The Hallyu, or Korean wave, is sweeping the nation in entertainment. With catchy songs and highly choreographed dances, Korean Pop, referred to as K-POP, bands are appealing to teen audiences in the United States.

Though physical CD sales are not incredibly high and bands have failed to reach the mainstream market, digital sales are skyrocketing. Web sites like Youtube and other social networking sites are enabling K-POP stars to be recognized in foreign markets. “Gangnam Style” by PSY is a popular song that has reached over 888 million views on Youtube and has become a dance sensation in America.

Senior Kelsey Yamanaka said, “The K-POP industry is extremely fast-paced. If a group is out of the spotlight and not promoting a new album, they may easily be forgotten until their next comeback.”

The appeal of foreign bands is often attributed to the distinct techno-style of music and action-packed dance videos.

Junior Caroline Kikkawa said, “Korean music is not as vulgar and singers train for a long time before their debut. They are multi-talented and multi-lingual and possess more talent than American pop stars in that aspect.”

Junior Kassandra Kitagawa agreed.

Kitagawa said, “The beats are more appealing, along with the choreographed dancing in music videos. Different and not as common as U.S. tracks, K-POP songs have unique sounds.”

The contrast between pop styles in Korea and America goes beyond rhythm, involving the persona and appeal of the singers. Conscious of their roles as ambassadors of Korean culture, idols display manners and composure especially when viewed by the public.

These Korean bands are created when entertainment agencies think the market is in need of a particular sound. Auditions are held and individuals are selected to form a group. Taken into account are the diverse skills and talents of the artists, the team dynamic as a whole and their possible public appeal.

Yamanaka said, “A large number of members in a group allows them to become widely loved for their various charms and personalities. Live concerts showcase not only their abilities but also their character. Interest is sparked as a result, which leads to more success.”