The Inevitable K-Pop Post

Hey again,

     Before coming to Korea, I did not fully understand how big the k-pop phenomenon is over here and in Asia.  Since coming to Korea and getting to know my students, I now have a better idea of what this music is like.  K-pop refers to the pop music industry in Korea.  This trend began in the early 1990s and has continued today.  Before coming to Korea, the only K-pop star I knew of was Rain because he was listed by Time as one of the 100 Most Influential People.  Despite this fame, Rain is not one of the most popular stars in Korea.  When talking to my students about music (I just finished a unit on American music with them so this topic has come up a lot), they get extremely enthusiastic over groups like Shinee, Girls Generation, and B2ST.  In order to connect with them, I have been listening to a lot of this music and trying to learn more about the industry.  I wanted to give you an idea of what this music is like, since I literally hear it everywhere.  Below are some youtube links with some of my favorites.  Be warned that all the videos are ridiculous, but fun nonetheless.

B2ST- Fiction

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAzWT8mRoR0

2ne1- I Am the Best

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7_lSP8Vc3o

Not sure who sings this one- Itaewon Freedom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N8c1t1QTDI

Super Junior- Sorry Sorry (this band is currently at the top of the charts with "Mr. Simple"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6QA3m58DQw

Super Junior- Sorry Sorry Answer (a better version of the above song)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a507jISnumU&ob=av2e

G-Dragon, BOM, & Great Park- I'm Having an Affair

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19WSCXTrlHg&feature=related