Welcome to the Hallyu Wave

To those who don't already know what the Hallyu Wave is, let me fill you in. The term 'Hallyu Wave' or 'Korean Wave' refers to the significant increase in the popularity of South Korean entertainment and culture starting in the 1990s, in Asia, and more recently in other parts of the world. As one put it, it represents a surge in the international visibility of Korean culture.

To put this more simply, 'Oppan Gangnam style'! Yes, this is a k-pop song. Part of the viral goodness of the Hallyu Wave. The popularity of Psy's song has spread faster than wildfire. Being a dedicated k-pop fan who keeps up with debuts and comebacks, new
singles and albums (and mini albums), I had already heard Gangnam Style at least a month before the MV went viral and Americans got Psy fever. Hello?! Psy has other great songs too. Do any of you realize the stress that this man must be going through knowing that he has his work cut out for him to be able to top the success of Gangnam Style? At any rate, I don't think Psy would disappoint. After all, he topped 'Right Now' with the now viral hit... wait? You mean to tell me that you haven't heard of 'Right Now' ok, well here ya go:

Now wasn't that worth watching too. :P

There are so many great artist (referred to in the k-pop realm as idols) and groups in k-pop. Some more well known than others. It is a growing genre, one that is spreading in popularity. Many k-poppers (fans of k-pop) have been voicing their concerns for the spread of the genre into the western world fearing that k-pop will lose its originality and fall into the black hole of 'American pop' music. C'mon, you can't tell me that you haven't heard some of today's rap artists or even some Alt. or rock groups releasing some sort of POP song.... American pop is practically a black hole sucking up every other genre in its path and spitting out the leftovers into a pile of it-all-sounds-the-same-anymore ditties that cause earaches within a week of being aired on the radio.

I will soon be posting on news in k-pop from September as a catch up, since I am just starting this blog. I may even make a year to date post. So please stay tuned.