.jpg)
![[MV] Gummy(거미) - You Are My Everything l Descendants of the Sun 태양의 후예 OST](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ToASX6axGuw/hqdefault.jpg)
![[Teaser] MONSTA X 몬스타엑스 - 2019 WORLD TOUR 'WE ARE HERE' IN SEOUL](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zGGJ9bnhfnc/hqdefault.jpg)
![[MV] Weeekly(위클리) _ Holiday Party](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DZEOt4pQXXk/hqdefault.jpg)
![[MV] KARD _ Bomb Bomb(밤밤)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Y44vb5I3OAU/hqdefault.jpg)