200 Greatest K-pop Songs: The Best Of Korean Pop

K- Pop which represents Korean Pop is a music genre that has its roots in South Korea. The music derives from a wide variety of western styles and genres that include hip-hop, pop music, R&B, jazz, rock, reggae, electronica, techno, classical, folk and country. Seo Taiji and the Boys a K-pop band formed in 1992 is credited to being the band that paved the way for modern forms of K-pop. The term ‘K pop’ is used to describe modern and ultra urban pop music forms of South Korea.

Popularity of K-Pop

K-pop has become a craze with teens not just in

Korea but also in Japan, US, Europe, Latin America, The Middle East, Africa, and India. Yes, the world is smitten with K-pop and this seems just the beginning. K-pop artists and bands are referred to as ‘idols’ or ‘idol groups’. K-pop groups are associated with a leader, and the youngest member in the group is referred to as maknae. The Korean music industry is known for its numerous reality TV shows and talent shows. K-pop fever is expected to reach dizzy heights by year 2025. K-pop-idol culture which has become a rage with youth in South Korea is spreading its wings globally.

Boy bands and all-girl bands are hugely popular in the realms of K- pop. What makes K- pop daringly different from other music genres is the colloquial exhibition of visual and musical elements. The wide spectrum of ‘spectacular’ seen in the realms of this music genre brings unique warmth to heart. The only way to actually feel the pulse of K-pop is by listening to the songs and exploring its musical soundscapes.

The glitz and glamour that oozes forth with a form of synthesized fusion of music encompassed with audiovisual, fashion and sharp dance routines says a lot about the aesthetic genre. Over the years K-pop has grown into a gargantuan subculture that has mesmerized teens and young adults. Social network services have contributed in a big way in the spread of K-pop and it’s subcultures to far corners of the world.

Management Agencies and K-pop-idols

Management agencies in South Korea work round the clock scouting for talented young individuals who have potential to be K-pop idols. Potential idols are offered binding contracts by management agencies based on audition performances. Trainees that are selected by management agencies are housed together in a regulated environment where they spend time learning music, dance, acquiring new skill sets, and learning foreign languages before making their debut. Talent shows such as K Popstar and Superstar K, and rap competitions such as Show Me The Money and Upretty Rapstar ,and ‘survival shows’ have trainees up against each other in competitions to pick or form a new idol group.

Usage of English Lyrics in K- Pop Songs

While not many K-pop bands used English in their songs in the 90s, thanks to intricate training schedules provided by management agencies… post 2000 a number of K pop bands have started incorporating English lyrics in their songs thereby making their brand of songs accessible globally. Over the years a number of hip hop artists that include Snoop Dogg, Akon, Kanye West and Ludacris have worked with K pop artists.

Choreography in K-pop songs

K-pop songs have been praised by critics for the choreographed dance moves in the videos. K-pop choreography has become exceedingly popular globally, and there's reason why. The dance moves seen in K-pop songs are known to be flawless. The symmetrical sequences of dance moves highlighted by camera angles and lighting are breathtakingly beautiful. Brown Eyed Girl’s ‘Abracadbra’ and Super Junior’s ‘Sorry’ are prime examples of supreme aesthetics and flawless choreography.

K-pop Fashion and Culture

K-pop has had a significant influence on fashion in Asian countries. Fashion trends started by idols have become a rage with young audiences all over the world. The ultra stylish clothing that K-pop artists wear in music videos has become insanely popular with young teens. K-pop fashion has helped new subcultures in fashion emerge. The K-pop look manifests itself in a brand new avatar in accordance with K- pop idols and K pop groups. The enigmatic Idol culture prevalent in K-pop has charmed the world, and this is just the beginning of a new global musical movement.

The lines below showcase an epic list of the best K- pop songs

200 Greatest K-Pop Songs