What is K-pop exactly?

K-Pop, also known as Korean pop or Korean popular music, is a style of contemporary music that combines pop, rock, R&B, hip-hop, and electronic elements. Although K-pop has been around for a while, it has recently gained popularity on a global scale and attracted throngs of fans. As there is plenty of K-pop trivia to go around with BLACKPINK, BTS, Exo, Twice, and countless others, buckle up for K-pop facts.

Here are six things about K-pop you need to know:

 

1. Training costs

The cost of training can be seen as an investment in the entertainment industry. It is not necessary for the trainees (as idols are referred to during training) to pay for it.
Lessons in dance, singing, and language are all included in the training. A trainee will need to pay back money to the company if they choose to quit.
An idol is required to split their first-time earnings with the label. This varies by industry, with JYP Entertainment, for instance, splitting the proceeds 50/50 between the business and the artist.

2. The importance of age

Age is the most important factor in Korea, regardless of any other factors. You must use formal language when conversing with someone who is older or in a position of authority. Similar to this, when conversing with a junior or someone younger, you can use informal language (banmal).
This usually stays the same unless two people agree to use banmal together.

A few months’ difference in birthdate can have a big impact, even in a k-pop group with members who are mostly the same age.
For instance, the birth months of A and B are January and May, respectively. Even though they were both born in the same year, B must still address A in a formal manner.

3.Comeback

The term “comeback” must be the most eagerly awaited in the world of k-pop. This phrase is used when a new album or single from a K-pop singer or idol group is released. There are rumors that the “comeback” will include release-related promotions.

4. Scouting

Some people think they need to fly all the way to South Korea just to try out. They are definitely mistaken.
In fact, the following are a few of the most bizarre scouting incidents that are unknown to most people:

Minho from SHINee: He was approached while skiing and politely declined each time. He was followed to his school and home by the SM manager who had scouted him, who kept making job offers until he took them.

Sehun of EXO-K: He was eating ddukbokgi at a street food vendor when a casting manager approached him. He ran away because he thought the person was strange. After pursuing him for a half-hour, he finally consented.

Two times while shopping in Japan, Sana was spotted. When she discovered that her favorite actors and actresses worked for the same company, she immediately agreed.

5. Chanting

Fans chant in support of their idols when they perform on stage. It’s challenging to explain in words, so watch this video for clarification:

Essentially, it is a more formalized and distinctive form of applause given during a performance.

6. Fan participation

Having support from your fans is essential. Fansites (social media accounts created to support an idol or group) typically raise money when they reveal their comeback date.
The money is used in a number of different ways to support their heroes.