The Hallyu Wave

The Rise of Korean Music & Entertainment

The 'Hallyu Wave' refers to the phenomenal increase in popular for the Korean entertainment industry. Korean Pop experienced a massive following after the turn of the millennium with bands such as TVXQ and Super Junior. Popularity in Korean culture was only alleviated further by the 2012 viral hit, PSY's Gangnam Style. However, like American pop, Korean pop has experienced its fair share of controversies. 

Who hasn't heard of Gangnam Style?

In Korea, K-pop idols are often seen as the lowest class of singers vocally. This comes with little surprise as most Korean idol groups are heavily 'manufactured' by their managing agencies. Heavy focus is placed on their idols' visuals and quite often, individuals would be cast based on appearance rather than vocal singing talent. As a result, these idols are often highly sexualised and work in harsh conditions (overworked). Korean idols notoriously have been forced to work without much rest or sleep. This is such an ongoing practice in the Korean music industry that laws have been introduced to counter such practices.

MR removed performance of K-pop Idol 'Gu Hara'. Ouch.

Musically, not only have Korean pop idols been criticised for being vocally lacking and manufactured, Korean pop music has been criticised for their questionable incorrect use of English. 

It just doesn't make sense....

Within Korean pop, there are obviously exceptions such as the vocally talented idols Ailee and Hyorin from 'SISTAR' and the aforementioned does not reflect the Korean music industry as a whole. 

Ailee, described as Korea's Beyonce, and Hyorin performing Frozen's 'Let It Go'.

Beyond the mainstream Korean pop, Korean music has its fair share of talents. Ballad singers are considered among the top vocal talents in Korea. My personal favourite Korean artist would definitely be rapper, Outsider; one of the fastest rappers in the world.

Outsider's 'Loner'

Whether you are against the 'manufacturing' of mainstream Korean pop artists, they will always be part of the driving force behind the powerful phenomenon known as 'Hallyu'. With their dedicated fan-base, Korean popular music will continue to grow exponentially in popularity.

Post by Wing