A deep-dive into K-pop: Celebrating the global phenomenon ✨

In recent years, K-pop music has well and truly stormed the charts, with global phenomenons such as BTS and Blackpink providing us with some of the biggest hits that sit in our heads rent free. With Rosé and Jennie also storming the charts with solo work, it's fair to say it's all about K-pop at the moment. But what is the popular music genre all about - and where did it originate?

We've taken a deep-dive into all things K-pop, from some of the largest groups around right now, to some of the hottest acts to keep your eye on. As we prepare for SMTOWN LIVE 2025 to electrify London's Allianz Stadium in June, join us as we celebrate the undeniably addictive genre.

What is K-pop music?

K-pop is an abbreviation of Korean Pop. Quite simply, K-pop is a popular music genre that originated in South Korea. In recent years, the genre has seen a huge spike in popularity, with thanks to its up-beat and catchy songs, often paired with high-energy dance moves and striking videos - which is pretty much the perfect potion for a TikTok viral hit.

Origins

The origins of the popular genre are complex, with its sound drawing from various musical and cultural influences over decades. Its roots can actually be traced back to the early 20th century, with the introduction of Western popular music during the Japanese colonial period.

Taking inspiration from Western pop - particularly American and European styles - it was the genre's unique blend of Korean elements, along with electronic dance music (EDM), pop, hip-hop and R&B that saw it captivate further audiences.

With American music having a significant impact following the Korean War in 1950, it is widely thought that The Kim Sisters - responsible for songs such as 'Charlie Brown' and 'Arirang' - were an early example of Korean Pop reaching American audiences.

Years later, the late 90s Asian financial crisis saw the South Korean government invest in cultural exports as a way to boost the economy. As a result, they saw more funding for entertainment companies and global promotions.

Modern K-pop and global influence

There's no denying that K-pop has become a global phenomenon, developing a dedicated fanbase. Decades of evolution, fan engagement and even technological advances have seen the genre develop into what we know and love today - with many attributing modern K-pop's origins to the band Seo Taiji and Boys' debut in 1992. The band's track 'I Know' became a game-changer when it comes to K-pop.

In 2009, the first K-pop song entered the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 - in the form of Wonder Girls’ 'Nobody'. That same year, multiple K-pop music videos began to go viral on YouTube, including the likes of Girls’ 'Generation’s Gee' and Super Junior’s 'Sorry Sorry'.

It was 2012, however, that saw the genre's biggest YouTube breakthrough, with the phenomenon that was Psy’s 'Gangnam Style' (2012). the track served as the first viral K-pop song worldwide, hitting 1 billion views on YouTube - and now sitting comfortably at just shy of 5.5 billion.

Are K-pop artists trained?

Big entertainment companies like SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment adopted a trainee system, which idols take on rigorous training in singing, dancing, rapping, languages, and media presence - and, of course, synchronised choreography. Training them up to their debut, it pretty much churns out the most highly polished performers.

The first idol groups trained under the entertainment companies were H.O.T. (1996), S.E.S. (1997), Fin.K.L (1998) and Shinhwa (1998). In 2013, Big Hit Entertainment saw through the creation of BTS, with a competitive trainee program from YG Entertainment seeing the creation of Blackpink in 2016.

Who are the most popular K-pop bands?

Whilst there are plenty of K-pop groups and artists that have gained worldwide recognition and built global fanbases, undeniably there are a select few that have become so of the most popular of all time.

BTS

K-pop group BTS, behind hits such as 'Dynamite', 'Butter', 'Boy With Luv', 'Blood Sweat & Tears' and 'DNA', made their debut back in 2013, and it's fair to say they became a global phenomenon - releasing the epic collaboration 'My Universe' with Coldplay back in 2021.

The band is made up of seven members - Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook - and were created by Big Hit Entertainment. In 2022, while celebrating their ninth anniversary, BTS announced they were going on a hiatus.

'Dynamite', released in August 2020, continues to be a mammoth hit - serving as Hybe Labels' most popular YouTube video, standing at 1.9 BILLION views at the time of writing. Bagging them a Grammy nomination, the track is certified Platinum in the UK, as well as 5x Platinum over in the US and Diamond in Japan.

WATCH: BTS 'Dynamite' official music video

BTS have won countless awards and broken numerous world records. Being most-awarded group in BBMA history as of 2022, with 12 wins overall, they were also first Asian act in AMA's history to win Artist of the Year. On top of that, they are the first Korean pop act to receive a Grammy Award nomination, as well as being the first Korean artist to receive a BRIT Award nomination.

Blackpink

Blackpink quickly became one of the most influential girl groups worldwide - often described as redefining the music industry with their debut in 2016, which saw them release 'Whistle'. Since then, they have released countless chart-topping hits, even collaborating with megastar Lady Gaga on 'Sour Candy'.

The group is made up of Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, with multiple members even releasing solo material, and even being awarded Honorary MBEs. Rosé has topped charts with her Number 1 track 'Apt.' with Bruno Mars, with Jennie also making waves with her TikTok viral hit 'Mantra'.

WATCH: Rosé on meeting Taylor Swift, 'APT', songwriting and more

Blackpink have seen undeniable success since their debut, bagging countless awards and becoming the first K-pop girl group to perform at Coachella. Their global success has seen them develop a dedicated fanbase - adopting the fandom name 'BLINKs' - as well as a fierce social media following and brand endorsements with high-end fashion labels like Chanel, Dior, and Celine.

Firmly establishing themselves as one of the most successful and internationally recognised K-pop acts to date, Blackpink are still together, with 2025 set to see a new album as well as a world tour - despite is seeing solo material from multiple members.

Stray Kids

A unique blend of self-produced music and high-energy performances has seen Stray Kids become one of the most popular K-pop groups around. From their debut back in 2018, they have released viral tracks such as 'God's Menu', 'Maniac', 'Thunderous' and 'Chk Chk Boom'.

Originally seeing a nine-member line-up, Stray Kids now consists of eight members - Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin and I.N - following Woojin's departure in 2019.

The group was created by JYP Entertainment, and made their official debut in 2018 following the label's eponymous 2017 reality television show which saw the idols survive the trainee program to make the band's debut.

New K-pop bands

Of course, the K-pop scene is constantly evolving, and it's fair to say that there are plenty of new up-and-coming acts that are quickly gaining attention, and are sure to storm the charts soon and make waves globally.

To name a few, gaining strong worldwide recognition at the moment and growing loyal fanbases, keep an eye on groups such as ENHYPEN, BOYNEXTDOOR, (G)I-DLE and LE SSERAFIM. With fresh, experimental sounds, we're sure to see the genre evolve into its next generation, with plenty of new icons sure to shape the future of K-pop.

Are there any upcoming K-pop events in the UK?

There certainly are! As well as Blackpink's World Tour coming our way, we can get excited for the massive K-pop event that is SMTOWN LIVE heading to UK shores for the first time ever!

Taking place in London this summer, SMTOWN LIVE 2025 is happening on 28th June, at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, London. The huge event will welcome some of the biggest names around in K-pop, along with some of the hottest rising stars, with names such as Exo’s Suho, Chanyeol, NCT Dream, aespa, NCT 127, Red Velvet and TVXQ all announced.

Find out everything you need to know, from the complete SMTOWN LIVE 2025 line-up, to how to get tickets.

Is there a K-pop musical?

There is one in the works, yes! Coming to the UK 'soon' is a 'thrilling new K-pop concert-style musical' titled ICON. The musical was first teased back in 2022, with the official X account sharing snaps of the cast in 2024.

ICON follows a five-piece boy band, smashing through their hits live in concert as they gear themselves up to say farewell to their lead man. The five ICONS use their K-pop magic to thank their fans - and each other - in a unique way, as they say goodbye to their lead man who is called up for military service.

As of right now, there is no release date for the K-pop musical ICON just yet.

The musical is gearing up to be an authentic K-pop experience, with an immersive feel, and is aiming to take to the stage on the West End.

What about a themed restaurant?

Yep - if you're looking to get immersed in all things K-pop, there are numerous themed restaurants that you can visit to get your fix while fuelling up! Some of the most popular K-pop themed restaurants in the UK sit in London, including the likes of K-POP Restaurant and Little Korea - which is said to host some of the biggest K-pop stars, when they visit the capital.

In the restaurants, you can try the favourite authentic Korean dishes of K-pop idols, while surrounded by a K-pop themed setting. In a true homage, some even have signatures and memorabilia on the walls.

Now check out some of the biggest tours coming to the UK this year:

Now read:

Everything you need to know about 'Apt.' and Blackpink singer Rosé

BTS: How the K-Popstars became BRIT Award nominees

Everything you need to know about Blackpink singer Jennie

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