2025 was K-pop’s year. “KPop Demon Hunters” became Netflix’s most-watched movie and a cultural juggernaut acknowledged by the likes of “Saturday Night Live” and “The Tonight Show.” The boy band Stray Kids set records, maintaining a streak of number-one debuts on the Billboard 200 for eight consecutive album releases. And now, two months into 2026, the powerhouse genre has set new standards. “Golden,” the smash hit from “KPop Demon Hunters,” has landed K-pop’s first Grammy award, winning best song written for visual media. BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ also became the first K-pop soloist to perform at the awards show, opening the ceremony alongside Bruno Mars. (Previously, BTS has performed.) In line with last year’s achievements, 2026 has so far shown K-pop will continue to grow internationally as part of the Korean Wave. The upcoming Academy Awards present one last opportunity for K-pop to flaunt its pop cultural dominance this awards season; “KPop Demon Hunters” has been nominated at the Oscars for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
Like any foreign art form, the best way to learn about K-pop is to immerse yourself in the culture by listening to the music, and perhaps a YouTube video deep dive. But, to make things simpler for those new to the genre, here’s a breakdown of what K-pop currently is.
Pop-singing “boy groups” and “girl groups” have thrived in South Korea since the 1930s. Before there was BTS or BLACKPINK, the ‘90s group Seo Taiji and Boys influenced K-pop as it is known today with energetic choruses, synchronized choreography, and elaborate productions. The group immersed themselves in American hip-hop played in Itaewon, a racially diverse nightlife district in Seoul popular with American soldiers. Seo Taiji and Boys brought the burgeoning rap dance scene in Seoul to the mainstream. Today, many popular K-pop groups like BTS, Monsta X, and EXO draw inspiration from many Black American hip-hop artists.
While Hip-hop is one huge influence for K-pop, it’s far from the only one. Few artists can make many music genres work for them. In K-pop, almost all groups do. Music producers combine genres so K-pop’s sound can be described as anything from noise music to bubblegum pop to R&B. As Western music has leaned toward whispery, restrained vocals, seen in the rise of Billie Eilish and Gracie Abrams in recent years, K-pop has embraced bold, catchy choruses and layered productions where less is absolutely not more.
However, this isn’t to say that K-pop has not changed over time. The eras of K-pop are broken down into “generations.” There are no hard and fast rules defining each generation, with much debate on their exact timelines. Seo Taiji and Boys are considered first-generation idols, while BTS is considered part of K-pop’s third generation. Right now, K-pop is in its fifth or sixth generation, indicated by a gradual shift away from ultra-bubblegum pop and heavy EDM.
In newer K-pop groups, unconventional song arrangements have become the gold standard. Songs like “God’s Menu” by Stray Kids, “Next Level” by Aespa, and “O.O” by NMIXX got a lot of buzz for their unexpected production choices and abrupt beat changes. While listeners initially disliked the songs for being too dissonant, these songs are now understood as turning points for their respective groups’ success. K-pop has always favored chaos, but its flirtation with weirdness has evolved this year. Grammy-nominated Katseye released the viral hit “Gnarly,” polarizing audiences for its nonsensical and over-the-top lyrics. While they’re technically not a K-pop group, the girls trained under K-pop methodology combined with Western pop appeal. The “global girl group” exemplifies a paradigm shift in K-pop — both in sound and global presence.
Part of what makes K-pop so easily understandable even to those who don’t speak Korean is its inherent visual nature. Music videos, choreography, fashion, set design, and even camera movement are given just as much critical consideration as the song’s composition. Not only do a song’s visual counterparts add to their entertainment value, but they further advance the group’s storytelling and identity.
In K-pop, some groups follow a concept for the entirety of their career, while others rebrand with each release, or “comeback.” Aespa, for one, has notably been celebrated for their unique and cohesive aesthetics. From their inception, the group has explored the metaverse, contributing to a Marvel-level expanded universe with their SM Entertainment colleagues. Their fashion is sleek and futuristic, and they often utilize SFX makeup and moody lighting. Before their hiatus, NewJeans cemented themselves as another must-know group. Their fresh visual identity and youthful hip-hop dance style made them distinct from girl groups before them — many of whom have followed a “girl crush” concept.
Compelling visuals might be the hook to drawing audiences in to K-pop, but for the most devoted fans, it’s the narrative-driven lyrics and positive messaging that make them stay. At a global scale, BTS stands out as a trailblazer for connecting fans through a cause. Since their debut in 2013, the group has positioned itself as an authentic voice for young people seeking change in Korea. Early in their career, their stances on defying expectations in pursuit of following your dreams (“No More Dream,” “N.O”) were especially impactful in a society that places enormous pressure on students.
It might not be a coincidence that South Korea’s greatest cultural exports — BTS, “Squid Game,” “Parasite” — are all appreciated for their scrutiny of an unjust society. Even “Gangnam Style,” the highly meme-able 2014 hit that caused millions around the world to dance like a horse, prompted thinkpieces about its covert analysis of wealth distribution in Korea. While the rapper Psy has insisted the song be taken lightheartedly, it is undeniably mocking the ostentatious wealth in Gangnam, a district of Seoul characterized by luxury shopping and high-end dining.
Authentic and clever lyricism isn’t always the case in K-pop, though. Listeners well-versed in the genre’s evolution will remember the cringe of first hearing LISA’s infamous “you gon finna catch me” line in BLACKPINK’s 2017 single “As If It’s Your Last.” While there is plenty of reward in thoughtful storytelling, choosing to take a K-pop deep dive will result in finding misused AAVE (African-American Vernacular English) and illogical, if not gauche, English lyrics, too.
Must know vocab/common fan terminology:
Idol: A K-pop singer who is trained professionally in singing and dancing.
Bias: One’s favorite member in a particular group.
OT7: Standing for “One True 7,” a fan who is OT7 appreciates all members of the group and does not have a bias. For a group of four, such as Aespa, a fan who likes the members equally would be OT4.
Bias-wrecker: A very close second to your bias. An idol who makes you question your bias.
Ult-bias: One’s favorite idol across all K-pop groups.
Ult-group: One’s favorite K-pop group.
Sasaeng: A dangerously obsessed fan who invades an idol’s private life; a stalker.
The Big 3: K-pop’s three dominant entertainment companies: JYP, SM, and YG. Now, there is wide discussion to relabel this term to “The Big 4,” suggesting Hybe Corporation as a fourth dominant force. The company rose in dominance after BTS’s success and now houses several popular groups, including Seventeen, Le Sserafim, TXT, and more.
Trainee system: Aspiring idols join company trainee programs, which include rigorous vocal, dance, and language coaching. Companies select trainees who show the most skill development or “star-power” to create a final polished group. Very few trainees become idols.
Debut: When a trainee becomes an idol, marked by a group’s first public appearance on stage.
Comeback: A new music release that is accompanied by promotional activities and performances.
Aegyo: Performative cute mannerisms, often used by idols to charm their fans. Can include gesturing with finger hearts or using a higher voice.
Finger heart: A heart made by crossing the thumb and index finger, popularized in South Korea in the 1990s.
Nugu: Translates to “who?” in Korean. A term used by international fans to refer to lesser-known groups, who are likely under smaller companies outside of The Big 3.
Leader: A group’s leader represents the group in public during press and awards ceremonies and also serves as a behind-the-scenes motivator and communicator. The leader is chosen by their management or group members for their age, maturity, or skill.
Dance line: A group’s most skilled or core dancers. While all members dance, BTS’s dance line is J-hope, Jimin, and Jungkook.
Vocal line: The members specifically chosen for their vocals or designated as a vocalist. The main vocalist is the best singer and usually receives the most lines, while the lead vocalist is the second best. BTS’s vocal line is Jungkook, Jimin, V, and Jin.
Rap line: The rappers in a group, chosen for their own distinct flow. BTS’s rap line is RM, J-hope, and SUGA.
Visual: The most attractive group member(s) by Korean beauty standards.
Center: The face of the group, often placed in the center of a photo or choreography. Can overlap with the visual position, but is usually chosen for charisma or skill. Not all groups designate a center.
Maknae: The youngest member of a group. In Korean culture, age hierarchy is very important. Maknaes are taken care of and babied by their members.
Camille MacMillin can be reached at camille.macmillin@globe.com.