Long before these Hallyu stars, plenty of homegrown artists paved the way for K-pop’s popularity and eclecticism. “That debate is very important for the music industry, but it doesn’t mean very much for us members.” Even BTS leader RM told Rolling Stone in his May 2021 cover story that he sees the group as existing outside of K-pop: “Our genre is just BTS,” he said. Yet as more artists of non-Korean citizenship and ancestry have risen as “K-pop” stars in recent years, the label is being questioned by some critics and fans who see it as a tool to pigeonhole artists from being recognized on a broader scale. That industry has birthed two of the world’s most influential and bestselling artists today, BTS and Blackpink, and its powerhouse labels (like Hybe, SM, and YG) have proved remarkably consistent in creating new stars. What truly binds the industry now is its perfection-honing training system and emphasis on highly conceptual multimedia storytelling. It’s a culture that values the collective, looks toward innovation, and is highly attuned to emotions - resulting in cutting-edge songs and performances that explode with feeling, yet are accessible to a mass audience. Though K-pop boldly mashes together genres from all over the world (sparking its fair share of conversations about the ethics of appropriation), it has still maintained its distinctly Korean ethos. K-pop’s enormous success is still predominantly fueled by the enthusiasm of teens and young adults, passionate devotees who look to their idols for belonging and inspiration. Thus was born a multi-billion-dollar industry, now embraced globally across generations and cultures. Not only did the group’s original blend of Korean ballad melodies with New Jack Swing, rap, and dance music shock the general public, but their dancing and aesthetic, heavily inspired by Black American trends of the time, appealed to a generation of young people eager to embrace contemporary Western culture. “We can’t help but be human and get hurt.” – D.THE BIRTH OF modern K-pop is often dated to 1992, when Seo Taiji and Boys, a dance-oriented trio led by an ex-metalhead, performed their song “I Know” on the South Korean network MBC. But, if you don’t learn to love yourself, you’ll never be considered beautiful.” – Suho Well, at the very least, I don’t dislike myself.” – Lay “Let’s live, only doing what we love.” – Sehun I cry my troubles away because there’s nothing to be ashamed of.” – Kai “When I am depressed, I look my depression straight in the eye. “The best thing in life is being able to do what people say you won’t be able to do.” – Xiumin “The ground hardens after the rain.” – Chen “No matter how difficult things get, I will always be positive and smile like an idiot.” – Chanyeol “Life is only a path full of efforts” – Baekhyun “Even if I wander through unfamiliar places, even if I get lost, I will follow my heart, the one that is more honest than anyone else’s.” – EXO, from the song “ Don’t Go“ Photo Credits: EXO Official Instagram Page Here are a few of those touching gems, courtesy: Chen, Kai, Xiumin, Chanyeol, D.O, Suho, Sehun, Baekhyun, Lay and EXO. From members leaving the band to scandal and controversy, their rise to the top has been arduous.Īnd so, it only makes sense that they have some words of wisdom to share with us all. And despite making their debut and being signed to “SM Entertainment” – one of the most established entertainment agencies in South Korea, their journey to popularity hasn’t been easy.įrom their debut in 2011 to their active participation now, EXO has seen it all and then some more. EXO is undeniably one of the biggest names in K-Pop music.
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