Kpop or Korean Pop Music may be the next big thing in music. To further understand why, we first have to learn the history of it.

Kpop started back in the early 90’s with major groups like H.O.T, GOD, SES, Sechskies, and  Seo Taiji & The Boys. However, it didn’t become a global trend until the 2000’s. Once groups like boy groups like Super Junior, 2PM, Big Bang and girl groups like Girls Generation, Wonder Girls, and 2NE1 emerged, Kpop started their first Hallyu Wave (or Korean Wave). It crossed into the American market (much like Anime) and slowly became a global phenomenon. Girls Generation appeared on David Letterman, Big Bang won many MTV Music Awards and Wonder Girls even had their own TV Show on Nickelodeon.

As successful as they were, Kpop still wasn’t as globally recognized as fans wanted them to be. Then 2014 rolled around and Psy took over not only the internet but the world by storm with “Gangnam Style”. The song was originally intended to be a parody of how those who are “rich” and live in the district of Seoul called “Gangnam” act and dress. It became a global craze due to its catchy music and signature dance moves but once again was later forgotten as the years went on.

Fast forward to recent times, 2017, where Kpop made its third push to break into the American market. BTS (Beyond The Scene) made history as being the first Kpop group to win a Billboard award. They then also made history by being the first Kpop group to perform at the American Music Awards. They performed their latest single “DNA” and received mass recognition for their intense choreography and stable vocals when performing. After this, they went on to release an English version of their song “Mic Drop” with famous DJ Steve Aoki and rapper Desiigner. They then went on to perform on many talk shows like Ellen, James Corden and Jimmy Kimmel. They were also one of the performers at the Dick Clark Rockin’ New Years Eve.

Now the question remains, will BTS be the group that will cause Kpop to go mainstream be one of the new up-and-coming trends of the new year? For me, the answer is yes. Kpop has all the potential to go far and beyond in the American market. It has its own genre or “radio” in major music streaming websites such as Apple Music, Spotify and Pandora as well as its own convention called Kcon and more and more groups releasing music each day. Kpop has so many groups, duos and soloists that there is a group for everyone and everyone. Like broody rock music? Try listening to Dreamcatcher or VIXX. Like listening to Bands? Well, bands like The Rose, N. Flying, and Day6 are very popular. Cute, bubblegum-pop music? How about trying to listen to AOA Cream or Elris.

The spectrum of music genres and groups in Kpop is endless thus making it appealing for virtually any type of audience. That is one of the main reasons why Kpop will be the next best thing. My prediction for 2018 for Kpop? That BTS and (hopefully) a girl group like BlackPink or Twice, who are the most popular girl groups in Korea, will make their mark in the American music industry thus allowing the movement of Kpop as a whole to become mainstream. So if you’re driving around town with the radio on and a Korean song pops up, don’t switch the channel, give it a chance. I’m sure you’ll like it.