One of the first rap groups in South Korea, 45RPM recall the music landscape in the late 1990s: “‘Back then, there was nothing like what we call pure rap. You know how they have some sort of bridge, and then a little rap here and there. But when I started listening to LPs, I liked…
Author: Crystal S. Anderson
Eru: Love Me Even If We Separate
Crystal S. Anderson, PhD Associate Professor of English, Longwood University Eru (Jo Sung Hyun) is a Korean-American male singer, the son of popular Korean trot singer, Tae Jin Ah. Debuted on September 5, 2005, Eru is the face of Hallyu in Indonesia, and “the first Korean singer to stage performance on eight different music programs…
Wonder Girls: Nobody for Anybody
Crystal S. Anderson, PhD Associate Professor of English, Longwood University Wonder Girls debuted in 2007, the same year as Girls’ Generation, 8eight, Kara, T-Max, FT Island and Supernova. The group often makes the list of major female K-pop groups, along with 2NE1, S.E.S and Girls’ Generation. Wonder Girls is credited with spearheading K-pop in the United…
Mini Data Note: Why Fans Like B.A.P!
Crystal S. Anderson, PhD Associate Professor of English, Longwood University Survey results suggest that BABYs, fans of the male K-pop group B. A.P, like the group because of its uniqueness, music and the extramusical activities of the members. These results come from the FAVORITE ARTIST: KARTIST3YR DATASET, part of the 3Year Korean Popular Music Survey. This data note is…
GOT7: Something Good
Crystal S. Anderson, PhD Associate Professor of English, Longwood University GOT7 is a seven-member Korean male group, often compared to 2PM, their label mates at JYP Entertainment. The name of the group refers to its seven members. The group debuted on January 16, 2014 with JYP Entertainment. Original members include leader JB (Im Jae-bum), Mark…
Shinhwa: Perfect Men
Crystal S. Anderson, PhD Associate Professor of English, Longwood University Shinhwa debut in 1998, the same year as 1TYM, 4MEN and Fin.K.L. The group is best known for being the oldest K-pop group that has maintained its original lineup, paving the way for longevity for other K-pop “idol” groups. Not only is the group one of…
Mini Data Note: Why Fans Like Infinite!
Crystal S. Anderson, PhD Associate Professor of English, Longwood University Survey results suggests that Inspirits, fans of the male K-pop group Infinite, like the group because of its strong choreography, vocals and group dynamic. These results come from the FAVORITE ARTIST: KARTIST3YR DATASET, part of the Hallyu Korean Popular Music Survey. This data note is based on a…
1sagain: Da Hitmaker
Crystal S. Anderson, PhD Associate Professor of English, Longwood University 1sagain (Park Jin Woo), pronounced “once again,” is a Korean rapper who keeps a very low profile, generating very little media outside announcements about upcoming releases. He debuted in 2002 with Neuron Music. Website: http://www.neuronmusic.co.kr/?albums=1sagain Image: 1 LABEL MATES Ju Bora | Paul Kim | Molly…
Last Fans Standing: A Multiple Case Study of Longtime and Adult K-pop Fans
Crystal S. Anderson, PhD Associate Professor of English, Longwood University This survey has been revised! Click here for new survey!!! Most people assume that the only audience for modern Korean popular music (K-pop) is teenagers. As a result, they also assume that K-pop music lacks longevity. However, the presence of longtime fans suggests that K-pop…
Not Just Pretty Faces: K-pop Idols and Quiet Storm Masculinity
KPK Director Crystal S. Anderson writes about a different kind of masculinity in K-pop “However, members of 2PM are more than pretty faces and fit bodies. Like many K-pop idol groups, 2PM is heavily influenced by R&B. While the group has its share of uptempo tracks, it is are also known for ballads informed by R&B…
KPK: Kpop Kollective 