Exploring My Evolving Relationship with K-pop

My journey into the fascinating world of K-pop began in the winter of 2019 when I happened upon the captivating world ofBlackpink. As I delved into their music, I quickly became OBSESSED. Over the years, my interests have broadened, and now I find myself listening to a diverse array of K-pop groups, including IVE, Stray Kids, and ITZY. This article explores how I started my K-pop journey, the impact it has had on my life, and some of my favorite K-pop groups.

My First Encounter with K-pop: Blackpink in 2019

My K-pop journey truly began in 2019 when I stumbled upon Blackpink. A series of YouTube Shorts that continued to pop up on my feed about the group attracted my attention, and before I knew it, I was eagerly listening to their music. The song How You Like That captivated me with its energetic beats and powerful performances. I was immediately obsessed with the group and their music.

To this day, Blackpink holds a special place in my heart, and their music still resonates with me. As I delved deeper into the K-pop world, I discovered more groups that piqued my interest, such as ENHYPEN and IVE. However, there was one song in particular that stood out to me: Maniac by Skz. This track not only introduced me to a new group but also became a cornerstone of my K-pop journey. Since then, I’ve become a dedicated fan of Skz and ENHYPEN, regularly adding their songs to my playlists.

Discovering K-pop Groups: From One Song to an Entire Universe

Another significant moment in my K-pop journey came when I stumbled upon Gaugo Lovers (GI-dle) on my YouTube feed. A song called NXDE caught my attention. Soon after, I discovered another group, Tomboys (TOMBOY). However, as time went on and I grew bored with GI-dle, I turned my attention to two other songs: Maniac by Skz and Photograph by ENHYPEN. These songs were instrumental in solidifying my love for K-pop and introducing me to other groups like ITZY and MONSTA X.

An Unlikely Introduction to Other K-pop Groups

While my primary love for K-pop has been a group-centric love, I’ve had the pleasure of discovering other K-pop groups through others. One of my closest friends, who now is one of my best friends, was a staunch fan of TXT and her delusional crush on Beomgyu (TXT’s member) got me interested in the group. We listened to their popular tracks like Sugar Rush Ride and Tinnitus.

Another unlikely introduction to K-pop came through my phone’s home screen. BTS suddenly caught my attention when their song FIRE popped up on my YouTube recommendations. I listened to their hit Butter, which hooked me into their music and eventually led me to become a loyal fan. I couldn’t resist the catchy tunes and the engaging performances, and that's how I joined the ARMY (BTS fandom).

From One Song to an Entire Playlist

The impact of K-pop on my life has been profound. It’s not just about the music; it's about the sense of community, the beauty in performance, and the unique blend of traditional and modern K-pop culture. With BTS, I learned to create a playlist of their songs and immerse myself in their world. To this day, I still love K-pop and continue to explore new groups, adding their music to my collection.

My favorite K-pop group has evolved over time. Initially, I was a dedicated Blackpink stan, but as I discovered other groups, my love shifted. Currently, Skz holds a special place in my heart. The chemistry between the members, their dynamic performances, and their powerful music all contribute to why I consider them my ultimate favorite.

BTS, through their relatable lyrics and dynamics, made a significant impact on me. I became a loyal fan, and their music continues to be a significant part of my life. My journey with K-pop has brought me closer to some amazing friends and introduced me to a world full of music, performances, and stories.

Conclusion

The journey to K-pop is filled with twists and turns. From stumbling upon Blackpink to discovering ENHYPEN, Skz, and ITZY, each K-pop group has played a pivotal role in shaping the way I engage with and appreciate music. The world of K-pop continues to enrich my life and inspire me to explore more, creating a vibrant tapestry of experiences that I will cherish forever.