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Music genre

K-pop

K-pop is a music genre that emerged in South Korea in the 1990s. It is usually classed as a form of music of South Korea and A-pop. Explore key artists and related styles.

About K-pop

K-pop is a music genre that emerged in South Korea in the 1990s. It is usually classed as a form of music of South Korea and A-pop.

Among the best-known names in the style are BTS, Psy, Lisa, Jennie, IU and Jung Kook.

From Wikipedia

K-pop (Korean: 케이팝; RR: Keipap; an abbreviation of "Korean popular music") is a form of popular music originating in South Korea. The music genre that the term is used to refer to colloquially emerged in the 1990s as a form of youth subculture, with Korean musicians influenced by Western dance music, hip-hop, R&B and rock. Today, K-pop commonly refers to the musical output of teen idol acts, chiefly girl groups and boy bands, who emphasize visual appeal and performance. As a pop genre, K-pop is characterized by its melodic quality and cultural hybridity.

Genre family tree

Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of K-pop.

Key artists

  • BTS
  • Psy
  • Lisa
  • Jennie
  • IU
  • Jung Kook
  • Jisoo
  • EXO
  • Kara
  • BigBang

Related genres

Questions people ask

Real questions from the Stack Exchange community – follow a link to read the discussion.

Frequently asked questions

What is K-pop?

K-pop is a music genre that emerged in South Korea in the 1990s. It is usually classed as a form of music of South Korea and A-pop.

Where and when did K-pop originate?

K-pop originated in South Korea in the 1990s.

Who are famous K-pop artists?

BTS, Psy, Lisa, Jennie, IU and Jung Kook.

Sources & credits