K-Pop, which is Korean pop music, has hit the western states, and it’s growth has led groups like BTS, NCT, and Got7 to not only host shows, but even showcase their music at major award shows.

The music originated in South Korea and has been popularized since the 2000s. Since then, K-Pop has taken over the states with a Spotify report that over 65% of users are now listening to K-Pop. 

This music industry consists of colorful music videos, english slang, and hidden messages within the videos. Artists like BTS (bangtangboys), have gathered a loyal fan base known as ARMY to help them be recognized in the U.S. The group debuted in 2013, with seven members that each create lyrics directed at the young generation about self-love and dealing with problems in the real life world.

Their most recent album, “Map Of Soul: Persona”, had a record breaking milestone according to Variety magazine, as they say that BTS ranks No.1 in song sales. On Youtube they have over 11 billion views, leaving their fans excited for more.

 The group has gotten so big they took home the title of ‘Best Group Award’ at the AMAs (American Music Awards) as they were the first K-Pop group to win the award. They later set on a tour called “Love Yourself Speak Yourself” which grossed out $117 million, as one of the most successful global tours by any other band. 

Aliyah Cueva, a junior at San Pasqual who has been a fan of K-pop for over 3 years, explains why she loves K-pop so much.

“I got into K-pop in late 2017, my cousins showed me a music video and I thought it was so cool because it’s Korean music and all the dancing and color,”  said Aliyah.

Besides the dancing and different concepts of each music video, the lyrics play a huge part in all groups. 

“The music spreads a good message with their lyrics, most of them talk about depression and how you’re not alone and are instead loved,” said Cueva. “There’s so much more to K-Pop, the made choreography for everything, it’s just different, but definitely BTS they are so well known for their message of loving yourself.” 

BTS is a one representation of K-Pop growth in the states. Since BTS appeared, however, more acts like BlackPink, (a female group of four members) have earned 1.1 billion Spotify Streams, and even performed in last year’s Coachella event showing that even language is no barrier to fans. 

Another group named MONSTA X, who collaborated with French Montana on the U Love?” gained recognition leaving many for more collaborations with western artists. 

All in all, It looks like the K-Pop industry is not slowing down anytime soon but instead enhancing their music and culture all around for everyone to enjoy.