A Guide to Starting Your K-pop Journey: Recommendations and Resources

Welcome to the vibrant world of K-pop! This genre has grown to become a global phenomenon, with its unique blend of diverse music styles, innovative choreography, and heartfelt lyrics. If you're new to K-pop and unsure where to start, this guide will help you navigate the colorful landscape of this captivating genre.

Key Groups and Artists to Get Started

Choosing the right artists to explore is a great way to kick off your K-pop journey. Here are some of the most popular and influential groups and solo artists that have left an indelible mark on the genre:

BTS

BTS is widely recognized for their diverse music styles and meaningful lyrics. Some must-listen tracks include:

Devil's Physics Mamamoo In Your Eyes Blue Blood

BLACKPINK

As one of the leading girl groups in K-pop, BLACKPINK boasts a strong global presence. You should definitely check out:

Boombayah DDU-DU DDU-DU How You Like That

EXO

Renowned for their vocal talent and intricate choreography, EXO offers:

Love Me Right RAMBO Scherzer

TWICE

Known for their catchy melodies and vibrant concepts, TWICE includes:

TT Cocktail Baby_slope

Red Velvet

Celebrated for their versatility and unique sound, Red Velvet’s top tracks are:

I’m The Best Psycho Bad Boy

Important Songs and Albums

BolBBal????

This viral hit is a great introduction to K-pop for many fans. It showcases the genre's unique blend of styles.

Rap Battles

A classic anthem that highlights K-pop's energetic and dynamic nature. The catchy chorus is sure to get you moving.

Exploring Genres and Sub-genres

K-pop is not limited to just one style. It spans various genres, including pop, hip-hop, RB, and EDM. Exploring these sub-genres can broaden your appreciation of the genre. Some notable K-pop artists in different genres include:

Zico (Hip-hop)

Check out Zico for a taste of hip-hop K-pop.

IU (Ballad and Pop)

IU brings a touch of melancholic ballad and catchy pop to the K-pop scene. Some favorites include:

Pre-Meditated Crayon Pop No Smoke Without Fire

Sunmi (Pop and Dance)

Sunmi’s pop and dance tunes are perfect for any groovy K-pop enthusiast. Her hits include:

Surprise Warm Coke ."

Live Performances and Resources

Attending live performances, watching variety shows, and checking out dance practices can provide deeper insights into K-pop culture. Some excellent resources include:

Spotify/K-pop Playlists

Curated playlists like those from Strlnight (a popular K-pop music producer) can introduce you to a wide range of songs and artists. Particular playlists to explore include 'Kpop songs that everybody knows,' which can help you find some classics and trending tracks.

YouTube Channels

Channels like 1theK or KBS World TV offer music videos and performances that can further deepen your understanding of K-pop.

Starting Small and Expanding Your Horizons

When you first dive into K-pop, it's important to start with a group or soloist. It doesn't matter if they are the most popular—they can be a great jumping-off point. Once you find a group you enjoy, you can start exploring others that have similar styles or are part of the same label.

Instead of focusing on just one group, I recommend watching/listening to videos that provide a broader overview of K-pop culture. This can help you learn more about different groups and enjoy a variety of music, even if you're just starting out.

By starting with these recommendations and resources, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the diverse and dynamic world of K-pop!