In the last year, there has been an indefinite rise in popular Korean music for students at San Luis Obispo High School. K-pop has many outlets for people who enthuse with the industry. it’s fascinating that in only the past year that it has turned into a global phenomenon. Many Kpop artists, especially BTS, has been taking the nation by storm, with so many mobs of fans at their concerts, easily comparable to “Beatlemania” in the 1960s. Expressions has interviewed 3 students to learn more about K-pop.

Expressions: How did you discover K-pop?

Junior Diego Lopez: My friend showed me.

Junior Amber Vargas: I was introduced to it by some of my close friends.

Junior Frida Sanchez: My best friend showed it to me and I instantly got hooked.

Expressions: What was the first K-pop song you heard?

Lopez: “Yes or Yes” by Twice.    

Vargas: “Playboy” by EXO.

Sanchez: “War of Hormone’ by BTS.

Expressions: Why do you think K-pop has exploded in popularity in the western media?

Lopez: I guess the states like having something different in the media.

Vargas: K-pop is something new and unusual, and lots of people can vibe with it.

Sanchez: It’s just something completely different, new, and exciting. I think Americans are drawn to that.

Expressions: Why is K-pop special to you?

Lopez: Ugh, it makes me happy.

Vargas: The music always puts me in a good mood, and it gets me happy.

Sanchez: The music is really powerful and it touches deep emotions, the music has gotten me through tough times, and I appreciate it all.

Expressions: If you ever met your most cherished K-pop idol what would you say to them?

Lopez: I would be like, omg.

Vargas: I would say thank you for making me happy and smile every day with your music.

Sanchez: Thank you for all the work you put into your music, it always gets my mood happy.