K-Pop, short for Korean popular music, is a genre originating in South Korea as part of its cultural expression. It encompasses diverse styles such as pop, hip hop, R&B, rock, jazz, gospel, reggae, electronic dance, folk, country, disco, and classical, blending them with traditional Korean music roots.

The term “K-Pop” gained popularity in the 2000s, particularly in the international context. While it technically refers to all popular music from South Korea, colloquially, it’s often used more narrowly to describe any Korean music and artists associated with the entertainment and idol industry, irrespective of the genre.

The modern form of K-Pop, originally termed “rap dance,” emerged in 1992 with the formation of the hip hop boy band Seo Taiji and Boys. Their experimentation with different styles and genres, along with the integration of foreign musical elements, played a pivotal role in reshaping and modernizing South Korea’s contemporary music scene.

With the rise of online social networking services and South Korean TV shows, the Korean Wave, known as Hallyu, spread not only in East and Southeast Asia but also in regions like Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Latin America, North Africa, Southern Africa, East Africa, the Middle East, and the Western world, garnering an international audience.

In 2018, K-Pop became a “power player,” experiencing a 17.9% increase in revenue growth. As of 2019, Korean popular music is ranked at number six among the top ten music markets worldwide. In 2020, K-pop achieved a record-breaking year with a 44.8% growth, positioning itself as the fastest-growing major market, with notable acts like BTS and Blackpink leading the market growth.

How has K-Pop’s global influence expanded beyond Asia?

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