Following my previous post about K-pop, let's discuss the last point of it!
Music
In the past, K-pop idols were extremely “manufactured” and companies didn’t let them write or produce their own songs, they just were in charge of performing what they were given. Nowadays you can find “self-producing idols” in almost every group creating their own lyrics and music but at the end, they only have a little taste of freedom because the management staff still has the last say.
Leaving all the rules behind, what I really like about entertainment companies is that they are very open-minded about learning what sells internationally. They are always experimenting with the latest trends from different music genres to create the diversity you can see in their groups, bands and soloists. Not to mention that some of them hold auditions in countries like China, Japan, Canada, the US and more, with the purpose of discovering and fostering young talented people, no matter their nationality, gender and age.
As a result, K-pop has always been influenced by Western styles, with the difference that they add their own color to it. Maybe it’s the energy that you feel when you hear idols’ voices or the catchy lyrics and beats or when you see the amazing choreographies and incredible music videos.
The best of it is that you can find different types of songs, from one regarding problems in our society:
To a cute and upbeat one which is about love:
And let’s not forget the high-quality dance movements and visuals:
Additionally, it’s completely common seeing them going to Japan or China to perform songs in another tongue or making collaborations with international artists since idols are “export” minded from day one, often learning new languages and trying to communicate with fans from all over the world.
South Korean modern music is becoming more and more popular. People are starting to expand their knowledge of their culture and history. And even though for some language can be a barrier, for me it's an encouragement to find out something new and embrace the unknown.
K-pop is more than a genre and its artists should get the recognition and respect they deserve for carrying so much on their backs.