Block B: Busting Out

Seven member group Block B (short for Block Buster) debuted in 2011 under the Brand New Stardom label. Group members Zico (Woo Ji Ho), Taeil (Lee Taeil), B-Bomb (Lee Min Hyuk), Jaehyo (Ahn Jae Hyo), U-Kwon (Kim Yu Kwon), Kyung (Park Kyung), and P.O. (Pyo Ji Hoon) have made a mark in Kpop due to…

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Nell: The Language of Music

Nell is a rock band including Kim Jong Wan (vocals, guitar, keyboard), Lee Jae Kyung (lead guitar), Lee Jung Hoon (bass), and Jung Jae Won (drums). Originally an independent group signed with the Goesoo Indigene label, Nell is now signed with Woolim Entertainment. Nell is named after the movie starring Jodie Foster, and the critically…

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iFans Update: Anniversary Fan Projects

  One of the most common projects for K-pop fans is the anniversary fan project. It is usually the result of a call for fans to participate in a project by sending a photo or making a video, then some enterprising K-pop fans combine them together for an anniversary video Because the iFans project seeks…

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K-pop Chronicles Becomes Part of iFans Project

If you are a regular reader of KPK, you might remember an announcement for a new site, House of Hallyu, which would feature content related to fan activity as well as house the kpop chronicles project, which collects fan narratives.  The House of Hallyu site will remain available (and may transform into something else in…

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Hallyu Harmony Update: Kim Hyun Joong Concepts

Because Kim rose to fame portraying “flower boy” characters in K-dramas such as Boys Over Flowers and Mischievous Kiss, many suggest his image reflects a desire to escape from modes of masculinity based on a “pretty boy” appearance. . . . However, an examination of Kim’s concepts reveals a range of images that go beyond the extremes of “flower…

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Like Vs. Love: Research Reveals Degrees of Attachment Among K-pop Fans

K-pop is well-known for the introduction of new groups, even while established groups continue to thrive. But are fans fickle in their K-pop choices? Do they abandon older groups for newer groups? Research suggests that while K-pop fans readily accept new groups, they have a deeper connection with veteran groups. These conclusions are based on data…

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KPK’s Newest Member: Jessica!

KPK has a new member…..Jessica! She has joined KPK as a Compiler. Jessica’s favorite groups include Super Junior, Beast, 2PM, SHINee, FT Island, CN Blue, Big Bang, MBLAQ and Block B.  Find out about Jessica’s K-pop journey in her bio under KPK Members! You, too, can be like Jessica by applying to be a Compiler for…

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Hallyu Harmony Update: Super Junior, It’s You Dance Version

The choreography for “It’s You” demonstrates several strategies that showcase the dance moves of the 11 members of Super Junior featured in this video.  The video uses the large number of members, repeatedly breaking them up into smaller groups to perform choreography and punctuating the overall choreography with synchronized dancing and individualized performances. . . ….

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Shine On: Glamour, Image and K-pop

Visuals are an important part of K-pop, and understanding them is crucial to understanding the meaning of K-pop and its spread globally. In addition to music videos, images that accompany promotions for music releases, photo shoots featured in magazines and endorsements for an array of products are seen, collected and exchanged by fans.  Not just…

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Don’t Call It A Comeback: Old School K-pop and Its Fans

Often believed to appeal only to teenagers, K-pop is experiencing a trend with old school groups making successful comebacks. Some believe that K-pop has a short shelf life.  Several point to the “five-year curse,” a trend where male K-pop groups break up or disband, often in the face of mandatory military service in Korea. Others…

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