A Personal Commentary on K-pop by Chloé Golden

With energetic music, fashionable idols, and eye-catching performances, it is no shock that the Korean popular music industry (K-pop) has dominated the world. The K-pop journey starts like all others…by watching funny or charming compilations of bands, or at least that is how my own journey began. From there on, you can’t get enough. First, you want to know their names and how many members there are, then you want to listen to their music, then watch their performances and music videos. From there on, the trap is set and down the rabbit hole you go into the wonderland of Korean pop. What is so interesting about K-pop? Why is it so addictive? If you dare, keep reading, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. 

*The models in the photographs used in this article are a part of TAMU’s Korean Dance Association. Head over to Rudder Plaza at 5:30 tonight to watch these girls, and many more, dominate the stage at the Destress Fest of 2023!*

K-pop Bands Members Can Do It All

The list is limitless as to why K-pop is addictive. Yet, three aspects stand out the most, highlighting just how different this industry is from others. If you want to see a good show, these bands will give you them. They can sing, they can rap, and they can dance. What more could you want in a performance? However, these idols didn’t just rise to fame by luck, and having talent isn’t enough to get you on stage in the Korean industry. To become an idol, you have to go through years of training. From dance lessons to vocal lessons, modeling sessions to practicing instruments, an idol must master it all to be in a band. If you think that was the hard part, try again. Once in a band, these idols not only have to write and produce their own music, but also create mind-blowing performances to compete with other bands in the industry. With all of the preparation and efforts given, it is no wonder K-pop bands know how to give a good show. You are probably wondering, “Okay, so they put a lot into the show, how does that make them different?” See, it is the execution of the performances that set the K-pop industry apart. These idols don’t just stand there with a mic, they create detailed setlists and stages to encapture the hearts of their fans. Fireworks, flame throwers, migrating stages, and much more are used to enhance the stage. However, it doesn’t stop there. If you have an epic stage, you have to have the style to match it. These idols rock their performances with top-notch fashion, makeup, and hair looks. Sequins, leather, harnesses, and heels, nothing compares to these outfits. “So they give a good show, what else?” 

Content, Baby, Content.

We have all been in a position where we want a deeper insight on our beloved A-list celebrities. Away from all the crowds and behind the scenes, we fans want to get to know the stars as if they were our own friends. K-pop artists are well aware of this and will not leave their fans lacking. Each band has a Youtube show, where they post fun weekly episodes to entertain the fandom. Skydiving, limbo, improv, and realistic vlogs, these idols do not fail you when it comes to putting a smile on your face. By far, this is one of my favorite aspects of the Korean pop industry. The videos always make me laugh out loud, and on hard days I will watch all my favorite episodes to boost my spirits. And to add a little spice, the youtube videos are over 20 minutes long! Seventeen, a K-pop band that I have spent an abundance of my time and money on, has the absolute best show. Their vlogs, known as TTT, have three different parts to them (about 40 minutes each). Furthermore, to break the stereotype, K-pop isn’t childish. Seventeen vlogs are wild, and the majority of the time it consists of them doing crazy drinking games that'll make you wish you were there with them. 

Light It Up!

Last, but certainly not least, K-pop idols don’t play around with merch! Sweatshirts, t-shirts, and hats are cute to own from your favorite artist. However, K-pop bands offer much, much more. Don’t know what to do with your hands in a concert, well how about using a lightstick? Don’t know what a lightstick is? Each band designs its lightstick to match its aesthetic and style. All fans, new and old, try to get their hands on one. When it's show time, fans will take their lightsticks to the concerts where the magic begins. Installed into each lightstick is a Bluetooth connector that the production team will connect to during the performance. Once those lights come off, the lightsticks will be activated. If you thought a sea of phone lights is pretty, wait to till you see the lightsticks in action. The lightsticks change colors, create patterns in the crowd, and create an unforgettable memory to have when you leave. 

As you can see, the Korean pop industry is no joke. These idols train endlessly to give a good show and not only entertain, but give back to the fans that got them to where they are today. From their performances to the youtube shows, to the epic lightstick, K-pop idols are truly dedicated in what they do and it shows. Now that you know the secrets behind the life of a K-pop addiction, are those gateway compilation videos calling your name?

Written by Chloe Golden, Photography: Lisa Nguyen, Social Media: Emily Hansen