K-POP

What is KPOP?

• Originated in South Korea

• characterized by a wide variety of audiovisual elements

• Covers dace-pop, pop ballad, electronic, rock, hip-hop, R&B, etc

What are the Hallmarks of KPOP?

T-ARA

2NE1

• Diversity of audiovisual content: exhibits a vast spectrum of musical and visual elements (fusion of music, dance, visuals)

T-ARA

T-ARA

• Systematic training of artists: agencies offer binding contracts to children starting from age 9-10. Trainees are tightly regulated and spend hours learning music, choreography, foreign languages and communication techniques

SHINee

Tiffany, SNSD KARA

• Synchronized choreography: characterized by repetitive dance steps

Girls’ Generation

Super Junior

• Rapid distribution via internet: markets to a worldwide audience (comebacks, promotions, CFs, etc)

• Support of gov’t agencies: increase in the export of consumer goods (KPOP concerts and festivals contribute to culture and tourism)

• Dedicated fanbase: song translations, cover groups, fanclubs, etc