K-Pop? Poppin’!
By: Adara Zfan Paquito
Issue 2 Spring 2021
In no mistake, music has always been part of human history and culture. Not only does it consist of fixed rhythms or catchy lyrics, but it is also a bonding agent where individuals who share the same interests can connect with each other. Although people may have their own personal tastes, composers and lyricists always find ways to correlate one person to another despite having different taste in music. In fact, one particular class of music proves true. No matter the genre, it brought groups of people together – K-pop. Korean pop, also known as K-pop, is a genre of popular music originating in South Korea. It is inspired by styles and genres from all over the world, such as experimental, punk, jazz, pop, hip hop, R&B, reggae and much more. Because of this, it opened multiple doors for Korean artists to enter the music industry, possibly flourishing and gaining the likes of people.
When people hear the word ‘K-pop’, some are quick to judge on the idea that it is only a genre that focuses on its catchy tunes and alluring choreography. Little do folks know behind the scenes, there is a much more complicated process that each artist needs to have a knowledge of. Besides the rhythmic melodies, one of the reasons why K-pop is so well established today is the variety and versatility of the songs being composed. Raegan Skrine, a sophomore at Hillgrove High School, expressed that K-pop is “quite the life changing experience. You learn more about a culture you’ve never experienced before, it’s so different than western styled music.” Through the influence of western style music to K-pop, the main significance that differentiates K-pop to other genres is the idea of a ‘comeback.’ Because of this, both artists and fans to be able to feel the thrill of suspense and excitement. Additionally, this also gives significance with the essence of being able to create ‘special’ moments or rather sentimental impact to each follower. “Specifically, my ult group –BTS, they’ve had such a worldwide impact, but to me, they’re everything. They cheer me up when I’m sad. I smile and laugh every time I watch their videos,” Raegan added.
Due to the global sensation and uproar of the genre, this left a major impact on some fans who seek comfort, reassurance and overall satisfaction. Considering the current generation, there are a few who want to attempt to have a connection, be it through music, to allow themselves to fill in the void, creating a safe space for themselves.In terms of how K-pop has taken influence in her daily life, Keithley Pal-og, a Filipino sophomore from SLU-LHS (Saint Louis University- Laboratory High school), expressed, “It has influenced my life in a way that it was able to bring color to my life. Whenever I feel like the things I do are boring, I listen to K-pop to at least set my mood up.” For many, they consider this type of music as a gateway to an imaginary paradise that allows listeners to accept and be themselves.
Besides the fact that K-pop is becoming normalized nowadays, there are still drawbacks that are yet to be addressed. The common issue that is always being brought up in arguments is the age of the audience. “Music does not have one specific audience. If you like the song, you like the song, no matter the age difference,” Raegan claimed. Consequently, due to its catchy beats, it attracted different age groups that drew debates over who gets to listen to what. Although there are opposing forces, many fans still believe that K-pop should be open to everyone, be it a younger person or a more mature person. Like Spencer Callico, a sophomore at Hillgrove High School, he believes “It’s unfair to limit music to just one age group, just as it would be unfair to limit older music to older people.” Even so, because of the variability of Korean artists, these artists can create songs that accommodate different kinds of people who understand more than one language or vice versa.
When people hear the word ‘K-pop’, some are quick to judge on the idea that it is only a genre that focuses on its catchy tunes and alluring choreography. Little do folks know behind the scenes, there is a much more complicated process that each artist needs to have a knowledge of. Besides the rhythmic melodies, one of the reasons why K-pop is so well established today is the variety and versatility of the songs being composed. Raegan Skrine, a sophomore at Hillgrove High School, expressed that K-pop is “quite the life changing experience. You learn more about a culture you’ve never experienced before, it’s so different than western styled music.” Through the influence of western style music to K-pop, the main significance that differentiates K-pop to other genres is the idea of a ‘comeback.’ Because of this, both artists and fans to be able to feel the thrill of suspense and excitement. Additionally, this also gives significance with the essence of being able to create ‘special’ moments or rather sentimental impact to each follower. “Specifically, my ult group –BTS, they’ve had such a worldwide impact, but to me, they’re everything. They cheer me up when I’m sad. I smile and laugh every time I watch their videos,” Raegan added.
Due to the global sensation and uproar of the genre, this left a major impact on some fans who seek comfort, reassurance and overall satisfaction. Considering the current generation, there are a few who want to attempt to have a connection, be it through music, to allow themselves to fill in the void, creating a safe space for themselves.In terms of how K-pop has taken influence in her daily life, Keithley Pal-og, a Filipino sophomore from SLU-LHS (Saint Louis University- Laboratory High school), expressed, “It has influenced my life in a way that it was able to bring color to my life. Whenever I feel like the things I do are boring, I listen to K-pop to at least set my mood up.” For many, they consider this type of music as a gateway to an imaginary paradise that allows listeners to accept and be themselves.
Besides the fact that K-pop is becoming normalized nowadays, there are still drawbacks that are yet to be addressed. The common issue that is always being brought up in arguments is the age of the audience. “Music does not have one specific audience. If you like the song, you like the song, no matter the age difference,” Raegan claimed. Consequently, due to its catchy beats, it attracted different age groups that drew debates over who gets to listen to what. Although there are opposing forces, many fans still believe that K-pop should be open to everyone, be it a younger person or a more mature person. Like Spencer Callico, a sophomore at Hillgrove High School, he believes “It’s unfair to limit music to just one age group, just as it would be unfair to limit older music to older people.” Even so, because of the variability of Korean artists, these artists can create songs that accommodate different kinds of people who understand more than one language or vice versa.