Korean pop has become one of the most sensational music genres of today’s era. Although it has been around for quite a while now, it has only become such a popular music choice in recent years. The word used to describe this world-wide spread of Korean culture is Hallyu. According to the article, hallyu is used by the Korean government to promote this new wave of Korean culture to make Korea the “Hollywood of Asia.” Korean dramas, movies, and pop music have become an important part of mainstream media in Asian countries which were formerly controlled by Japan and Hong Kong. The eccentric style of k-pop has made it a different type of music that so many people around the globe have to come to love. K-pop appeals to so many different groups because of how unique it is. Every song is different yet you can clearly distinguish it as k-pop. 

So many people relate to it around the world because it combines pop, which is a pretty western form of music, with hints of Korean culture in it. People see it as a blend of different cultures which comes together to sound really distinctive. Although most artists are of Korean descent, not everyone has grown up in Korea. The way that the groups are made also is very important in the global presence of k-pop. It takes years and years of practice and training for artists to debut, that is if they do at all. These artists are groomed continuously for years and live a very strict life during this time. Generally, they are trained to sing and dance, taught mainstream languages like English and Mandarin, as well as how to manage themselves in the media and how to answer questions. Many of them start this process from a young age, living away from home for continuous periods of time. 

Additionally, each of their characteristics are closely examined to determine how they would fit together as a group so that they aren’t completely alike but also not so different from each other that their personalities clash. The way that the artists dress, as well as their media presence also has a great impact on how people view k-pop. People consider these artists as “idols” and follow their lives very closely. I also think people like k-pop so much because the artists sort of have a mystery to them. Even though their backgrounds are quite well known by people, Korean singers aren’t really allowed to discuss their personal lives too much on media. In the article, the writer states that when he was interviewing members of the group Girls’ Generation , he was told to not ask questions about their personal lives like boyfriends or their feelings about some of their friends not making it in the industry. I think the way that these artists are trained has a lot to do why k-pop is becoming so mainstream.