K-Pop: Why the "Korean Wave" is Still Hitting Western Shores

Graphic by James Gocke

Seventeen American music awards, seven Guinness World Records and two singles at no.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart all won by a group from South Korea. The K-pop group, BTS, has been breaking records globally, and are named the “most influential” by Time Magazine.

How did the South Korean based group gain international success and recognition? 

BoA, a South Korean idol, began her career when she was 13 and is now known as the “Queen of K-pop.” BoA, who is now 34, made her debut in 2000 with the album “ID; Peace B.” The popularity of K-pop in its early days is partially credited to her becoming the first Korean act to rank on the Billboard 200 chart. 

A recent example of Korean music gaining popularity in the United States is Psy’s Gangnam Style, which holds the Guinness World Record for being the first video in internet history to receive over two billion views. Psy has contributed to the spread of the Korean Wave, or Hallyu as it’s known in Korea, across the western hemisphere. 

The most beneficial influence on the spread of the Korean Wave is the members of BTS and their record-breaking careers. Not only are they famous for their talent in writing and producing music, but also for uniting the United States and South Korea. In Oct. 2020, BTS received the Van Fleet Award which recognizes individuals or groups that contribute to the promotion of U.S.-Korean relations.

“We are experiencing the amazing power of connection and solidarity in every moment in our career. It brings changes to what seemed unlikely and makes possible what seems impossible. I believe this kind of power has brought BTS to become who we are today,” vocalist V said during their award acceptance speech.

“We are living in different time zones and locations but connected through music. We share our cultures and stories beyond borders and languages based on solidarity,” group member Jin explained upon receiving the award. 

Emma Green, a current student at The King’s College, would agree. She believes K-pop helps break the barrier that divides culture and humbles people enough to understand other ways of living. 

“It is good to learn about other cultures to understand that our perspective is not the only one or the most legitimate one out there,” Green said.

This summer, BTS released their single Dynamite, which paved the way to the group ranking no.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Dynamite differs from the group’s usual style as it is completely in English. K-pop might be gaining popularity in America; however, it is mainly happening through the westernization of the industry. Coined by English-speaking regions, the new “K-pop” means “pop music” created by young idols who dedicate much of their time to their fanbase. This new definition completely disregards the “K” in K-pop which stands for Korean. 

“I hope that our music plays a role as a link that allows people from all around the world to understand and respect one another,” said Jungkook, the youngest member of BTS.

Fans would further argue that K-pop is more than music. What unites people from different backgrounds are the dances, the performances, the individual members and the messages behind the music. Emma Green further explained that the K-pop industry focuses on complex issues that are different from those brought up in America. A crucial aspect of diversity is to understand the struggles of people from other regions. 

Brianna Jacobs, a student at The King’s College, explained why it is important to learn from other cultures.

“To me, it’s important to not box myself into certain categories. When it comes to music, I love listening to different genres and having a varied taste,” Jacobs said. “From K-pop to J-pop to Doo-Wop, I love the different styles in music. That’s why I can’t answer the question, ‘What’s your favorite song?’ I love so many. I think that the people who box themselves into one genre and don’t take the time to experience others are truly missing out.”

The goal for a majority of K-pop groups is not to become like the rest of the world, but to share a piece of their home with the masses. Through K-pop and many other outlets, more and more people are falling in love with what South Korea has to offer.