If you were attending Lollapalooza in 2022, there was no escaping the excitement for BTS’s Jhope and Tomorrow by Together’s performances; making them the first South Korean acts in the festival’s history. Korean pop artists continue to headline these major festivals as Blackpink “will be in your area” at Coachella for that infamous time in April. There is no denying the uprise of these artists as they continue to push boundaries and expand around the globe. Reminding us of BTS’s two time Grammy nomination and striking performances on the Grammy stage; making them one of the most memorable acts in Grammy history. To the moment when Blackpink debuted No.55 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” and the Billboard 200 at No.40 with their EP Square Up; making them the highest charting album by an all-female K-pop group. These are just a few of the achievements from the two high profile groups of K-pop globally.
Many people have wondered where this success began, where others have stated it was inevitable. What pushes these groups to be global powerhouses is their marketability in different counties, along with their drive to be forward thinking when it comes to trends. When looking at groups such as Seventeen and Blackpink, Seventeen has two members from the United States and two members from China, while Blackpink has one member from Australia. Vernon Chwe and Joshua Hong, members of Seventeen, have released two songs as a subunit (one in English and one in Korean) and solo songs in English; while Wen Junhui and Xu Minghao have released solo songs and a duo song in Chinese. Blackpink’s Rose stunned fans by releasing a solo album solely in English. In creating songs in multiple different languages they allow themselves to be reached to a farther audience on a different, emotional level.
Additionally, I can assure you that you have heard about “being in the stars tonight” or maybe how you are going to “light it up like dynamite.” BTS took over the Summer, landing themselves the No.1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart globally and exclusively in the United States. The song is now booking them a deal with LEGO in creating a mock set of the music video. TWICE in this past year released “Moonlight Sunrise”, a full English track, performing on multiple shows such as The Kelly Clarkson Show. K-pop artists are pushing themselves in releasing songs in multiple different languages allowing for a complete global takeover.
When it comes to fashion trends, monster rookies NewJeans are responsible for the uprise in Y2K aesthetic. These girls have managed to bring back this aesthetic most notably in their recent release titled “OMG” featuring the girls wearing bunny-ear caps, oversized jeans, and bunny themed backpacks.
K-pop artists continue to revamp previous aesthetics, such as Y2K, but are also making their debuts with brands. Seventeen’s Joshua Hong recently became an ambassador for NBA Style Korea, and Seventeen’s Yoon Jeonghan was an ambassador and representee at Paris Fashion Week for Saint Laurent. Blackpink’s Jisoo recently collabed with Dior, and NewJeans Hanni with Gucci. Where the takeover is not only in their craft, but in their presence in fashion as well.
If you are not an avid listener of K-pop you may think that its presence is not there, but do not be fooled by its more silent fans around you. Taking a look at The Ohio State University’s campus, K-pop has made its mark already. With multiple dance groups on the campus, one of the most notable J2K has multiple workshops for those interested in learning the dances from their favorite groups to participate in.
Though, taking it steps farther in putting on full performances for local cultural shows, to even collaborating with the schools fraternities and sororities for a cash prize. These dance groups show their love for the music, fashion from each group’s established comeback or release, and talent each time they hit the stage. They also foster community in bringing fans together for something they all enjoy during their workshops. If you have not been convinced yet of the rise of K-pop globally, just simply take a look around you and you will begin to see its takeover like a melody in the silence…or maybe you could say its takeover is “smooth like butter, pulling you in like no other.”
