The K-pop trend is becoming more and more noticeable, although it has been around for a long time, it is now when South Korean groups and artists are at their peak.

Even though many people only know a few songs, the reality is that there is an entire industry out there ready to be heard. As passionate as I am in this extensive and impressive world of K-pop, I would like to share some recommendations, starting with the following playlist, in case you want to know more about this musical genre, but have not found a song that you like, or in case you want to enter out of mere curiosity.

Currently, this musical genre is the most listened to on YouTube since last year. Incredible, right?

You cannot imagine the number of artists that South Korea produces, so there is indeed something for all tastes. Below I will compile some of these beautiful and fantastic songs that bring together the talents of some South Korean idols.

Stray Kids, the promise of k-pop

With a completely different concept, Stray Kids has become one of the most famous K-pop groups of the moment. 

Being one of the leading groups of the fourth generation of South Korean pop. Stray Kids is topping the popularity charts like no other. Even though this industry doesn't usually promote artists properly, I have to accept that these guys are promoting themselves in a good way.

Unlike most groups in this industry, the leader of the group was the one who chose the members of the band. Additionally, they are one of the few bands that are given the freedom to write and produce their songs.

Who are they?

Created by JYP Entertainment, through a reality show with the same name as the band, it is a South Korean group formed in 2023 by eight members. And starting its activities in 2023.

The members of the group are; Bang Chan, Hyunjin, Felix, Seungmin, Lee Know, IN, Changbin, and Han.

If you don't know the JYP company, you just have to know that it is one of the three largest entertainment companies in that country. Producing bands like GOT7 and TWICE. It is a company known for its rigor and training of complete artists.

They have a concept that refers to all the idols who have had to leave their home to fight for their dreams. Trying to be free from stereotypes and limits.

It is not strange that groups are formed thanks to shows, much less in that country. The difference in this show was that they had to produce and create their own choreographies without resorting to covers as usually happens.

Initially, nine members had debuted. Two of them were eliminated from the show, but by the decision of the public, they returned. Unfortunately, the ninth member Woojin withdrew from the group due to personal issues in 2023.

Your current success

They garnered 930,000 pre-orders for their second album, making it their company's best-selling album. See more. For months it has been seen that the success that SKZ is obtaining is more international. Which is more beneficial.

His talent has never stopped shining with songs like God's Menu, Back Door, and Domino, among many more.

Even Ryan Reynolds has revealed that he's a huge fan of theirs after Stray Kids did a Deadpool-inspired cover. Conquering him with this presentation.

Comparison with other groups

Indeed, Stray Kids does not follow the same path as other idols. Which is completely valid.

Their music and choreography differ from other South Korean boybands. Mixing different types of musical genres, such as electro-hop, electro-house, experimental, and alternative rock among others. Thus creating albums containing different types of musical material. Just as they all intertwine their rap, vocal, and dance talents to fuse them into incredible pieces.

It's too nice to be able to listen to them, without being tedious or repetitive. They are purely complete artists, capable of stepping out of their comfort zone to bring you songs that you can listen to in your different moods.

I have to admit that the work they do is not easy at all. But, it's a fantastic job. I comment as their follower since they were the ones who made me fully enter this industry.

K-pop Q&A

Finally, I thought of answering some questions that are usually asked when one starts with this type of music. Of course, there are many more, but these are a few that you may have.

Did you know that subunits are very common in K-pop groups? Yes, it's correct. These are units that are formed within groups, sometimes these are just side projects. Although these are official, they do not interfere with the main group.

Did you know that most trained before debuting? Just like you hear, people who want to be singers have to audition to enter South Korean entertainment companies and be able to be trainees.

How long does it take to train? There are cases like TWICE's Jihyo who trained for 10 years to debut, she was still in elementary school when she managed to be accepted. Also like Bang Chan from Stray Kids who trained for 7 years, who was originally going to debut with GOT7, but they decided that he would train more to enter Stray Kids as a leader.

But the most curious case is that of Olivia Hye from Loona, who only trained one day since her promotions would begin the next.

It all depends on the company and the trainee, they usually have rigorous training that varies from months to years.

Do you have to audition to be an idol? Many companies find potential young people to train in their companies. But, they are special cases and they decide if they go directly to training or auditioning.

Many are kids who discovered the agencies on the street. Like R Yujin from Itzy who found her at an event to interact with GOT7. There is also the case of EXO 's Sehun, who was 13 years old at the time and was eating with his friends when a representative approached him. But Sehun ran away out of mistrust until the representative was able to get Sehun to agree to audition after running after him for half an hour.

Do you have to be of legal age to audition? No, many idols debuted as minors. They have also trained since they were children.

As you can see, it is a very broad industry with a future that has a very good prognosis. I hope you give them a try, you won't regret it. There's no way this genre won't fill you with energy.