Introduction
Korean pop music, aka K-pop, fuses musical genres to create a distinctive, dance-oriented sound that has become popular in the United States and worldwide, boosting the South Korean economy. BTS, the leading K-pop band, reportedly generates about $4.6 billion annually for the economy, based on music sales, product promotion and increased tourism. The genre is so popular that it has helped make South Korea the world's fastest-growing music market. K-pop groups have sought to extend their influence beyond music by supporting Black Lives Matter, speaking out against child poverty and warning about climate change. But critics accuse K-pop of cultural insensitivity in its use of symbols from Black, Indian and other cultures. One band's video drew condemnation for featuring the statue of a Hindu god, another for performers appearing in blackface. Critics also voice concern about K-pop's grueling training system, known for long hours and low pay. The genre's growing use of digital — that is, fake — musicians is proving controversial as well.
BTS is considered the Beatles of Korean pop music and is the most successful K-pop band to hit the United States. The fast-growing K-pop industry generates billions for South Korea's economy. (Getty Images/WireImage/John Lamparski)
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