Meaning of K-Pop, History, and Characteristics in the Korean Wave

Kapanlagi.com - Names of groups like BTS, EXO, TWICE, and BLACKPINK, seem to be familiar. The names of these K-Pop groups are already known in various parts of the world. As Kpopers or fans of Korean idols, are you not curious about the meaning of K-Pop?

The meaning of K-Pop is understood as Korean Pop or popular music originating from South Korea. The music is performed by groups consisting of both male and female members. The number of members in these groups varies, ranging from four to dozens of people.

Fans certainly understand the meaning of K-Pop. However, for those of you who may have just become interested in idol groups from Korea, information about the meaning of K-Pop, history, and characteristics may be interesting. Well, if you want to explore this further, just take a look at the following explanation.

1. Meaning of K-Pop

Twice (Credit: Instagram/twicetagram)

The meaning of K-Pop is Korean Pop or popular music originating from South Korea. The genre of the music varies, ranging from hip-hop, jazz, rock, electronic dance, and so on.

Usually, this music is performed by a group consisting of four to seven members. However, the number is not fixed. There are K-Pop groups that have up to tens or even dozens of members.

Until now, K-Pop and Kdrama have become inseparable from the Korean Wave in various countries around the world. The large fan base for K-Pop has made it more well-known. The meaning of K-Pop in Indonesia is no longer unfamiliar.

2. History of K-Pop in the Korean Wave

Seo Taiji (Credit: Instagram/seotaijicompany)

Talking about the meaning of K-Pop is incomplete without discussing its history. Behind the widely accepted progress of South Korean music, there is a fascinating history to explore.

1. Changga

In the 1880s, a music genre called changga emerged in South Korea. This music consists of modern instrumental sounds, such as guitar, flute, drums, and others. The songs originated from adaptations of Western pop music.

Furthermore, during the Japanese colonization of Korea from 1910 to 1945, changga was used as a genre to express the sadness and hopes of the Korean people. However, Japan confiscated these songs and published their own lyric books. There is a popular and well-known changga song called "Huimangga," which means hope.

2. Korean Pop

Initially, Korean Pop music consisted of various genres, including "oldies" influenced by popular Western music from the 1960s. Then, there was rock music and trot, which were also quite popular.

3. Modern Korean Pop

Modern Korean Pop is marked by the debut performance of the group Seo Taiji and Boys in 1992. Korean Pop music became more colorful with the inclusion of elements such as rap, rock, and American techno. Hip hop and dance dominated the music trends in the 1990s. The music of that era has had a significant influence on the high-quality music produced today.

4. K-Pop

Entering the 2000s, talented newcomers have been prepared. R&B and hip hop genres are performed excellently by Rain, Super Junior, Big Bang, and others. Until now, there have been many K-Pop groups that have had successful careers both domestically and internationally.

3. Characteristics of K-Pop

BLACKPINK (Credit: Instagram/blackpinkofficial)

Knowing the history and meaning of K-Pop is not enough, its characteristics are also interesting to explore. Some people often refer to anything related to Korea as K-Pop. However, K-Pop has certain characteristics, such as the following.

- Large Groups

K-Pop groups consist of several members, four, seven, dozens, or even tens. This is necessary to ensure that fans have many idols to choose from.

- Various Music Genres

K-Pop groups usually have their own unique characteristics. But that does not limit the genres they perform. In fact, they often blend traditional Korean music with jazz, funk, and even hip hop.

- Unique Fashion Style

The fashion of K-Pop idols is often unique and interesting. The style they wear can refer to street wear, elegant clothes, or specific themes. It is reasonable if these idols are chosen to become the latest fashion influencers.

- Intensive Training

You may have heard of the term 'training' for idols. During the training period, they undergo intensive training in vocals, choreography, and even public speaking. It is not uncommon for these aspiring idols to train for months or even years.

All of this is done to prepare themselves for performing on stage. They must have excellent skills, an attractive appearance, and a good personality.

So, KLovers, that is an explanation of the meaning of K-Pop along with its history and characteristics. As beginner Kpopers, this information is certainly something you need.

(kpl/gen/ans)