What is Kpop?

K-pop, or Korean Pop, is a fusion of dance, electronica, electropop, hip-hop and R&B that originated in South Korea but has spread across Asia (and now the rest of the world).
Exponents of the genre have attracted a fanatical following in recent years, though western audiences could be forgiven for not being entirely au fait with K-pop until this year.

The movement has largely been driven by the internet with every wannabe artist in the world having a platform to showcase their abilities.

Though instant stardom is not guaranteed, the internet has played a major role in the spread of the Korean Wave (which describes the rise of Korean music and entertainment business) and has unearthed many new stars.

Undoubtedly the biggest of these is PSY, but he is not the only one to enjoy significant success in the charts.

It went to number one in 27 countries, including Australia, the UK, Germany and PSY's native South Korea, and was assured its place in history when US President Barack Obama revealed he was to privately perform ‘Gangnam Style’ for his wife Michelle.

Scooping gongs at the American Music Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards and Mnet Asian Music Awards, Gangnam Style was not only the biggest K-pop song of the summer, but the biggest K-pop hit ever.