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SCMP Reporters

From NCT to Blackpink, here are the top things you may not know about the K-Pop industry.
1. What is K-pop?
As K-pop becomes more popular globally, the term "K-pop" becomes increasingly more fluid. Learn more

2. How popular are BTS?
BTS are the biggest band in the world. Learn more

3. How big are Blackpink?
Blackpink is the biggest girl group in the world. Learn more

4. How big is BTS on social media?
BTS has dominated Twitter, Tumblr, and YouTube for years. Learn more

5. What does it mean to be a limitless K-pop group like NCT?
NCT aims to create unlmited creativity and flexibility in their performances, as exhibited by their most recent album Resonance. Learn more

6. How lucrative is BTS?
Very. Learn more

7. How many K-pop fandoms are there?
Almost every K-pop act out there has their own fandom. Here are some of the most popular. Learn more

8. Why are K-pop groups so big?
K-pop groups are so big for a variety of reasons, including marketability and creating better performances. Learn more

9. What does the future of K-pop look like?
Virtual stars are a potential future. Learn more

10. What is the state of women in K-pop?
Female K-pop stars are representative of South Korea's patriarchal cultural norms. Learn more



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How powerful are chaebols, South Korea’s powerful family-run business groups?

K-Pop to kickstarting: Hong Kong's Jackson Wang on his path in music and fashion

K-pop

10 things you may not know about K-pop

British K-pop girl group Kaachi have been criticised by many K-pop fans who do not recognise them as a K-pop act. Photo: FrontRow Records

BTS have had a huge 2020, lifting people’s spirits during this difficult year. The K-pop stars recently appeared on The Late Show With James Corden. Photo: Getty Images

Blackpink perform onstage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in the US on April 12, 2019. The K-pop girl group had an incredible 2020, despite the global pandemic. Photo: Getty Images for Coachella

BTS were recognised by Twitter for having the most-tweeted account of 2020, as well as the most-tweeted K-pop and musician accounts. Photo: AFP

NCT released their latest album, NCT 2020 Resonance Pt. 2, this week. It brilliantly displays the talents of all 23 band members. Photo: SM Entertainment

BTS performed from South Korea for the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards. Photo: MTV/AFP

American fans of Korean K-pop group Girl's Generation scream as they appear on the red carpet during K-CON 2014 at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. The group’s fandom, Sone, is one of many whose members obsessively follow K-pop idols. Photo: AFP

K-pop girl group Loona has 12 members, the same as Iz*One and one behind Seventeen, but far less than NCT’s 23. Photo: Blockberry Creative

Fans are concerned that virtual members of the new K-pop girl group Aespa play on dehumanising stereotypes about K-pop stars. Credit: SM Entertainment

Irene of K-pop group Red Velvet is under pressure to leave the band despite apologising for bullying a stylist. Photo: SM Entertainment

Lifestyle

Entertainment

K-Pop

K-drama


The Korean wave - or hallyu - has swept over the world. South Korea’s K-pop idols are now among the biggest celebrities in the world, with standout stars including BTS members Jungkook and Jimin, and Blackpink’s Lisa and Jennie



K-pop idols

Blackpink