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3
4Korean pop music (known in the West as K-pop) is an umbrella term for pop music originating from UsefulNotes/{{South Korea}}, usually similar in genre to pop in the United States. However, the material performed/produced by K-Pop artists covers a wide variety of genres, from EDM-inspired music to rock to softer ballads, and everything in between. Usually known outside the country for the numerous {{Idol Singer}}s and idol {{Boy Band}}s and {{Girl Group}}s in the industry. K-pop and other Korean based entertainment such as {{Korean Drama}}s first became very popular throughout Asia in the 2000s, in a phenomenon that has been nicknamed the "Hallyu" or "MediaNotes/KoreanWave". Like many things in South Korea, the talent agencies managing the singers are mostly based in UsefulNotes/{{Seoul}}.
5
6There are several distinctive generations of K-pop. The first generation (1992-2002) with groups like Seo Taiji and the Boys laid the foundations of K-pop and its distinctive musical stylings, mixing traditional Korean pop with hip-hop and rock. The second generation (2003-2012) saw the rise of idol groups like Music/SuperJunior and Music/GirlsGeneration which also coincided with the initial Korean Wave, and are noted for their catchy music and elaborate dance routines. The third generation (2012-2019) introduced groups such as Music/{{BTS}} and Music/{{EXO}}, which wrote more personal and complex lyrics and took advantage of the rise of social media to reach an international audience. The fourth generation (2019-present) introduced groups like Music/StrayKids and saw more diverse musical styling and a greater focus on the growing international market.
7
8Outside of South Korea, K-pop is most popular in Southeast Asia, Central Asia and Latin America, particularly in China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Peru and Argentina. With the rise of groups like Music/{{BTS}} and Music/BlackPink in the late 2010s, K-pop is finding growing acceptance in North American and European countries.
9
10The term "K-pop" is somewhat controversial, however. Its legitimacy (since it originated in Western media) and its exact meaning [[https://www.npr.org/2020/07/13/889759210/korean-pop-away-from-the-hit-factories are still debated to this day]] - in and outside of Korea. Does it refer to all Korean pop music, or just idol music? Is it a genre or an industry? Does the "K" in "K-pop" denote the Korean identity and unique aspects of Korean pop, or is it just otherizing it away from so-called "main" (that is, Western) pop? Notably, even some Korean artists are reluctant to describe it as a music genre rather than an industry or a dance/music/visuals package with a diversity of music genres. This is all complicated further by its use in Western media, with music platforms labeling Korean music of ''any'' kind as "K-pop" (even indie artists), with MinorityShowGhetto implications.
11
12Major K-pop corporations also received criticism for their [[https://thediplomat.com/2022/12/the-dark-side-of-k-pop/ exploitation of their artists]], with issues such as overworking, exploitative contracts, [[ContractualPurity restrictions on relationships and body images]], and lack of creative control. In South Korea, there is also a [[ItsPopularNowItSucks backlash]] against idol groups due to genre fatigue, hiatus of once popular groups, perceived lack of authenticity, and growing focus on international audiences and Westernization of K-pop, and by the 2010s saw greater popularity of singer-songwriter artists like Music/{{IU}} and Music/{{PSY}} and the reemergence of alternate genres like trot (an older type of Korean pop known for its repeative rhythms and simple melodies).
13
14A stage musical inspired by the phenomenon, ''Theatre/{{KPOP}}'', played Off-Broadway in 2017 and is set to open on Broadway in November 2022. The Broadway cast includes a number of RealLife Korean pop stars.
15
16----
17[[foldercontrol]]
18!!Notable Korean Pop artists:
19[[index]]
20* Seo Taiji and Boys: Highly influential HipHop[=/=]pop[=/=]rock trio from TheNineties, led by mastermind Seo Taiji. [[http://www.ari.nus.edu.sg/wps/wps11_158.pdf Widely considered]] the TropeMaker of Korean Pop music as we know it today. Massively popular and critically acclaimed, they challenged the MoralGuardians of the time by working independently from TV stations, including social critique in their lyrics, and mixing Western and Korean music genres (including, most notably, rap) in what became the GenreBusting sound that would later characterize what we know as K-pop. Seo Taiji is still active as a solo artist after the group's disbandment, while fellow ex member YG would go on to create YG Entertainment, one of the three most powerful Korean music companies known as the Big Three.
21
22!!The Big Three
23
24The three biggest and most powerful agencies/labels in the Korean music industry (at least for part of the TurnOfTheMillennium and most of TheNewTens).
25
26[[folder:SM Entertainment]]
27* See Creator/SMEntertainment for more details.
28[[AC:'''Active Artists''']]
29* Music/{{aespa}}
30* [[Music/BoAKorea BoA]]
31* Music/{{EXO}}
32** EXO-K
33** EXO-M
34** [[Music/{{EXOCBX}} EXO-CBX]]
35** [[Music/{{EXOSC}} EXO-SC]]
36** Music/{{Suho}}
37** Music/{{Lay}}[[note]]His contract with SM expired in April 2022 but he's still a member of EXO[[/note]]
38** Music/{{Baekhyun}}
39** Music/{{Chen}}
40* [[Music/GirlsGeneration Girls' Generation]]
41** Girls' Generation-TTS [[note]]Subunit consisting of Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seohyun[[/note]]
42** Oh!GG [[note]]Subunit consisting of Taeyeon, Sunny, Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Yoona[[/note]]
43** Music/{{Taeyeon}}
44** Jessica [[note]]Split from the group and label[[/note]]
45** Sunny [[note]]No longer directly under SM, but still a member of the group[[/note]]
46** Music/TiffanyYoung [[note]]No longer directly under SM, but still a member of the group[[/note]]
47** Music/{{Hyoyeon}}
48** Yuri
49** Sooyoung [[note]]No longer directly under SM, but still a member of the group[[/note]]
50** Creator/{{Yoona}}
51** Seohyun [[note]]No longer directly under SM, but still a member of the group[[/note]]
52* The Grace
53** The Grace - Dana & Sunday
54** Dana
55** Sunday
56** Stephanie
57* H.O.T: Considered the first Kpop idol group and TropeCodifier for the Korean idol formula.
58** Kangta
59* J-Min
60* Billlie (managed under Mystic Story Entertainment, a subsidiary label of SM Entertainment)
61* LUCY (managed under Mystic Story Entertainment, a subsidiary label of SM Entertainment)
62* Music/{{NCT}}
63** NCT U
64** NCT 127
65** NCT Dream
66** Music/WayV
67* Music/RedVelvet
68** [[Music/{{IreneAndSeulgi}} Red Velvet - Irene&Seulgi]]
69** Creator/{{Joy}}
70** Wendy
71** Yeri
72** Seulgi
73* Music/{{RIIZE}}
74* S.E.S.
75* Music/{{SHINee}}
76** Taemin
77** Jonghyun
78** Key
79* Music/SuperM
80* Music/SuperJunior
81** Super Junior-M
82*** Henry
83*** Zhou Mi
84** Super Junior-T
85** Super Junior-M
86** Super Junior KRY
87** Super Junior Happy
88** Super Junior-D&E [[note]]No longer directly under SM, but still a member of the group[[/note]]
89** Kyuhyun [[note]]No longer directly under SM, but still a member of the group[[/note]]
90** Ryeowook
91** Yesung
92** Heechul
93* Music/{{TRAX}}
94* [[Music/DongBangShinKi TVXQ]]
95** Changmin
96** Yunho
97** JYJ [[note]]formed after the split under another label[[/note]]
98
99[[AC:'''Project Groups''']]
100* The Blue
101* Kangta & Vanness
102* S.M. The Ballad
103* [[Music/MnD M&D]]
104* Younique Unit
105* S.M. The Performance
106* TOHEART
107
108[[AC:'''Former''']]
109* Music/{{FX}}
110** Victoria
111** Amber
112** Luna
113** Creator/{{Sulli}}
114** Krystal
115[[/folder]]
116
117[[folder:JYP Entertainment]]
118[[AC:'''Active Artists''']]
119* [[Music/TwoPM 2PM]]
120** Jun. K
121** Nichkhun
122** Taecyeon
123** Wooyoung
124** Music/{{Junho}}
125** Chansung
126* Baek A Yeon
127* Fei[[note]]former member of Music/MissA[[/note]]
128* Music/DAY6
129** JJ Project
130** [=JUS2=]
131* Music/{{ITZY}}
132* J.Y. Park
133* Nakjoon
134* Music/{{NMIXX}}
135* Music/StrayKids
136** [=3Racha=]
137* Music/{{TWICE}}
138** 2015 - "Music/LikeOohAhh"
139** 2016 - "Music/CheerUp"
140** 2016 - "Music/{{TT}}"
141** 2017 - ''Music/{{Twicetagram}}''
142** 2019 - "Music/FeelSpecial"
143** 2020 - ''Music/EyesWideOpen''
144** 2021 - ''Music/FormulaOfLove''
145*** "Music/TheFeels"
146** Music/{{Nayeon}}
147** Music/{{Jihyo}}
148* Music/WonderGirls
149** Music/{{Yubin}}
150** Hyerim
151* Music/XdinaryHeroes
152[[AC:''Former:'']]
153* 15&
154** Park Jimin
155** Baek Yerin
156* [[Music/TwoAM 2AM]]
157** Jo Kwon
158** Changmin
159** Seulong
160** Jinwoon
161* g.o.d
162* Music/GOT7 (Left JYP in 2021 with members now independent soloists)
163* G.Soul
164* JOO
165* Music/MissA
166** Jia
167* [[Music/WonderGirls Wonder Girls]] (disbanded in 2017)
168** Music/{{HATFELT}}
169** Music/{{Sunmi}}
170** Yubin
171[[/folder]]
172
173[[folder:YG Entertainment]]
174* [[Music/TwoNEOne 2NE1]] (disbanded in 2016)
175** Bom
176** CL
177** Dara
178** Minzy
179* Akdong Musician
180** Hi Suhyun
181* BABYMONSTER
182* Music/BigBang
183** GD & TOP
184** G-Dragon
185** Taeyang
186** T.O.P[[note]]Ended his contract with YG but he still participates in the group activities[[/note]]
187** Daesung[[note]]Ended his contract with YG but he remains a member of Big Bang[[/note]]
188** Seungri (former)
189* Music/{{BLACKPINK}}
190** 2020 - ''Music/TheAlbum''
191** 2022 - ''Music/BornPink''
192** Jennie
193** Rosé
194** Lisa
195** Jisoo
196* Music/EpikHigh (former; they left the company in 2018)
197** Tablo
198* Music/{{iKON}} (former; they left the company in 2022)
199** Bobby
200* Lee Hi (former; left the company in 2020)
201* Music/{{PSY}} (former; left the company in 2018)
202** 2012 - "Music/GangnamStyle"
203* SECHSKIES
204* TREASURE
205* Music/{{WINNER}}
206** Mino
207** [=MOBB=]
208
209[[AC:'''The Black Label (subsidiary)''']]
210* SOMI
211* Zion.T
212
213[[/folder]]
214
215!!Other Labels
216
217[[folder:HYBE Labels]]
218[[AC:'''BIGHIT MUSIC''' (formerly known as [=BigHit=] Entertainment until March 2021.)]]
219* 8eight (inactive)[[labelnote:*]]Co-managed by Source Music.[[/labelnote]]
220* Music/{{BTS}}
221** 2016 - ''Music/{{Wings|BTSAlbum}}''
222** 2017-18 - ''Music/LoveYourselfSeries''
223** 2020 - ''Music/MapOfTheSoul7''
224** RM
225** SUGA (also known as Agust D)
226** Music/JHope
227** Music/{{Jimin}}
228** Music/{{V|Singer}}
229** Music/JungKook
230* GLAM (disbanded in 2014)[[labelnote:*]]The group was a collaboration between Source Music and Big Hit Entertainment.[[/labelnote]]
231* Homme (officially disbanded in 2018)
232* Lee Hyun
233* Music/{{TXT}}
234
235[[AC:'''SOURCE MUSIC (subsidiary since 2019)''']]
236* Music/{{GFRIEND}} (former; left in May 2021)
237** VIVIZ
238** Yuju
239** Yerin
240** Kim Sowon
241* Music/LeSserafim
242
243[[AC:'''PLEDIS Entertainment (subsidiary since 2020)''']]
244* Music/AfterSchool (inactive)
245** Music/AfterSchoolRED[[note]]Subunit comprised of Kahi, Nana, [=JungAh=] and UEE, who were considered the HotterAndSexier members at the time.[[/note]]
246** Music/AfterSchoolBLUE[[note]]Subunit comprised of Lizzy, Raina, Jooyeon and E-Young, who were considered the LighterAndSofter members at the time.[[/note]]
247** Music/OrangeCaramel[[note]]Subunit comprised of Nana, Lizzy and Raina.[[/note]]
248** EYOKAN[[note]]Unofficial subunit comprised of E-Young and Kaeun, focused mainly on promoting the group in Japan.[[/note]]
249** Raina
250** Lizzy
251** NANA
252** Kahi
253* BUMZU
254* [[Music/Fromis9 fromis_9 ]][[labelnote:*]]Originally under Stone Music Media & Off the Record Entertainment from 2018-2021 but transferred under Pledis' management after August 16, 2021.[[/labelnote]]
255* Music/{{Nuest}}
256** NU'EST-M
257** NU'EST-W
258* Music/{{Pristin}} (disbanded in 2019)
259** Pristin V[[note]]Subunit comprised of Nayoung, Kyulkyung, Roa, Eunwoo and Rena.[[/note]]
260** Kyulkyung
261** Yehana
262** Sungyeon
263** Kyla
264* Music/{{SEVENTEEN}}
265
266[[AC:'''KOZ ENTERTAINMENT''' (subsidiary since 2020)]]
267* Zico
268* Dvwn
269* [=BOYNEXTDOOR=]
270
271[[AC:'''BELIFT LAB (founded jointly with CJ ENM in 2020)''']]
272* Music/{{ENHYPEN}}
273* Hanbin (former; left the company in 2021)
274
275[[AC:'''ADOR (founded in 2021)''']]
276* Music/NewJeans
277
278[[AC:'''HYBE LABELS JAPAN''']]
279* &Team
280** K
281** Nicholas
282** EJ
283** Kyungmin (left the company before debut)
284** Taki
285
286[[/folder]]
287
288[[folder:Cube Entertainment]]
289* [[Music/FourMinute 4minute]] (disbanded in 2016)
290** Music/{{Hyuna}} (former; left the company in 2018)
291** 2YOON
292* Music/{{B2ST}}[[labelnote:*]]Changed their name to Highlight in 2017 after leaving Cube[[/labelnote]]
293** Hyunseung
294* Music/{{BTOB}}
295* Music/{{CLC}}
296* Music/GIdle
297** Soyeon
298** Yuqi
299* LIGHTSUM
300* Music/{{Pentagon}}
301[[/folder]]
302
303[[folder:RBW (Rainbow Bridge World)]]
304* Music/{{Mamamoo}}
305** Hwasa (currently under P Nation)
306** Moonbyul
307** Solar
308** Wheein
309* Music/{{ONEUS}}
310* Onewe
311* Purple Kiss
312* Vromance
313
314[[AC:'''WM Entertainment (subsidiary since 2021)''']]
315* [=B1A4=]
316** Sandeul
317* Music/OhMyGirl
318** Yooa
319* ONF
320* Lee Chaeyeon
321
322[[AC:'''DSP Media (subsidiary since 2022)''']]
323* April
324* Fin K.L.
325** Lee Hyori
326* Music/{{Kara}} (left in 2016)
327** Gyuri
328** Hara
329** Nicole
330** Youngji
331* Music/{{KARD}}
332* [=MIRAE=]
333* Sechs Kies
334* Music/{{SS501}}
335* Rainbow
336** Rainbow Pixie
337** Rainbow Blaxx
338* Young Posse
339[[/folder]]
340
341[[folder:Kakao M (formerly LOEN Entertainment)]]
342
343''House Labels:''
344
345[[AC:'''EDAM''']]
346* Music/{{IU}}[[labelnote:*]]The singer was formerly under LOEN Entertainment. EDAM is her sublabel since 2019.[[/labelnote]]
347
348[[AC:'''IST Entertainment''']]
349* Music/{{Apink}}
350* Victon
351* Weeekly
352* Music/TheBoyz
353
354''Independant Labels:''
355
356[[AC:'''High Up Entertainment''']]
357* STAYC
358
359[[AC:'''Starship Entertainment''']]
360* Boyfriend
361* Music/{{WJSN}}
362** [=WJSN=] The Black
363** [=WJSN=] Chocome
364* Cravity
365* Giriboy
366* #Gun
367* Music/{{IVE}}
368* K.Will
369* Mad Clown
370* Music/MonstaX
371* Music/{{Sistar}} (disbanded in 2017)
372** [=Sistar19=]
373** Hyolyn (former; left the company)
374** Soyou (former; left the company)
375[[/folder]]
376
377[[folder:FNC Entertainment]]
378* Ampers&one
379* Music/{{AOA}} (Ace of Angels) (Inactive, presumed disbanded)
380** AOA Black
381** AOA Dance Unit
382** AOA White
383** AOA Cream
384* Cherry Bullet
385* Music/CNBlue
386** Jung Yonghwa
387* Music/FTIsland
388** FT Triple
389** Lee Hongki
390* N.Flying
391* [=P1Harmony=]
392* Music/{{SF9}}
393* Honeyst
394[[/folder]]
395
396[[folder:Jellyfish Entertainment]]
397* Music/{{Gugudan}} (disbanded in 2020)
398** gugudan 5959
399** Kim Sejeong
400* Music/{{VERIVERY}}
401* Music/{{VIXX}}
402** VIXX LR
403** Ravi
404** Leo
405** Ken
406[[/folder]]
407
408[[folder:Woollim Entertainment]]
409* Drippin
410* Music/KwonEunbi
411* Golden Child
412* Music/{{INFINITE}}
413** Infinite F
414** Infinite H
415** Sunggyu
416** Woohyun
417* Music/{{Lovelyz}}
418** Jin
419** Jiae
420* Rocket Punch
421[[/folder]]
422
423[[folder:Fantagio]]
424* Music/{{Astro}}
425* Hello Venus
426* [=LUN8=]
427* Ong Seongwoo
428* Weki Meki
429[[/folder]]
430
431[[folder:MBK Entertainment (formerly Core Content Media)]]
432* [=BAE173=]
433* Coed School
434** Speed
435** F-ve Dolls
436* [=DIA=]
437** [=BinChaenHyunSeuS=]
438** L.U.B
439* Music/{{Tara}} (former; left the company in 2018)
440** T-ara N4
441** QBS
442** Jiyeon
443** Hyomin
444** Elsie
445* Shannon Williams
446
447[[/folder]]
448
449[[folder:[=B2M=] Entertainment]]
450* Davichi
451* Eric Nam
452* SG Wannabe
453* Spica
454** [=SpicaS=]
455[[/folder]]
456
457[[folder:P Nation]]
458* Music/{{PSY}}
459* Crush
460* Heize
461* Hwasa
462[[/folder]]
463
464[[folder:AOMG]]
465* Jay Park
466* Simon Dominic
467* Gray
468* Lee Hi
469[[/folder]]
470
471[[folder:TS Entertainment]]
472* Music/{{BAP}}
473** Bang Yongguk
474* Secret
475** Hyosung
476** Jieun
477* Sonamoo
478[[/folder]]
479
480[[folder:Star Empire Entertainment]]
481* ARIAZ
482* Imfact
483* Nine Muses
484** Nine Muses A
485** Sera
486** Moon Hyuna
487** Kyungri
488* ZE:A (Children of Empire)
489** ZE:A J
490** ZE:A 4U
491** ZE:A Five
492[[/folder]]
493
494[[folder:TOP Media]]
495* Teen Top
496* 100%
497* MCND
498* [=Up10tion=]
499[[/folder]]
500
501[[folder:[=KQ=] Entertainment]]
502* Music/{{ATEEZ}}
503* Xikers
504
505[[AC:'''Seven Seasons (subsidiary)''']]
506* Music/BlockB
507** Bastarz
508** Zico
509** P.O.
510** Taeil
511[[/folder]]
512
513[[folder:Happy Face Entertainment]]
514* 4Men
515* Music/DalShabet
516** Subin
517* [=D1CE=]
518[[AC:'''Dreamcatcher Company''']]
519* Music/{{Dreamcatcher|Band}}[[labelnote:*]]Made up of members of former group Minx.[[/labelnote]]
520[[/folder]]
521
522[[folder:MNH Entertainment]]
523* [=8TURN-=]
524* BVNDIT
525* Music/{{Chungha}}
526[[/folder]]
527
528[[folder:Dream T Entertainment]]
529* Music/GirlsDay
530** Minah
531* [=MAP6=]
532[[/folder]]
533
534[[folder:YMC Entertainment]]
535* Music/{{IOI}}
536* Music/WannaOne
537[[/folder]]
538
539[[folder:NH Media]]
540* Laboum
541* Music/UKiss
542[[/folder]]
543
544[[folder:Others]]
545* 24K
546* AA (Double A)
547* [=AB6IX=]
548* Music/{{ACE}}
549* Ailee
550* A.Kor
551** A.Kor Black
552** Kemy
553* [=AleXa=]
554* {{Music/ARTMS}}
555* [=BBde=] Girl
556* Berry Good
557* [=BESTie=]
558* BIGSTAR
559* BIKINY
560* Bonus Baby
561* Boohwal
562* The Boss (aka DGNA)
563* Brown Eyed Girls
564** Narsha
565** Jea
566** Gain
567** Miryo
568* Bulldok
569** Kimi
570* Chocolat
571* Music/ClazziquaiProject
572* Cocosori
573** Coco
574** Sori
575* Music/{{Craxy}}
576* Music/CrayonPop
577** Strawberry Milk
578* [=D-Unit=]
579* DAWN[[labelnote:*]]Formerly E'Dawn[[/labelnote]]
580* Music/{{Dean}}
581* Everglow
582* [=EvoL=]
583** Jucy
584** SAAY
585** BÉBE YANA
586** Yull
587* Music/{{EXID}}
588** DASONI (aka [=SoljiHani=])
589** [=LE=]
590** Hani
591** Solji
592* Fiestar
593** Yezi
594* Fifty Fifty
595* Geeks
596* G.NA
597* GI (Global Icon)
598* Girls Girls
599** [=MiSo=]
600* Music/{{Holland|Musician}}
601* Music/HoneyPopcorn
602* H.U.B.
603* Music/{{Hyuna}}
604* Ivy
605* IZ
606* Music/{{IZONE}}
607* JBJ
608* Jessi
609* Jewelry
610* [=JJCC=]
611* Music/{{Juniel}}
612* Kahi
613* Kang Daniel
614* Kep1er
615* Kim Beom-Soo
616* Kim Gun Mo
617* Kiss&Cry
618** Dia
619* Kiss of Life
620* Ladies' Code
621** Ashley
622** Sojung
623* Lapillus
624* [=LedT=] (aka LED Apple)
625* Lee Jung Hyun
626* Lee Sora
627* Music/LimKim
628* Music/{{LOONA}}
629** LOONA 1/3
630*** [=HeeJin=]
631** Music/OddEyeCircle
632** yyxy
633*** Chuu
634* {{Music/LOOSSEMBLE}}
635* Music/{{MBLAQ}}
636* [=MIXX=]
637* Music/{{Momoland}}
638* [=MyB=]
639* [=MyName=]
640* My-Q
641* NC.A
642* Norazo
643** Lee Hyuk
644* Music/NSYoonG
645* Oh Hyuk
646* Only-One-Of
647* Park Jung-Hyun
648* PIXY
649* Purfles
650* Music/{{Rain|Singer}}
651* [=RaNia=]
652** BP Rania
653** [=BlackSwan=]
654** Cosmic Girl
655** Ela8te
656** Alex Reid
657* Music/RollingQuartz
658* [=Se7en=]
659* Secret Number
660* Shinhwa
661* Sinawe
662* Son Dam Bi
663* Spectrum
664* Stellar
665* Sunny Hill
666* Supernova
667* Tahiti
668* Tasty
669** Niel
670* The Rose
671* Tiny-G
672** Mint
673* XENO-T (aka Topp Dogg)
674* Music/TripleS
675* Turbo
676** Kim Jong-Kook
677* Ulala Session
678* Wa$$up
679** Nada
680* Winterplay
681* Wonder Boyz
682* YB
683* Youha
684* Younha
685* Music/{{X1}}
686* Zerobaseone
687[[/folder]]
688
689[[index]]
690----
691
692!!Positions and roles assigned to idols in the Kpop scene:
693
694Most Kpop groups tend to have assigned positions and roles for their members. These positions often come with a ''main'' and a ''lead'', based on their skills and abilities.
695
696It's important to note that ''not all groups'' have these positions with the same strict criteria and rules. Some groups may forgo all these roles and have a more flexible arrangement (or even start out with assigned positions only for these to lose relevance later on), while others may have well-rounded idols that can assume different roles at once.
697
698Positions and roles commonly found in Korean idols groups are:
699
700* '''Vocalist''': [[VocalTagTeam There are at least 2-3 vocalists in a group]] and the more members a group has, the more vocalists they would have.
701** There are three 'levels' or types of vocalists: the main vocalist, the lead vocalist, and the sub vocalist or simply a vocalist. The main vocalist has the best singing skills and technique out of all the members, which is what earned them this position. They usually have the most lines and/or the hardest notes (highnotes, adlibs, etc.). There is usually only one main vocalist per group.
702* '''Dancer''': Similarly, there are two levels under this position; main dancer and lead dancer.
703** Main dancers are, again, the members with the best dancing skills and technique in the group. They're often in the front of the group's formations or take center stage during the choreography, especially during dance breaks. Meanwhile, lead dancers are only a level below the main dancers in terms of dancing, basically the second best.
704* '''Rapper''': Likewise, rappers follow this same pattern as well. However, many groups only have one primary rapper because the genre and style of the group doesn't allow for much space for rap in their songs. Some groups don't have rappers at all.
705** The majority of idols in this position get called "idol rappers", because they don't really write their own raps and are assigned this role by their companies regardless of their rapping skills (a.k.a not "real" rappers). However, there's plenty of idols who still write their own raps, particularly found within groups with a {{Hiphop}} and {{Trap|Music}} focused sound - with some even coming from the underground rap scene before joining the group.
706* '''Visual''': Simply put, they are the best looking/most attractive member of the group.
707** Precisely speaking, however, they're the member with features that fit all or most Korean beauty standards (sharp jawline, pale skin, double eyelids, etc.). Many idols with a visual position move into acting and get offered sponsorship deals and acting roles because of their looks (this is not to say that they solely get cast based on looks alone and not talent. However, having good looks still gives them an advantage).
708* '''Leader''': The member in charge of guiding the group. They're often the bridge between the members and the company, as well as the spokesperson of the group when promoting.
709** The way this role gets assigned varies from one group to another. Sometimes it's decided based on age -- where the eldest gets the position, and sometimes it's based on experience -- the one who has been in the industry the longest gets the position. Other times groups decide to not have a leader at all.
710* '''[[TheBabyOfTheBunch Maknae]]''': The youngest member of the group. While not an official performative position, the age-based hierarchy of South Korean culture makes it a point to identify the youngest. It's worth noting that despite its fame as a "K-pop term", it's not unique nor original to K-pop - it refers to the youngest in any kind of group in Korea, though it's become better known in the West through its use within idol groups.
711* ''Additional roles'' may include:
712** '''The center''': which, as the name suggests, is the member at the center of the group during performances and formation.
713** '''The Face''': The most famous member and the group's representative, who gives them exposure through appearing in TV programs and public events. This is the member whose face first comes to mind whenever the group is mentioned. This is not a separate position, and it is usually given to a member who already has one of the above roles.
714
715----
716
717!!Tropes associated with the K-pop scene include:
718
719* AlternateAlbumCover: Physical releases often have several different covers, including member-specific variants on group releases.
720* AnimalMotif: It's quite common for idols to have animals that represent them as motifs, with cats, bunnies, and puppies being the most popular animal motifs that either resemble the idols' look or a trait they share with the animal (bunny teeth, clingy like a cat or a koala, etc.).
721* BathtubScene: Usually seen in girl groups' music videos with soap foam or sometimes clothes covering their bodies.
722* CensorshipBureau:
723** Due to [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Censorship_in_South_Korea South Korea's conservative laws]], censorship reaches ridiculous heights sometimes on music programs[[note]]shows artists attend to perform and promote their music[[/note]]. Plenty of songs and videos were initially banned by TV networks, most notably, Creator/{{MBC}}, Creator/{{SBS|SouthKorea}}, and particularly KBS who's notorious for placing bans on almost everything, for merely using slang or vaguely referencing brand names. To solve this, most entertainment companies usually [[LyricSwap alter their artists' songs]] and videos and re-release them. However, some agencies refuse to change their content in any way and choose to promote it in other programs instead.
724** Female artists are frequent victims, especially when they go for a sexy concept. Expect many of their dance moves, lyrics, and clips to be banned for being provocative.
725* ContractualPurity: The K-Pop scene is notoriously strict about behavior that isn't child-friendly or could ruin an idol's image. For the most part, when in public, idols can't smoke, can't swear (outside ''maybe'' their song lyrics), can't get a tattoo, and can't date.[[note]]Some companies, in the literal sense of the trope, will write it into an idol's contract that they can't be seen in public with a significant other for a certain number of years.[[/note]] Not all of this is about micromanaging an idol's public image; some of it's just a question of [[ValuesDissonance different social norms in Korea]], like a longstanding stigma against [[TattooedCrook tattoos]][[note]]South Korea still has [[http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210617000697 very restrictive laws]] for tattoo artists; while they're being challenged by the younger generation, it's slow going[[/note]]. This might be why most idols can openly drink and endorse alcohol; it's ingrained in the culture. While pressure comes from both the company and the public, enforcement can depend on the company and the individual circumstances. Enforcement is not universal, and some K-Pop stars will push the limits, but even then, fans, anti-fans and {{paparazzi}} can be so obsessive that even if the contract allows an idol to date, they won't do it in public.
726* CoolCar: This is a must-have element or prop for any cool Kpop MV to look even cooler and trendier.
727* CrowdChant: Numerous kpop songs are made in a way that allows fans to sing along, which is known as fanchants. Kpop fanchants can be [[https://youtu.be/UtA7pvBlKpk?t=74 very, very loud and enthusiastic]], or used as a surprise project for the idol(s).
728* DancingIsSeriousBusiness: Although not obligatory (instrument-playing bands and some soloists don't incorporate dance moves in their performances), dancing is an essential element that defines Kpop. Kpop choreographies generally have three fundamental elements: intricacy, sharpness, and intensity. Though again, not all choreographies are like this. Additionally, many idols incorporate [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xpn6J7b9bQI incredible and]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qme9GDp0l2o elaborate dance breaks]] into their choreographies to show more of their talents. Plus, lots of them take great pride in dancing and join dance competitions (i.e. [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hit_the_Stage Hit the Stage]]) even after debuting to showcase their talents and improve themselves.
729* FirstNameBasis: Technically a "given name basis" due to Korean naming order putting the family name before the given name, as opposed to Western naming orders having it the other way around, but the majority of idols use only their given names or variations of them professionally, and the ones that don't will use StageNames instead (that are usually still mononyms). It's rare for an idol to use their full name professionally in the K-pop industry.
730* {{Groupie}}: Female idols have dedicated, passionate male fans (though female ones exist too), while male idols have similarly passionate female fans/{{fangirl}}s (they rarely have male fans). When female idols go to perform at military sites, [[https://twitter.com/urileadrmashiro/status/1533800981267648513?t=3UEXYry086f6uRnVaEtUvg&s=19 loud and enthusiastic cheering]] can be heard in the background alone.
731* GroupieBrigade: Nearly any time an idol goes outside without covering their faces, fans will swarm them, asking for pictures, autographs, or just wanting to be seen by them. Some fans try to defy this image by giving the idols space and being level-headed during their interactions, and even greeting them from afar.
732* IdolSinger: Well, that's what they get paid to do.
733* IHaveManyNames: This is due to idols using StageNames and [[FanNickname nicknames given by fans]] or [[AffectionateNickname other members]].
734* KaleidoscopeHair: Kpop stars frequently change their hair color when a comeback[[labelnote:Explanation]]The period when an active artist releases new music again and promotes it on music and variety shows; the first performance on a music show is therefore called a comeback stage[[/labelnote]] is approaching. The idols' concept may determine which hair color said idol will have during a specific promotional era.
735* LimitedSpecialCollectorsUltimateEdition: It's rare for a K-pop album to have a standard CD release. A typical physical release is a box set containing not only the CD, but a book (usually a photobook, but sometimes a lyric book) and photocards with optional items like a poster included as well.
736* MultinationalTeam: Dozens of groups market themselves as multinational groups with members from all around the world. This also makes it easy for the group to promote in different countries and for companies to break into other markets like Japan's, China's, and the much-favored USA by having members who speak their language.
737* OdeToYouth: A frequent topic in boy group songs more than girl groups, but several groups make songs regarding youth as it's the age range the groups themselves are typically within and to relate to their equally young audiences.
738* OfficiallyShortenedTitle: Doubles as FunWithAcronyms. A slew of groups has long names that are shortened to easier and catchier ones. Some of them include BTOB an acronym for Born to Beat, TEEN TOP = [[WordSaladTitle Teenage Emoboy Emotion Next Generation Talent Object Praise]], and BOA = Beat of Angel/Best of All.
739* {{Paparazzi}}: A group of reporters/photographers tend to follow idols and wait for them in airports when they are traveling to an event, snapping endless photos of them at near and close distances. Korea Dispatch, an online media outlet, is infamous in the Kpop community and scene overall for having paparazzi who specialize in catching celebrities on their secret dates and reporting rumors. Korean stars sometimes make TakeThat jokes about Dispatch.
740* PelvicThrust: A common sexual dance move in male groups and soloists' choreographies, that usually acts as {{fanservice}} for their female fans. A few girl groups do this move as well when doing sensual or "masculine" choreographies.
741* {{Scatting}}: Lots of Kpop songs include scatting such as the frequently-used "la la la" and "na na na" and so on. See [[https://youtu.be/tu_XJidrGLI here]] for a prime (and humorous) example/parody.
742* SelfEmpowermentAnthem: Another common topic in upbeat and feel-good Kpop songs, where idols encourage listeners to think better of themselves and remind them that they're all unique in their own way.
743* SellingTheShow: Sometimes when idols go on {{Variety Show}}s, they are given opportunities to complain about their [=CEO=]s and their managers. So, idols will list things like how their [=CEO=]s and managers can be intimidating, strict, stingy, [[labelnote:Explanation]]It's expected of the older and experienced ones in the same working place to treat their younger ones to a meal in Korea[[/labelnote]] bossy, etc., but it's all in good fun and not in an insulting manner. On a more serious note, some idols come out and talk about all the hardships their companies made them go through and the normal things they banned them from doing, especially after they leave these agencies and aren't held back by their contracts.
744* SillyLoveSongs: Countless Kpop songs have cheesy descriptions of falling in love and focus on teenage romance. Kpop idol music is known for being full of such silly love songs.
745* SlidingScaleOfBeauty: The "visuals", being officially considered the most beautiful members of the group, are usually thought to be among world-class or divine-level beauties. There are even visuals that have managed to be on many lists of the "most beautiful people in the world"
746* TeenIdol:
747** A good number of idols have started their careers at young ages, with some as young as 12 or 13. This is because there's a clear preference for young and fresh faces to cater to Kpop's young demographics, with older idols often ditching this image and going for a mature and serious persona, some moving into the acting field as they grow older.
748** Many Kpop idols have big teenage fanbases because they aim at and appeal to teenagers and young adults. However, idols that have been in the industry for a long time had their teen fans grow up with them and become older now.

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