K-Pop

K-Pop, short for Korean popular music, is a genre of music originating from South Korea that encompasses a wide variety of musical and visual elements. It is characterized by a fusion of various musical styles, including pop, hip hop, R&B, electronic dance music, and rock. K-Pop is known for its catchy melodies, elaborate choreography, and high-production music videos.

The term also refers to the broader cultural phenomenon associated with this genre, encompassing fashion, lifestyle, and fan culture centered around K-Pop artists and groups. K-Pop idols, often trained in singing, dancing, and performance for several years, play a central role in the genre’s appeal. The industry is marked by large entertainment companies that manage and promote these groups, leading to a highly structured and polished production of music and performances.

Since the early 1990s, K-Pop has gained a significant global following, with many artists achieving international success. It has also contributed to the Korean Wave (Hallyu), which refers to the global popularity of South Korean culture, including television dramas and movies.