Is BTS Really That Great? What's the Big Deal with K-pop?

K-pop, which enjoys immense popularity, including groups like BTS, Seventeen, Blackpink, NewJeans, and NCT.

While other groups are also incredibly talented, is there anyone who doesn't know BTS, a group that has demonstrated remarkable strength on Billboard?

Of course, compared to the past, there's a shift in trends nowadays where K-pop is more niche, catering to dedicated fans rather than mainstream appeal… but how many people would dare say 'no' when asked, 'Is BTS really that amazing?'

Witnessing BTS's success, it's truly astonishing to see just how much K-pop has evolved.

The K-pop industry moves enormous amounts of money. K-pop is no longer just a genre of Korean popular music. It's a cultural phenomenon that generates massive wealth and captivates the world as a new form of cultural expression.

So, what exactly is K-pop?

What is K-pop?

■ It seems questionable whether a specific genre or style of Korean popular music gained international popularity and became known as K-pop, or if it's appropriate to use that term to refer to all of Korean popular music.

■ K-pop is usually defined as a unique genre through various methods and styles, both musically and externally. ~ K-pop is a music genre as well as a cultural style.

■ Defining K-pop solely through music is meaningless. It is a comprehensive combination of elements including a globally appealing musical format, dance, fashion and outward appearance, unique aesthetics in music videos, a distinctive business model (the idol agency system), a high reliance on new media, the virtues expected of singers, the unique relationship between fans and singers, and the way music is created and distributed, that truly defines K-pop as a genre.

-Poetry for Z, Lee Gyu-tak, 21st Century Books

K-pop is defined as a unique genre that encompasses not only musical elements but also cultural characteristics and style. Furthermore, K-pop is considered a representative element of Korean cultural style, extending beyond simply being a music genre.

Idols are particularly central to K-pop, and they are closely linked to Korean youth culture. Even now, just like in my generation, the culture of pursuing K-pop idols from a young age continues to grow, and idol groups captivate fans with their increasingly diverse styles and concepts, drawing them into their unique worldviews.

Among them, BTS stands out as one of the groups representing the global success of Korean idols. They wield significant global influence and have achieved unparalleled success compared to other groups.

BTS's success has established them as a prime example of what Korean idols can achieve on a global stage. If you know The Beatles and One Direction from the UK, it's easier to grasp just how remarkable BTS's popularity is.

HYBE is facing some turbulence right now, but with the BTS members soon to be discharged from their military service, I believe they'll quickly regain their footing and soar to new heights on a global scale once again. It's not difficult for those who've achieved success once to achieve it again.

With its continuous growth, K-pop also demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility towards its music and its fans, leading me to believe that it will once again showcase its incredible potential.