YG, JYP, CUBE, SM entertainment… Do you know what I am talking about? If you know, I guess you are a huge K-pop fan just like me!

K-pop is an abbreviation of Korean pop or Korean popular music which is a musical genre consisting of electro-pop, hip-hop, pop, rock, and R&B music originating in South Korea. In addition to music, K-pop has grown into a popular subculture among teenagers and young adults around the world, resulting in widespread interest in the fashion and style of Korean idol groups and singers.

The founding of South Korea’s largest talent agency, S.M. Entertainment, in 1995 by Korean entrepreneur Lee Soo Man led to the first K-pop girl groups and boy bands. Nowadays, we have many famous entertainment companies in Korea. Some major agents such as SM entertainment, YG, JYP entertainment and CUBE entertainment had burst onto the scene and were producing talent as quickly as the public could consume it.

Girl groups, such as So Nyeo Si Dae, Kara, T-ara, 4-minute and Miss-A, are representing their image by vivid and sexy fashion style together with lovely voice and catchy songs. Boy bands, such as Big Bang, CNBLUE, Beast, Super Junior and 2AM, are very famous for cool dancing, outfits and of course, their ultimate musical talent which is an outcome of a long-term training.

Okay then, who is your favourite? Mine? I love Big Bang (I am a huge fan of GD)!

If you want to feel the real K-pop, there is a concert in November at Sydney ANZ Stadium. Also did you know that we can enjoy K-pop channels on a national TV in Australia? It’s on SBS1 every Sunday from 8.30am for 2hours. Still want to know more? Why don’t you google K-Pop, download some songs/lyrics and sing it at a Korean Karaoke?
So, everyone! Let’s enjoy awesome K-pop!   

   
Ashley Jang (Korean teacher)