The Diverse Musical Styles of K-pop
K-pop music always brings us a diverse feast of musical styles. Let's enjoy it together! - by Vicky Ho
This section will explain how K-pop gradually gained international recognition by producing high-quality music and visuals, forming diverse idol groups, utilizing social media and digital strategies, establishing fan cultures and support activities, and fostering cross-cultural collaborations. This has led to K-pop's increasing globalization in recent years. This article will focus on K-pop music, with a focus on four popular Korean groups that have dominated the Western market over the past decade.
Every K-pop group has its own unique music style, ranging from pop, EDM, hip-hop, R&B, alternative pop, dance pop, ballads, rock, future bass, country pop, and Latin pop, to the more recent trend of incorporating retro 70s-80s disco and the empowering "girl crush" style. K-pop’s musical range is incredibly broad. As K-pop has become more globalized, the lyrics now often include many English phrases, and some songs are even entirely in English. The vocal performance is also influenced by Western pop artists, which is one of the reasons K-pop has quickly penetrated the Western music market.
Below are four K-pop groups—BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, and NewJeans—whose songs have garnered widespread popularity. We will analyze why their music is so well-loved.
- Music Style: BTS’s music spans pop, hip-hop, R&B, and EDM, with each member showcasing unique vocal abilities.
- Lyrical Themes: Their songs often explore themes of youth, personal growth, and mental health, resonating with a global fan base as listeners feel they grow alongside BTS.
- Performance Skills and Dance: Their vocal performances are solid, and their synchronized and impactful dance routines make their MVs and live performances visually captivating.
"Dynamite" (2020): A disco-pop track that was BTS’s first all-English single. Its upbeat melody and retro rhythm helped it become a global hit, topping the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
"Butter" (2021): A fusion of pop and R&B with a catchy, confident vibe. It stayed at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for multiple weeks.
"Permission to Dance" (2021): A pop-country fusion with an uplifting beat and lyrics, highlighting BTS’s international appeal.
"Boy with Luv" (2019): A collaboration with American singer Halsey, blending Western pop elements with BTS’s signature style.
"Left And Right" (2022): A collaboration between BTS’s Jung Kook and American singer Charlie Puth, combining pop and R&B.
- Music Style: BLACKPINK blends pop, EDM, and hip-hop, creating a distinctive girl-crush style. Their voices are bright and powerful, making them well-suited for both ballads and dance tracks.
- Stage Presence: Their songs are high-energy with strong beats, paired with polished choreography and expressive performance.
- Fashion and Visual Appeal: BLACKPINK's MVs and performances are stylish, enhancing their global appeal.
"How You Like That" (2020): A fusion of hip-hop, pop, and EDM, with intense beats and impactful choreography.
"Lovesick Girls" (2020): Combines pop-rock and electronic music, showcasing their diverse musical talents.
"Pink Venom" (2022): Blends hip-hop and traditional Korean instruments, showing their adventurous musical spirit.
"Ice Cream" (2020): A sweet and playful collaboration with Selena Gomez, combining pop and summer vibes.
"Pretty Savage"(2020): A confident and fierce track from their album *The Album*, blending hip-hop and pop elements.
"Shut Down"(2022): A trap and hip-hop fusion, with powerful lyrics about overcoming challenges.
- Music Style: Known for their catchy pop tunes with infectious choruses, TWICE’s music is easy to remember and often leans toward a sweet and cheerful vibe.
- Cute Image: Their songs and image revolve around youth and innocence, which has broad appeal, especially among younger fans.
- Dance Choreography: Their dance moves are simple yet catchy, making it easy for fans to participate.
"Feel Special" (2019): A pop-electronic track that conveys deep emotions of friendship and gratitude.
"Alcohol-Free" (2021): A breezy tune blending Latin and bossa nova elements, celebrating the feeling of love without the need for alcohol.
"Moonlight Sunrise" (2023): A sweet song about love, highlighting their vocal harmonies and emotional expression.
"TT" (2016)**: A fun, catchy tune with an easy-to-recognize "TT" hand gesture, symbolizing the heartbreak of a breakup.
- Music Style: NewJeans mixes modern pop with retro elements, offering a fresh yet nostalgic sound.
- Innovative Production: Their music production is unique and experimental, making their sound distinct.
- Individualistic Image: Their style is bold and quirky, appealing to fans who enjoy avant-garde trends.
"Attention" (2022): A minimalist R&B-pop track that quickly caught international attention.
"Hype Boy" (2022): A fusion of electronic pop and R&B with a youthful vibe.
"Ditto" (2022): A song with a nostalgic, simple melody that resonated with fans worldwide.
"OMG" (2023): A pop-R&B track with catchy lyrics about the excitement of love.
"Super Shy" (2023): A sweet and light song reflecting shy romantic feelings.
"How Sweet"(2024): A gentle tune celebrating the sweetness of love.
"Bubble Gum"(2024): A fun, energetic track symbolizing carefree youth.
"Supernatural"(2024): A mysterious and dreamy track exploring the theme of the supernatural.
"Right Now"(2024): A lively song about cherishing the moment.
