One prominent word that you associate with Korean is K-pop. If you are a Korean language learner (or even if you are not), you probably heard that term.
K-pop or short for Korean pop is a genre of music originating in South Korea. (Wikipedia)
An idol, in fandom culture in South Korea, refers to a celebrity working in the field of K-pop, either as a member of a group or as a solo act. K-pop idols are characterized by the highly manufactured star system that they are produced by and debuted under, as well as their tendency to represent a hybridized convergence of visuals, music, fashion, dance, and music influenced by Western culture. They usually work for a mainstream entertainment agency and have undergone extensive training in dance, vocals, and foreign language. Idols maintain a carefully curated public image and social media presence, and dedicate significant time and resources to building relationships with fans through concerts and meetups. (Source: Wikipedia.com)
Everywhere you go, you can hear songs from popular idol groups.
I’ve been watching and following several K-pop artists these past ten years. Like any other part of entertainment industry, there are also ‘dark sides’. But for now, I want to focus on the bright side. Here are some reasons why I love Korean, specifically the highly popular K-pop:
- Training Background (Again, this is in the light of pointing out good reasons why I like K-pop as per my personal view, any deeper aspect or related issue is in the discretion of the reader)
~A K-pop artist is especially trained for stardom. Some started training in their early teens and spent more or less a decade being a trainee. During those years, they undergo rigorous and extensive training plans in order to pass the final screening before they debut. And in those years they gain various disciplines, commitments, and passions which they can apply in their lives later as K-pop stars. Living in dorms with other people who are totally strangers, away from the comfort of their parents’ home, is part of their training plans and is set to give them a sense of responsibility and to develop camaraderie. - The Creativity
~I am not inclined to art, but I do know how to appreciate a piece of art. Have you seen a K-pop music video? I would say majority are literally a masterpiece. I don’t comprehend how they come up with those concepts and how they manage the production itself. All I see is the result—a product of imagination, expertise, teamwork and collaboration. Even the makeup transformations, the fashions, and stellar performances of the members, they all add up to the creativity by which the industry is highly known for. - Overall Performance
~The artistry of K-pop idols is not just limited to singing, dancing, and acting. They set a high standard on professionalism and exhibit excellent qualities of a world-class performer. Having been in the training grounds for a long time must have honed their skills and capabilities such as composing and producing songs and albums, choreographing their own dance, proper communication with fans, and many other talents that contribute to the success of their groups.
Having said these, I am actually in deep thoughts regarding this K-pop thing…
In reality, there are songs which I like and I dislike; there are groups I stan more than the others; there are many more aspects which I personally don’t agree with, but they don’t discredit the fact that I have a very deep appreciation of the artistry of K-pop, may it be a group or a solo act.
So there… Just a few side comments:
Kpop idols are individuals who are highly trained for the K-pop scene. They worked really, really hard to become who they are now. Some started out from scratch, some started with a bang. Nevertheless, each of them has turned passions into dreams, and from dreams to realities, I believe.
Nobody knows what sort of hardships and unfairness they had to suffer just to achieve those dreams.
(Of course, this is not to take as far as condoning any malpractice in the K-pop world. Again, that is another part of the story) As a fan, or even just a netizen, it won’t hurt us a little if we show respect and kindness to them in our simple acts like being mindful of our comments about them especially in the world of social media where everything is just a click away. If you happen to be following some k-pop idols in their respective social media sites, you could just leave an encouraging and helpful comment on their posts or status, who knows, they might be able to read it, and those words might be what they needed the most at that time.
This world has become small due to the advancement of internet and technology, you are figuratively in the same space as your favorite idol, so enjoy but at the same time, be kind.
That Girl, Novate 
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