K-pop, an abbreviation for Korean pop music, is a global phenomenon that emerged in its modern form in the 1990s. Since then, K-pop idols have garnered large international fanbases, smashed industry records, and turned K-pop into a multibillion-dollar industry now valued at around $10B.
The beginning of K-pop as we know it is often traced to the debut of Seo Taiji and Boys. The movement continued to develop throughout the 2000s, and in 2012, "Gangnam Style" by rapper Psy became the first video to reach 1 billion views on YouTube. BTS, often called the world's biggest boyband, reportedly held a net worth of around $3.6B and accounted for 0.3% of South Korea's GDP before their recent military hiatus.
These milestones helped spread hallyu—a term that describes the global appetite for South Korean coolness, and opened the gates for K-pop and other cultural products from South Korea, like K-dramas, skincare, and barbecue.
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The album reflects the identity and roots of one of the world's most popular boy bands. Alongside a new single and free concert, the release kicked off BTS's 82‑date world tour through 2027. The free concert at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square drew tens of thousands of attendees and was livestreamed on Netflix.
K-pop, a global $8B industry, rose from its 1990s regional roots to worldwide fame thanks to hits like “Gangnam Style.” Trainees endure years of intense training in performance and media skills, with only 4% to 5% debuting.
Thanks to its eye-catching aesthetics and catchy music, South Korean pop has sparked a global industry. Both their sound and visuals are meant to be fun and addictive to consume.
While it can feel like K-pop's popularity appeared in the West out of nowhere, there have been longstanding efforts to make it take off in countries around the world. The Korean government invested in its culture for a more powerful future during a financial crisis in Asia. From building huge auditoriums to refining hologram technology, South Korea's Ministry of Culture has devoted huge sums to ensure the success of K-pop.
This article explains how the success of a rebellious '90s boy band inclined an industry to capitalize on that success and meticulously craft new generations of stars. While BTS exhibits major talent and charm, their rise may partially result from a formula for mass appeal that music executives cultivated.
Following the end of the Japanese occupation, Koreans shared their complex emotions through a musical genre called trot. Blending sorrowful lyrics with upbeat music, trot was used to dance the pain away after a difficult period.
Described as a sort of “soft power,” South Korea managed to dominate the world with tools like “Squid Game,” “Parasite,” or BTS instead of military force. Skincare, music, movies, television, and food are just some industries that have boomed and grown in popularity in recent years.
The world’s biggest boyband went on hiatus in 2022, leaving millions of fans—fittingly known as the BTS ARMY—waiting hungrily for their return. South Korean law states that all young, able-bodied men between 18 and 28 must serve between 18 to 21 months in the military. A revision was made to the law in reaction to BTS’s success in 2020, stating that K-pop stars or entertainers could postpone their military service until they turn 30.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought a lot of good fortune to BTS, who were able to reach audiences worldwide with their talent, appearance, and messaging. This Time profile of the group reflects on the epoch-defining group and how they stood out from other musical acts by being more socially progressive and uplifting. Their success is recognized as a triumph for Asian representation and the boundless popularity of K-pop idols.
The widespread popularity of the four-piece girl group Blackpink has built a large community of fans—called Blink—and proven the success of unconventional marketing strategies. Instead of producing a wealth of content and new material, Blackpink releases albums slowly, building tension for their fans. During their musical breaks, the women continue to build on their icon status, working with luxury brands like Chanel or even guest-starring in major American TV shows like “The Idol.”
Art, music, sports, entertainment, movies, and many other subjects—these elements define who we are as a society and how we express ourselves as a culture. Take a deep dive into the topics shaping our shared norms, values, institutions, and more.