For many, the rise of K-pop in the late 2010s was one of the most memorable and groundbreaking moments in music entertainment. For many young individuals, immersing themselves in Korean culture during this time was the highlight of a new sound.
This sound is K-pop!
The years 2018-2019 marked a significant turning point for the Korean wave to reach new audience, particularly among Western audiences. While K-pop initially captured the attention of some Western countries and built a fanbase many years prior, particularly with events like KCon, it was BTS that truly swung the door wide open for the genre’s global success. During this time, I worked for an after-school program where two young girls were completely obsessed with BTS. I recalled when K-pop was still a niche genre that hadn’t reached a global audience to the extent it has today. While I am not a huge fan of BTS, I still feel proud of how far they have come. I have to give them credit for opening the door for K-pop to gain mainstream recognition, something no other group had achieved, except for Big Bang many years earlier.
As time has gone by, I am amazed at how much K-pop has evolved and its growing popularity among Western audiences. I no longer listen to K-pop regularly and haven’t been a fan since 2017, but I can still recognize some of the songs I hear from the “newer” groups as I pass by. Despite its global success, I have witness a shift in the quality of music being produced. The dynamics of mainstream music and the evolving tastes of listeners have slightly declined over the years, in my opinion.
Which leads me to my question:
Is K-pop declining?
In this article, I will share my perspective as someone who grew up in the 2000s and 2010s, reflecting on how I think things have changed.
Are there Signs of Declining Quality?
Quality is the supreme element to consider when creating art. I have observed and listened to the quality of music across various genres, noticeably declining over the years. This shift seems to stem from a growing emphasis on consumerism and the ease of accessing artists, leading to music losing its essence as a true art form. The one exception I see is Beyoncé, who remains deeply invested in the artistry of her work.
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