11/1/10 — With globalization and the availability of various media on the World Wide Web, millions of users around the world are able to receive information, encounter new interests, and make new friends. This globalization has given people around the globe a way to connect to Korean culture: food, customs, and especially, “K pop,” which has created a global fandom.
Steven Fuentes, a Filipino student who now resides in Temecula, California, explains his fascination with Korean music.
“I have guy friends who have SNSD members as their profile pictures on Facebook,” he said as he laughed. “My friends are simply obsessed and sing Korean songs even though they can’t understand it.”
“Every Friday I look up the most popular international songs online and I come across these catchy Korean songs. I put them in my iPod and I’m good to go,” Blake Montel Smith, a student at Cal State San Marcos said about how he appreciates Korean music.
Why “K pop?” Some avid listeners of Korean music were asked what makes “K pop” so appealing. Angela Simmons, a high school senior at Chaparral High School, said Korean music is different from typical American pop music heard on the radio today.
“American music seems to be more serious and many times have sexual topics. However, Korean music definitely seems to be more ‘cutesy,’ which is definitely one of the reasons why I like to listen to Korean music.”
Maricela Cedillo, a high school freshman at Chaparral High School, was introduced to Korean music by one of her Korean friends at school. Now, she says she is “sucked” into the music.
“One reason I like Korean music is because it tends to be more upbeat. K pop to me is very happy and it makes me happy just to listen to it. Right now my favorite group is SHINee and I cannot go a day without listening to them!”
Hazel Ip, a student at Queensway Secondary School in Singapore, found an affinity for Korean culture in its entirety: She learns the Korean language, watches Korean dramas, and listens to Korean music.
“The Korean language is a big reason why I like to listen to K pop. I can sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star in Korean if you want me to,” she said jokingly.
Kristin Haggerty, a senior at Chaparral High School, was first introduced to Korean music by listening to Japanese music. Now, she mainly listens to Korean music, and not only does she listen to the music, she learns the choreography.
“I watch just about every music video and learn most of the dances. My friend and I like to record dance covers and upload them onto YouTube and the fact that our videos receive a considerable number of comments and views show how popular Korean music is.”
Korean music, once mostly unknown by non-Koreans, now receives international recognition and following. Some Korean music artists and groups such as BoA and the Wondergirls have dipped into the American market as well. Koreans and non-Koreans alike are able to appreciate the same music and entertainment despite language and distance barriers. With a countless number of Internet communities and sources of various Korean media, many people around the globe are able to freely explore and experience the ever-changing culture of Korea.
