BTS and Blackpink are the most popular boy and girl bands. Both started as household names in South Korea building rapidly in international fame. By spreading their culture, musical talents, and awareness of causes in the world, they both have grown in popularity both worldwide and at Whitmer High School.

“I saw BTS on TV, I was surprised and excited’’ Ashley Young, a sophomore who likes K-pop, explains. ‘’Like as soon as I saw that, I went on my Spotify and looked up BTS.’’

Social media, Netflix drama, Korean skincare products, and access to food influencers has introduced an endless number of attractive Korean Pop groups bringing even more fans to the genre.

In the last few years by collaborating with American artists, it helped bring more awareness of Korean Artists, by grabbing attention of people who didn’t recognize Korean music being blended with English music. Early pioneers in the conversion to international attention, K-pop girl group The Wonder Girl hit the Billboard charts in 2009 by releasing their song “Nobody” in four different languages. While many still do not recognize other famous groups except for BTS and Blackpink., groups like The Wonder Girls paved the way for wider exposure.

“Yes I do know K-pop and a few bands, I’ve been into K-pop for three years’’ sophomore Ashley Young states. When asked questions about other groups, Ashley confidently identifies each one mentioned. In her opinion she thinks she is fully into K-pop musically.

Many teenagers are more aware of bigger groups and their music spreading across platforms, but the language barrier often deters fans from really investing in the artists. Curiosity and a culturally curious generation of teens teens are getting more interested and exploring the artists that are out there.

“I am aware of K-pop, the name I am aware of is BTS’’ junior Mariana Perez says. She continues by sharing “certain bands have good songs, I would wanna get more into it.’’

Gaining popularity and new fans continues to build up, filtering millions of dollars towards K-Pop groups and increasing exposure. The relationship to music and social emotional health has also boosted popularity and interest. The K-Pop sound and energy is very positive and upbeat.

“I think I can explore more K-pop. It was the only thing that helped me through my depression and learning more choreography gives me courage to show it off.’’ Sophomore Andrew Blair says. Music has an effect on each person differently emotionally, physically and mentally.

These sort of connections between fans, artists, and the music they create are not the only benefit of the K-pop growth in America. Non-K-Pop artists are benefitting from the K-pop explosion as well. By collaborating with South Korean artists, they are also expanding, allowing both parties to gain popularity and get more opportunities for success..

The grind for international success is a tough one. Coming to America, South Korean artists go on worldwide tours from Europe to America in the span of days boarding ongoing flights one after another. Venues being sold out in seconds from online ticket websites, the company owner’s getting millions of dollars from fans buying the tickets: it is all a global success.

Some of the negative response to K-Pop is minimal, but it is there. Some people are triggered by the sound, the voices and the language barrier, they expect to be corny or not good enough to continue to listen. Like any type of music, it is not for everyone but many more are opening their minds to newer sounds.

The power of K-pop as a genre shows the world and America is ready to come together musically.

Teacher Mrs. Heather Premo reflects on what she sees through K-pop,. “I see a community coming together, I see teamwork .