An Overview

K-pop, what is it? K-pop, short for korean pop, is a musical genre that originated in South Korea and portrays a broad assortment  of  audiovisual elements. It is a fusion of synthesized music, sharp dance and fashionable, colorful outfits combining bubblgum pop with the musical elements of electro, disco, rock, R & B, and hip-hop. (Quora.com) Furthermore, k-pop has grown into a popular subculture that has  spread all throughout Asia ensuing recreations of fashion and styles worn by the singers and idol groups of Korea. 

Hisory Of K-pop

The beginnings of korean pop music can be traced all the way back to 1885 when Henry Appenzeller, an american missionary, instituted the teachings of British and American folk songs at a school.  In Korea these songs were called Changga; generally they were situated with popular western melodies however the words were sung in Korean. For example, the well known song "Oh My Darling, Clementine" was known as "Simcheongga" in Korean. In the midst of the Japanese reign (1910-1945) the popularity of changga songs has risen as the koreans used music to try and express their feeling and emotions against the Japanese oppression. 

"Yi Pungjin Sewol"/This Tumultuous Time  by Park Chae-seon and Lee Ryu-saek from 1925 was the first k-pop album that contained translated songs that were popular amonst the Japanese. And "Nakhwayusu"/ Fallen Blossoms On Running Water  was the first pop son written by a korean composer and sung by Lee Jeong-suk in 1929. However, it wasn't until the mid-1920s when aJapanese composer, Masao Koga, mixed traditional Korean music with Gospel music that was introduced by the American Evangelist in the 1870's to create a new form a music known and recognized as "Trot".

The Arrival Of Western Culture (1940's-1960's)

When the 38th parallel was put into place dividing Korea into two, North and South, South Korea was introduced to the western culture on a small scale: Western style bars and the western music played at clubs. Afterthe Korean war has ended U.S. troops stayed in South Korea for protection allowing the american and world culture to permeate South Korea.

Since the U.S. troops were stuck in South Korea to protect them, the United Service Organizations made it possible to send prominent figres of American Entertainment to visit them. This of course grabbed the attention from the public. It wasn't until 1957 when the American Forces Korea Network started its broadcast did american music star influencing koran music. By the 1960's the economy of South Korea was looming with popular music following the trend. Korean Cinemas started to develop allowing korean musicians and singers who started out in americans clubs open to an even wider range audiences. Some korean performers even managed to gain some popularity internationally; For example, The Kim Sisters.

Korean Hippie Folk Pop (1970's)

In the early 1970's korean pop music undergoes yet another transformation. The musicians of the time were those who tended to university students/graduates and  made music that was  fun and self-entertaining unlike the earlier generations. Whereas, the older generation was influenced by their experience war and Japanese oppression, the younger generation was heavily influenced by american culture and lifestyle. Audicences of this new style of music consisted of students who followed the american style of fashion and music.

Era Of Ballads (1980's)

The rise of ballads took place in early 1980's only to become popular the release of Lee Gwang-jo's "You're Too Far Away To  Get Close Too"  (가까이 하기엔 너무 먼 당신, Gakkai Hagien Neomu Meon Dangsin) in 1985: album sold more than 300,00 copies.

The Turning Point Of The 90's

At  this point it isnt new that korean pop artist  fused american pop music with their own in the early 90's, however the true turning point for korean pop music doesn't occur until the emergence of Seo Taiji  & The Boys in 1992. The Trio had their debuted with their song "Nan Arayo" on MBC  's talent show and eventhough they recieved on the lowest rating on the program, the song and album itself was very successful. The lyrics that were writtedn was based off the issues and problems that the boys faced within the korean society; something that other artist failed to discuss. It was the sound of Seo Taiji & The Boys that paved the way for the "Success Format" of k-pop. With the success of Seo Taiji & The Boys came new audiences: Teenagers. This of course led to the upbringing of idol bands which conisisted of young boys and girls.

21st century: The Rise Of Hallyu/ Korean Wave

The "birth" of the Hallyu Wave happened at the beginning of the 21st century. This can be seen not only throughout the countries of Asia, but the countries of other places as well. Thanks to the internet the Hallyu wave is a global wave that spreads out to different regions with an wide/broad audience range.