Oh you like K-pop. Why?

Whenever I say to people I like K-pop to people there's one of two reactions that they tend to say. One is: "why don't they speak another language?" and two is "wait omg so do I whos your favourite band?". Now to those who aren't Asian normally get called "Korea-boos" which means to want to be Korean, whereas many fans actually aren't like that. In my case, I love the art of it all. As a former dancer, being able to watch these artists showcase dances that connect to what they sing is amazing. They are talented and you can tell they've worked so hard for everything that each person and band has achieved.

I was first exposed to K-pop by a friend in primary school. She told me about a band called "Big-Bang". At first, I was very confused but I liked it when she played some of their music. Until secondary school, I had totally forgotten about the industry until BTS came. I remember the first music video I saw from them was Burning Up (Fire) and I was so amazed by the beauty of the video and the dancing in it, my little hip-hop self loved it and created dances to the song. Then I became more interested in the songs and the discovery of the whole industry. I watched videos to try and understand the whole concept of K-pop and what happens. I remember at this time everything had to be secret as I didn't want to get bullied for it (something I saw others get happen to them). During my last year of secondary school, I remember saying something to someone about a song used in a show that was by BTS and people freaked. I became the person people would ask about all things K-pop.

When I got to college I was open about my love because I didn't care. I would listen to the music and if people asked and were open and educated people on who it was. Even though people were mean to me about it I wasn't. I got more educated and even got my mum to listen to EXO during the 2018 Winter Olympics help in South Korea. My parents have always encouraged me to listen to different music from around the world. We would listen to german and french music to help me understand, even Latin music was played in the house. I think that's why, unlike others, I could get over the language barrier. So thanks, mum and dad. Below is one of the first different language songs I heard:

Lastly to those wanting to get into K-pop hear are my favourite songs:

1- NCT 127 Highway to Heaven

2- NCT Dream GO

3-BTS Best of Me

4- j-hope Daydream

5-NCT 127 Interlude: Neo Zone

6- Agust D Daechwita

Next, I'll have to do other world music I love like Swedish rap and French alternative music, or even mauri reggae.