Why K-pop?

When listening or watching k-pop, are your parents and siblings keep on asking you why do you like k-pop? Do they keep on asking you why you listen to a genre of music that you don’t understand? Whenever we travel, my family always likes to play songs in the car but when my turn comes; my parents would always complain about the music that I play. Why? Because even I don't understand most of what the song means without searching its English meaning in the internet. However, my parents and my brother liked the rhythm and variations of each music that I play.

Sistar's famous leg dance in their single 'Alone'

According to Prof. Wendell Capili, a University of the Philippines in the website http://immortalsoul123.wordpress.com/2010/04/21/pop-culture-expert-explains-kpop-phenomenon-in-the-philippines/ with the article Pop Culture Expert Explains KPop Phenomenon in the Philippines wriiten by immortalsoul123:

"Music is a universal language, so unang-unang appeal nung KPOP ay 'yung melody nito, medyo catchy, medyo madaling maintindihan. Sa wikang Ingles, tinatawag nating perky, masyadong magaan... lalo na ang demographic ng KPOP ay mga bata." (Music is a universal language, so k-pop's first appeal to its audiences is its audiences is its melody, it's catchy and it can be easily understood. In English, we call it perky, very light... Specially that it appeals mostly to audiences who are younger in demographic.)

Meaning that one of the reason on why k-pop is well liked is because of its melody and its perkiness. Most teenagers this days like pop music especially if it's easy to listen to. So why are people or rather k-pop fans addicted to the music? My parents would always say that they like the rhythm of the song while my brother said that he likes the variations of the music and he would also say that he likes the way how polished their dance steps are. In my opinion, I (together with other k-pop fanatic friends) also liked how the way programs like "We Got Married", "Strong Heart" and "The Beatles Code" would showcase the idols showing their different personalities.

INFINITE poses for a magazine

Urban Dictionary defined Korean popular music or K-pop as a musical genre that is originated from South Korea that consists of electronic, R&B, hip hop, rock and many more. The music videos are really visually entertaining and the settings are well designed and planned, also the fashion of the idols are different, breaking and building new boundaries in the fashion world.

The artists also pleasantly  present themselves in front of their fans and the public. They also not only constantly change their styles but as well as their appearance (meaning some if not most of them undergo plastic surgery and change their faces) to keep their fans interested and as well gain new ones.

Girls Generations' fashion and realistic music video background

    

So basically we, the audiences disregards the fact that we don't understand it but instead we focus on its arrangements (namely the melody, the styles, the backdrops and many more). Here are the facts that I have gathered and learned on why k-pop is addictive:

• The artists constantly change their appearances and styles.
• The melody and rhythm of the songs are very catchy.
• The production values of the music videos.
• The dance steps are engaging and well polished.
• The way the idols are showcased in programs.

As a fan of k-pop I am amazed how Korean music evolved in a way that fans from different countries form friendships, disregarding the fact that there are language barriers. For me K-pop became a bridge to fans to bond and get along better.

Kamsahamnida! <3