What is K-pop and why am I hearing so much about it? <\/p>\n
K-pop is a genre of music that \u2013 brace yourself \u2013 originated in South Korea<\/a> and blends pop, hip-hop, R&B and electronica, all filtered through an east Asian prism. The music tends to be upbeat and maximalist: in the K-pop universe, bigger is generally better. <\/p>\n As to why it\u2019s having a moment here now, well, the primary reason is the success of the Netflix<\/a> film K-Pop Demon Hunters, which brings together the two buzzy genres of K-pop and anime-style cartoons from Japan.<\/p>\n So it\u2019s really just an internet thing? <\/p>\n Not really. The tribute show K-Pop Forever! comes to Ireland next March (Dublin) and June (Cork), and is on course to be a sell-out. Meanwhile, Blackpink<\/a>, the biggest all-female K-pop band, played two sold-out nights at Wembley in the UK in August. And there are expectations that K-pop boyband BTS<\/a> will announce a 2026 tour. They\u2019ve never played in Ireland \u2013 but did sell out Wembley in 2019. <\/p>\n What\u2019s the appeal? <\/p>\n K-pop acts tend to be wholesome \u2013 you can take your kids to a show without fear of risqu\u00e9 dancing in the mode of Sabrina Carpenter<\/a>. Synchronised moves and high production values are a priority, whether that be in videos or live concerts. They also put in the hours: when Blackpink played in London, they were on stage for nearly three hours, while BTS regularly play for two to three hours. Among western artists, only Taylor Swift<\/a> and Bruce Springsteen<\/a> demonstrate that level of dedication. <\/p>\n Is that it? <\/p>\n K-pop acts also share Taylor Swift\u2019s understanding that it isn\u2019t enough to release catchy songs \u2013 you have to forge a deeper connection with your fanbase. Swift does so by putting \u201cEaster eggs\u201d into her lyrics and album artwork and by hosting events \u2013 such as her recent Life of a Showgirl release film \u2013 that make her audience feel they\u2019re part of something bigger than just another album hitting streaming platforms. K-pop groups do likewise \u2013 whether that is by interacting with fans via Q&A sessions on social media or by even setting up their own social media platforms. <\/p>\n Who are the most prominent K-pop artists? <\/p>\n