Why Are There So Many Of Them? Who Is BTS? An Introduction To K-Pop And Top 10 Songs For Beginners

No, BTS doesn't stand for "Behind the Scenes."

Ever since BTS won the Top Social Media Artist Billboard award, people have been starting to take notice of the growing influence of people who dance well, rap well, dress well, and have hoards of teenage girls/guys screaming their names. The Korean wave is starting to hit mainstream media and it seems like a lot of people are confused. "Why do you listen to them if you don't understand what they're saying? Why are there so many of them? Why do they all look the same?" Some people genuinely have a point, others are salty the Biebs lost to BTS, and some people are just plain old racist about it.

Music is music. That's the way I see it. Spanish, French, Korean- it's all just a bunch of notes strung together to evoke emotion. Maybe we don't all speak the same language, but we all experience the same feelings.

So if you don't like it, you don't like it. If you like it, cool. If you haven't explored international music, there's a whole new world of tunes waiting for you.

AN INTRODUCTION TO K-POP

I don't really like the word K-Pop. I think it's because it has a bad connotation to it because of the people who appropriate it and abuse it. The name bugs me mostly because it's implying all Korean music is pop. There is a diverse amount of music out there if you have time to waste looking for it.

What is so attractive about k-pop? How did BTS win a Billboard Award? Well, "K-Pop" is not only about the music itself but also how it's consumed and distributed. If you compare American pop music promotions to Korean pop music promotions, it's different. In Korean music promotions, the emphasis is heavily on performance and visuals through strong media presence (television, social media outlets, live stream, etc.). That's how Korean idols are able to grab fans from all around the world. They're easy to find on the web, and once they're found they're easy to follow. That's the magic of the Korean Wave.

TOP 10 SONG RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BEGINNERS

This is my little K-pop tasting platter for people who want to listen to Korean music but aren't sure where to start. It's not all pop, and you're probably not going to like every single song, but hopefully you'll find something interesting along the way.

1) EXO - Call Me Baby

EXO is a group under SM Entertainment, that consists of nine members. EXO is my go-to beginner group. They're a great example of boy group, and I can always rely on them for quality pop music. I chose Call Me Baby because it's one of my favourites and also because the video is pretty toned down and isn't likely to scare people off by how weird it is. Side note: they have Mandarin versions of some of their songs.

If you like this listen to: EXO's Love Me Right, Monster, Overdose, and Ko Ko Bop.

2) Hyukoh - Comes and Goes

Hyukoh is one of my favourite bands. I was exposed to the Korean indie scene through them. Even though they've become so popular that they're not really "indie," they are still my go-to's for indie music. Also the singer's, Oh Hyuk's, voice is something you really can't hear anywhere else.

If you like this listen to: Hyukoh's Tomboy, Wiing Wiing, and Leather Jacket

3) Deepflow (ft. Nucksal & Huckleberry P) - Cut Cut Cut

I'm not going to pretend I know anything about rap, but I will recommend rap to you anyway. These guys are from the underground scene. All I can say is that, regardless of whether this is "real hiphop" or not, I think it's a banger. I'd say this song is a good doorway into Korean rap, if you're interested.

If you like this then listen to: VMC's The Villians, Jessi‚ Microdot‚ Dumbfoundead‚ Lyrick's K.B.B, Zico's Bermuda Triangle

4) G-Friend - Navillera

G-Friend is, like EXO, a great example of a girl group. G-Friend always puts out strong dance performances, and songs with their distinct electric guitar solo. I chose Navillera just because it sounds like an anime opening. Also check out the dance version because it's insane. Side note: if you're sensitive to high end equalization, then do not listen to them!

If you like this then listen to: G-Friend's Fingertips, and Dreamcatcher's Goodnight

5) IU (feat. G-Dragon) - Palette

IU is like the Korean equivalent of Taylor Swift. I don't personally see her that way, but I can see how you could. IU is such a solid artist that I can't imagine this list without her. She writes her own music so her lyrics feel really down to earth. She started her music career at 16, and continue to grow as a soloist. Highly recommend!

If you like this listen to: IU's Ending Scene, Yerin Baek's Across the Universe, bolbbalgan4's Galaxy

6) AKMU - 200%

AKMU, or Akdong Musician, is a brother and sister duo who was discovered on a singing reality show. Their cuteness aside, this sibling duo participates in writing and producing their own music. They're known for their distinct sound, that I would describe as folk fusion? AKMU is adorable and unbelievably talented.

If you like this then listen to: AKMU's Re-Bye, How People Move, and Give Love

7) I.O.I. - Very Very Very

The song Very Very Very is a great example of K-pop on crack. What I mean by this is that it's a really good example of the really bright and energetic sound in K-Pop. I personally find it refreshing, and I hope you do too. Side note: this song is on Lin Manuel Miranda's Spotify playlist called, Your Musical Caffeine Substitute.

If you like this then listen to: TWICE's TT, Oh My Girl's Windy Day, and Red Velvet's Dumb Dumb

8) Jay Park (ft. Hoody & Loco) - All I Wanna Do

Jay Park is a Korean-American ex-idol, now producer, artist, and co-CEO of his company AOMG. It was really hard for me to choose which song of Jay Park's to recommend because I like pretty much all of them, so I just chose my favourite video. Things to note about this song and Jay Park: 1) there is an English version of this song that I listen to more than the Korean one so check that one out 2) he often writes his own English subtitles and if you have the time some of them are hilarious 3) Jay Park is also a Bboy and often works with dancers like Preprix crew, 1M, and Honey J.

If you like this then listen to: Jay Park's Solo, Minzy's Flashlight, G.Soul's Tequila, Jay Park's Me Like Yuh

9) Zion T. - Eat

One of my all time faves, but I think he's great for beginners because he's a great intro into R&B. He also has one of the most unique voices in the scene. His tone's definitely not for everyone, but he's worth checking out nonetheless. I also recommend looking up his lyrics if you have the time.

If you like this then listen to: Zion T's Yanghwa Bridge, Zion T's No Makeup, Crush's Don't Forget, DEAN's What to Do, DEAN's Come Over

10) BTS - Not Today/Spring Day

BTS kind of speaks for itself. There's a reason why Time magazine names these guys as one of the 25 Most Influential People on the Internet.

If you like this then listen to: BTS's Dope, Blood Sweat Tears, Fire, Save Me, I Need U

There it is! I had to unfortunately leave out a few of my favourites, but those are my top 10 for beginners.

Disagree with my top 10? Who do you think should be there? Let me know in the comments below.

#kpop #bts #iu #ziont #music #gfriend #exo #IOI