Korean students frequently go to Noraebang, which is the Korean version of Karaoke, with their friends. They jump up, sing, and fool around in there. It helps them release their stress. I sometimes miss that place where I can sing Korean songs, but I cannot find any Noraebang in the United States. In Noraebang, we sing some of the most popular songs in Korea.

There are three big entertainment companies in Korea: YG family, SM entertainment, and JYP, each with their own characteristics. The music groups of YG family are more creative, and each member has a marked individuality. The groups of SM entertainment have more standardized songs and dance, and have more well-organized performances. The groups of JYP share characteristics with both YG family and SM entertainment. They have standardized songs and dance, while Jinyoung Park, who is the representative of JYP, adds his own style to the music.

These three entertainment companies mainly feature girl or boy groups. The groups are trained in dancing, singing, humor, and what to talk about on camera. It helps them to perform well-synchronized dancing and sing tight harmonies which attract the audience’s attention. They focus on group performance. These groups have become popular in Asian counties, but are now spreading out over the rest of the world.

In the last Hangul club meeting on Wednesday, the members talked about this same topic. The Grace students said that this trend of the popularity of girl or boy groups is similar to a trend in the United States during the, ‘90s. It reminded them of groups like the Backstreet Boys.

Recently, however, Korean people have started looking for skilled singers because people are growing tired of girl and boy groups. “Super Star K” is a famous television show in Korea. Its format is very similar to that of “American Idol.” Unknown singers go onto stage and showcase their skills. Then, judges and audiences vote for the most skilled musician. It is such a popular show in Korea that the producer of the show made a second and third season. “I Am a Singer” is another famous show in Korea. The producer brought skilled but washed-up singers and let them participate in a competition. It helped them recover their popularity, and Korean people could enjoy a variety of music.

It will be interesting to compare American music trends with Korean music trends. But what fun is it to read about music? Why don’t you learn about Korean music the easy way? Listen to some!

Girl or boy groups: Big Bang X 2NE1’s “Lollipop,” Shinee’s “Ring Ding Dong,” Wonder Girls’ “Nobody,” or 2PM’s “I’ll be Back.”

Songs in the competition: Kim Yun Woo’s “If You Are Like Me,” Yoon Do Hyun band’s “A Flying Butterfly,” and Kang Seung Yoon “By Instinct.”

Worship songs: Jo-Jun-Mo “His Thinking,” Kim-Bum-Su “Almighty God.”

Story by ChanWoo Moon | Guest Writer | [email protected]