Before I start this post (believe me, it’s a big one) I will clear some things up about both this post, as well as my blog scheduling.

I will try to keep as regular posting as I can. I am going to follow a theme of one personal post a fortnight, one review, and one about one of my main interests – which this one follows. This may become a bit shaky as deadlines loom and graduation creeps up on me, but bare with me.

Second of all, I’m aware of the reputation both K-Pop, and my own hold when it comes to posts like this. This is your warning to stop reading if you are not interested. I am, which is what matters. Here’s a cute gif.

With that out of the way: What inspired this post? I’m pretty bored of the raised eyebrows when I have to explain what I’m listening to, or more specifically, why. All K-Pop is, is pop music in another language – Korean, specifically. Of course, there are some things that make it unique to the Western style of music, such as the tight choreography, or the focus on boy/girl groups, which is only just making a resurgence in the West. But at the root of it all, it is just pop music. Which leads me to believe that there is probably a song out there for everyone.

I am not expecting anyone to fall down the rabbit hole with this post (although, it can happen. Source: Me), but it would be awesome if someone found a new song to motivate them through the day, or some background noise, or a new workout song for those tough gym sessions. So without further ado…

I will approach this through different genres, as well as focusing on different aspects and styles of the song. If you don’t want to scroll through the entire post, try and think about what you would like to hear (or see) in the song/video, and then proceed with caution. Welcome to K-Pop.

The big distinguishing factor of K-Pop, and the thing everyone thinks of when they think of it: boy groups and girl groups dancing in sync with catchy hooks and quirky fashion sense. And you’d be right. The question is, which one do you listen to? As of 2017, there are over 300 active idol groups, with more to come throughout the year. Well again, that decides on what you’re into. I find the best way to distinguish is through concept and number.

Of course, you can’t mention boy groups and girl groups without getting the two biggest out of the way first:

If you want to listen to the Nation’s boy group, tinged with Western influences and an aura of cool: 에라 모르겠다(FXXK IT) – BIGBANG

Ah, Big Bang. I’m sure if you know me at all, you’re aware of BIGBANG. The biggest group in Korea, the biggest export they have to offer, and my favourite group. BIGBANG’s ‘에라 모르겠다’ (translated to ‘I don’t know…whatever’) oozes cool. Whilst it may not have the choreographed aspect Kpop is so famed for, it holds tradition with crazy fashion (with BIGBANG topping fashion polls globally every single year), and the catchy choruses that you’ll be humming under your breath for weeks to come. Of course if you’re looking for upbeat, they can do that, too…proceed with caution.

If you want to listen to the Nation’s Girl Group, and essentially be hit with everything the genre has to offer, all at once: I GOT A BOY – Girls’ Generation

‘I Got A Boy’ is mad. I warned you. Girls’ Generation is an 8 membered (once 9) girl group who essentially rode the ‘Hallyu wave’ (the term for the internationalisation of K-Pop) all by themselves until very recently. And it’s not hard to see why. In sync moves? Check. Super pretty girls? Check. 4 different songs going on at once? Sure, why not. Plus, this might be the most colourful video there is. Yep, they nailed the formula, which is probably why they’ve remained on top for 10 years, and why they’re one of my favourites.

Now those two are out of the way…

Let’s talk concepts. Whilst pretty much every concept under the sun has been tried, from pirates, to sushi, the two huge categories that concepts will often fall under will be ‘cute concept’ or ‘sexy concept’. And yeah, they will up both of those as much as they can.

If you’re feeling ‘just a little cute, but I don’t want diabetes just yet’…

Girl group: CLOSER – OH MY GIRL

Not crazy cute, right? Closer works the fairytale concept, with two of their members looking like dolls you’d find in the Disney store. However, this concept still very much falls under cute. Fun fact: When the choreography is viewed from above, the girls formation creates the different zodiac signs. The attention to detail is insane. Oh yeah, and it keeps the tradition found commonly in Kpop songs, which is a random rap break. Luckily, it works in this song.

BOY GROUP: 하루만 (JUST ONE DAY) – BTS

In this video, BTS demonstrate the ‘boyfriend concept’, which is found a lot in idol groups. Fitting, as idols are often marketed as ‘I could definitely date you some day’, which is ha ha, but you know, it sells. Whilst the song has cuteness to it, and if you turn the lyrics on, has very sweet lyrics, it manages to tone the saccharine down. Don’t get too used to BTS like this though, they’re usually pretty lit.

Not cute enough? If you’re looking for ‘pretty cute, but not childish. Keep it moderated’.

Girl group: 비밀이야 (Secret) – Cosmic Girls

With Cosmic Girls comes one of the largest groups currently promoting, with an almighty 13 members. Secret is unique in the fact that whilst it is marketed as ‘cute’, characterised with the styling and high voices singing the chorus, the actual concept is pretty…different, by K-Pop standards. It doesn’t focus on how cute the girls are, more that of their namesake. The aesthetics are gorgeous, and the song being catchy helps, too.

Boy group: 딱 좋아 (Just Right) – GOT7

Ah, GOT7. Another one of my favourite groups, though I am trying to avoid letting my bias show in this post (too much). GOT7 are another group that incorporated the ‘boyfriend concept’ into their music, with the message behind the song being that ‘No matter what you look like, you’re Just Right’. That’s right. Even if you’re in despair over university essays, and haven’t washed in 3 days, there’s 7 cute boys who think you are ‘Just Right’.

Now let’s crank it up to 100…

If you’re looking for the feeling you get when you see a super cute fluffy animal, except with people, and music…

Girl group: KNOCK KNOCK – TWICE

TWICE are undeniably the trend in Kpop right now, and for good reason. Have you heard this? The song is almost sickly, with the cutesy voices upped to 110%, the pajama party outfits, the teeny tiny dance moves. TWICE aren’t just performing the cute concept, they essentially own the genre. And it works for them. The 9 members even have their own individual cute concepts i.e. ‘cutie sexy’, ‘bunny’…yeah, this is where you want to go if you have a particularly sweet tooth. Remember to brush afterwards.

Boy group: 숨바꼭질 (Hide & Seek) – ASTRO

Like TWICE, ASTRO aren’t just performing the cute concept, they ARE the cute concept. The bright colours make their return, the matching uniforms reminiscent of ‘that cute boy next door’, the big smiles that are permanently painted across their faces. This is about as cute as you can get without maybe putting a dummy in their mouths. You wanted super cute, right?

That pretty much covers cute concepts for now, phew. As with all of these, there are plenty more groups that are working these concepts too, but I can’t include them all. You’ll have to search yourself.

The other concept I mentioned, sexy, again has a scale to it. How sexy do you want? Because believe me, they deliver on all accounts.

If you’re looking for ‘Well, I like some attractive people, but I don’t want too much overt sex in my face’

Girl group: EXCUSE ME – AOA

God damn it, this song is so catchy. I think I’ve been singing it the entire time I’ve been looking at the thumbnail. The concept is sexy -you know what they want you to look at in those outfits – but you don’t have to. There’s enough going on that it isn’t the central focus, though the girls’ faces are definitely going to be the distraction too. Try to not sing ‘Exa-cuse me excuse me’ for the next few days.

Boy group: HERO – MONSTA X

Ah, another favourite of mine. Monsta X deliver both a great, catchy song and deliver on the sexy concept with the signature shirt lifting move (back when they were less ‘thicc’ than they are now..that awkward transition phase). Monsta X grow into the concept more and more with each comeback, but Hero is probably the best example I can think of, as well as being the song that propelled them into the spotlight.

A little more? Hm, okay.

If you’re looking for ‘Something pretty hot, but I don’t want to have to explain myself if someone walks in’

Girl group: TOUCH MY BODY – SISTAR

Yes, the song is cheesy as hell. Let’s get that out of the way, but isn’t all pop music? Sistar are the representative, mainstream sexy girl group in Kpop, and for good reason. Famed for their bodies, now they’re offering the chance to touch them. Listen to the jaws of Sistar fans worldwide hit the floor. This song was also featured in an episode of Family Guy so…global domination here they come, right?

Boy group: 사슬 (CHAINED UP) – VIXX

Vixx are the kings of concepts, they’ve literally done everything: Voodoo dolls, zombies, BDSM- wait, what? Yes, Chained Up is essentially a song about BDSM, complete with the chokers on the members. The physical album even went so far as to put a BDSM clause in the contents. Lovely. It doesn’t take away from how catchy this song is, and how hard it is to resist following along with those body rolls in the chorus.

If you’re really sure, and that isn’t enough for you…well.

If you’re looking for ‘I have no shame, let me shamelessly watch those sexy dance moves. I watch porn for the plot’

Girl group: 떨려요 (VIBRATO) – STELLAR

Oh, Stellar. If that thumbnail isn’t an indicator of what’s to come…brace yourself. Stellar are notorious for pushing the boundaries to get noticed, as the kpop industry is cut throat and takes no prisoners. Whilst their music is consistently solid, their music videos may…raise some eyebrows, to say the least. Nonetheless, it’s worth the listen and hey, you wanted sexy. Enjoy some vagina imagery and floor humping, courtesy of Stellar.

Boy group: 죽어버릴지도 몰라 (Might Just Die) – HISTORY

Here’s that shirt lifting move I was telling you about except…upped a little bit, courtesy of their visual, Kyungil (front and centre). Like Stellar, History aren’t a big name in Kpop, like some of the groups mentioned previously. I do hope that changes though, as they again, consistently release great music. Have fun ogling, you made it this far.

Aside from single gender groups, whilst they’re rare, K-Pop also has some quality co-ed (mixed) groups, in which there are 3 that I’d say are most prominent. Take your pick.

If you’re looking for a couple with chemistry and undeniable sex appeal: NOW – TROUBLE MAKER

Trouble Maker have been away for a while, but when they return, damn right they’ll kill. Their unique selling point is acting like a very in love, and very sexed up couple on stage, something that’s seen as taboo in a culture where celebrities dating can almost be career ruining.

If you’re looking for the mesh of girl and guy voices, but more of a platonic chemistry: OH NA NA – K.A.R.D

K.A.R.D are one of the newest groups on the list, and currently, one of the most popular. They’ve reopened the interest in co-ed groups, and it’s easy to see why. With the easy R’n’B sound, smooth vocals and sharp raps, K.A.R.D have come to slay. Try them for yourself, they haven’t taken over the Spotify charts for no reason.

If you want actual platonic, actual brother and sister, with an indie twist: 사람들이 움직이는 게 – AKMU

AKMU are awesome. Not just because of their music, but because they’re doing their own thing, producing awesome upbeat, indie music whilst on a primarily hip hop label. Despite the different sound, they still keep with those familiar elements of choreographed dance moves, big smiles, and a music video where you’re not sure what’s going on…but you can dig it anyway.

Not that it’s all groups, soloists can be pretty popular too..

If you’re a fan of Taylor Swift’s style (pop Taylor), and her ‘sweetheart’ image: 23 – IU

Dubbed ‘The Nation’s Little Sister’, IU is often likened to Taylor for her production of her own songs, as well as the ‘butter wouldn’t melt’ image.Both coincidentally have the reputation to be mediaplaying, sly foxes. But if you’re a Taylor fan (like I am), you’ll be used to it. Enjoy IU!

If you’re a fan of big, powerhouse vocals, similar to Beyonce or Adele: INSANE – AILEE

Often dubbed Korea’s answer to Beyonce, and for good reason. Ailee has undeniably one of the best vocals in the industry, and makes the R’N’B crooner genre her own. She never seems too out of place for a Western audience, meaning that there’s a good chance that if you just want the vocals, without a lot of the usual gimmicks, Ailee is right up your street.

If you’re looking for smooth r’n’b, with minimal gimmicks but maximum tunes: HALF MOON – DEAN

With each day that passes, I don’t think there’s a day where I am not listening to Dean’s album, and for good reason. His voice is very soothing, and his music calming. As a video under this one stated on Youtube ‘Dean is the new prince of r’n’b”, a claim that I think can be backed up when listening to what he offers. Dean creates an atmosphere with his voice, something that requires a special sort of talent. Be sure to check out some of his equally as good collabs, also.

If you’re much more into the hip-hop side of music, and prefer a strong rap: BERMUDA TRIANGLE – ZICO feat. DEAN + CRUSH

Dean, we meet again. But more importantly, Zico. The self proclaimed ‘King of the 3rd Generation’, though this claim is also justified. Whilst he is known as the leader of idol group Block B (as mentioned a few posts ago), he’s been making a name for himself as the leader of mainstream K-Hip Hop and one of the most popular solo artists of the present. Zico is clever with his rhymes, and has great flow. He’s one of my favourite artists, and with his growing popularity, that many people can’t be wrong, right?

Phewww. There’s a lot to take in, huh? Let’s power through some things you may be into, switching between groups and soloists:

If you’re really into the whole ‘anime OP’ sounding thing…you know, you just like anime, and the J-Rock/Babymetal style: CHASE ME – DREAMCATCHER

This song really wouldn’t seem out of place as an anime OP. When this came out, I was watching Re:Zero at the time, and thought that it seemed fitting for the atmosphere of that particular one, though I’m sure it fits the criteria for many others. Plus, it goes against the general vibe that is often associated with K-Pop, so alternatively, it can be used to break the stereotypes for the skeptics. Not to say that it doesn’t hold the traditional associations: the choreography is incredible, and hard hitting is rare for girl groups to do, yet they pull it off flawlessly. Make sure to check out their cover of Maroon 5’s Lucky Strike if you like what you hear, too.

If you’re a fan of the big powerhouse vocals, but you’re low-key into the gimmicky fashion idols offer:

Boy group: 괜찮아요 (IT’S OKAY) – BTOB

Girl Group: 넌 is 뭔들 (YOU’RE THE BEST) – MAMAMOO

Both Mamamoo and BTOB really break the stereotype that all manufactured groups are ‘all visuals, no talent’ and prove with members such as Minhyuk (BTOB) and Wheein (Mamamoo) that actually, they can be both. As a bonus, once you recover, and catch your breath again from their vocals, they’ll try to floor you again on variety. Evidence of BTOB, and Mamamoo. Good luck.

When you want some super low-key K-Pop, that doesn’t sound out of place when played at a chill gathering:

Male: ALL I WANNA DO – JAY PARK feat. HOODY & LOCO

And luckily for us, Jay Park releases his music in English, too. Whilst K-Pop fans like to say that certain acts can succeed in the Western industry, Jay Park is the only one that actually seems like he has a legitimate chance. The songs fit very well with current rnb trends, and of course…his visuals. Splooosh. He’s about to blow up.

Female: WHY – TAEYEON

I need to start writing less. Remember Girls’ Generation? Here, their leader, Taeyeon offers a deep house jam in the form of ‘Why’, keeping up with trends in Western music, as well as keeping what is so distinctly Kpop. Definitely worth the listen. Also, Taeyeon is an incredible singer, so it may be worth listening to her for the big vocals, if that was your cup of tea too.

If you’re looking for a group where you can’t tell if you want to be them, or be on them:

Female: 붐바야 (BOOMBAYAH) – BLACKPINK

They…are…so cool. 😦 Naturally, as BIGBANG’s little sister group, BLACKPINK serve up top quality songs, hard hitting choreography, catchy hooks, enviable style…is there anything they can’t do? Yeah, I know you want to join, too.

Male: CALL ME BABY – EXO

Again, they’re just so damned cool. Yes, people have mixed opinions about 10 boys dancing in sync. But hell, when you look that slick, who cares? EXO are undoubtedly the hottest boy group in Kpop, and with songs and style like this, it’s not hard to understand why.

If you want to feel like you’re constantly shooting photoshoots for tumblr, and feel the ~edge: 4 WALLS – F(X)

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard this play in H&M. F(X) are like the cool, unapproachable kids at school, who always get good grades and everyone loves them even though they’re kind of intimidating. This deep house offering provides great evidence as to why f(x) have captured the pop-indie niche in kpop, and why they continue to capture the attention of Western media with each comeback.

If you just want an enjoyable, ‘long ass ride’, with a sick bassline: 일곱 번째 감각 (THE 7TH SENSE) – NCT U

When this song was first released, for many it was love at first listen. It was different from the norm, but man, it went off. This song incorporates a lot of the great aspects of K-Pop: box MVs, synchronised tight choreography, unique fashion and sharp visuals, along with a lot of other unique aspects. A good rap? Check. A bassline that would work for a little bump and grind? Hell yeah. A sound that is definitely kpop, but wouldn’t sound out of place in the West? Yep, it kills it. See if you can resist a couple of body rolls of your own.

If you want to have fun with the dancing in kpop, no matter if you’re male or female, along with a great song: 위글위글 (WIGGLE WIGGLE) – HELLO VENUS

Affectionately known as the ‘hoe anthem of K-Pop’ Hello Venus delivered one of the most fun in choreography you can have. Is it sexy? Sure, but does it take itself seriously? A song called Wiggle Wiggle? Come on. Watch this once…and then twice, and then try to stop yourself rapping along as you shake your apple hip.

If you like your music chill, and fit for a cafe background, or maybe baby making: BABY BABY – WINNER/BODY – MINO

Sighs, Winner. Some of my favourite voices in all of K-Pop. Their style of music is particularly mellow, so if you don’t really want the upbeat, dance tunes that are so prominent in this post, Winner are for you. Alternatively, Winner’s rapper, Mino, released a solo song with the same atmosphere, and definitely deserved an honourable mention.

If you’re undecided on how many members you want in your group, so you say ‘Hell, just give me all of it’: PRODUCE 101 – PICK ME

101 members dancing in sync? You got it. Take your pick of boys or girls, either way, you asked for it.

If you know that K-Pop is nuts, and you want the nuts…these videos need no introduction:

PHEW. There we have it. Whilst there are so many more artists out there, I don’t have the time, nor the characters for them all. I hope you found something you liked out of this post, if you made it this far.

If you did, awesome. Leave a comment and let me know what it was! If not, that’s cool too, thanks for the interest.

Thanks for reading, be sure to get the word out that I exist. ❤