K-POP

Korean music consists of a wide variety of genres however the genre K-pop is what Korean music is known as. K-pop originates from South Korea. The music that kpop consists of has changed over time but now it is a blend of hip hop, electronic, pop, rock and R&B. K-pop music has been regarded as being too heavily manufactured and controlled by the recording companies in order for them to gain the most money. Kpop music has started to realise the potential of using Youtube to reach more international markets.

The K-pop industry is a highly selective and competitive market. The three biggest recording companies control most of the industry by producing highly successful kpop singers and groups. K-pop music has over time become dominated by girl and boy groups. Recording companies spend millions of dollars to train people to become successful in the market so that they can earn the most profit. Training consists of learning multiple languages, singing lessons, dancing lessons, keeping their bodies fit as well as going to school. Training is a very difficult process in which many people drop out.

Some of the most successful Kpop groups:

Big Bang

Girls' Generation (aka SNSD, SoShi)

 

2ne1

Super Junior (aka SuJu)

Wonder Girls

Information from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K-pop