> The popular music groups BTS and Blackpink are known for performing which genreof music?And the answer: K-pop. Members of BTS, one of the most popular K-pop groupsOriginating in South Korea,K-pop is a popular music genre that mixes elements of rock, hip-hop, reggae,electronic dance, country, and more. Part of the so-called Korean Wave, K-popstarted gaining attention outside of Korea in the 1990s, and is currentlyenjoying widespread popularity on every continent.Beyond its popular music influence, K-pop fans and artists have created a worldof activism stretching across global communities. While American pop culture haslong since ingested and enjoyed Korean films and music, the rise of social mediaand online culture has escalated this influence and paved the way for incrediblemobilization. In the K-pop scene, fans are encouraged to root for one or more individuals as"idols," inspiring unaltered support and passionate campaigns for their success.Oftentimes, the groups with the most organized fanbase were those who enjoyedthe most success. The more organized the fans, the more cohesive their demandsfor their idols would be, in many cases ultimately becoming so powerful as toinfluence the K-pop artists schedule, music output and general presence. In the 90s, the fans' passion for their idols lost some glow as media outletscriticized the intensity of their bargains. The devotion was seen as"dangerous," and placed pressure on the idols to perform exactly how theydesired. The gifts and other gestures of gratitude sent to artists were expectedto be appreciated, and if they weren't, fans responded with anger. However,K-pop idols soon realized that redirecting the fans' passion for gift-giving tocharity and donation satisfied both ends of the deal. By the 2000s, K-pop fanswere donating in bulk to necessary organizations such as elder care, orphanages,and homes for the disabled. Today, K-pop artists represent pillars of activism and civic duty (most of thetime without even phrasing it as such). K-pop fans have emerged as sociallyconscious, organized and passionate individuals who are able to sway the tide onpopular hashtags, political conventions, and online campaigns. Learn more about individual K-pop groups and their fans here[https://www.kpopmap.com/list-of-kpop-fandom-names/]. And check out the video ofBlackpink's hit "How You Like That" below:
