%%PLEASE make sure none of these pages include Administrivia/NoRealLifeExamplesPlease tropes UNLESS it refers to their [=MVs=], acting works or any other fictional stuff. FlameBait tropes (eg FanDumb, HateDumb) are not allowed at all. Administrivia/InUniverseExamplesOnly tropes, like the name says, are only used if a member or fellow celebrity explicitly says/talks about it. To check if a trope falls under any of these, go to the trope pages and check their description, source and indexes. Also avoid Administrivia/ZeroContextExamples.
%%

Korean 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}}.

There 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.

Outside 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.

The 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.

Major 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).

A 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.

----
[[foldercontrol]]
!!Notable Korean Pop artists:
[[index]]
* 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.

!!The Big Three

The three biggest and most powerful agencies/labels in the Korean music industry (at least for part of the TurnOfTheMillennium and most of TheNewTens).

[[folder:SM Entertainment]]
* See Creator/SMEntertainment for more details.
[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder: '''Active Artists''' ]]

* Music/{{aespa}}
* [[Music/BoAKorea BoA]]
* Music/{{EXO}}
** EXO-K
** EXO-M
** [[Music/{{EXOCBX}} EXO-CBX]]
** [[Music/{{EXOSC}} EXO-SC]]
** Music/{{Suho}}
** Music/{{Lay}}[[note]]His contract with SM expired in April 2022 but he's still a member of EXO[[/note]]
** Music/{{Baekhyun}}
** Music/{{Chen}}
* [[Music/GirlsGeneration Girls' Generation]]
** Girls' Generation-TTS [[note]]Subunit consisting of Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seohyun[[/note]]
** Oh!GG [[note]]Subunit consisting of Taeyeon, Sunny, Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Yoona[[/note]]
** Music/{{Taeyeon}}
** Jessica [[note]]Split from the group and label[[/note]]
** Sunny [[note]]No longer directly under SM, but still a member of the group[[/note]]
** Music/TiffanyYoung [[note]]No longer directly under SM, but still a member of the group[[/note]]
** Music/{{Hyoyeon}}
** Yuri
** Sooyoung [[note]]No longer directly under SM, but still a member of the group[[/note]]
** Creator/{{Yoona}}
** Seohyun [[note]]No longer directly under SM, but still a member of the group[[/note]]
* The Grace
** The Grace - Dana & Sunday
** Dana
** Sunday
** Stephanie
* H.O.T: Considered the first Kpop idol group and TropeCodifier for the Korean idol formula.
** Kangta
* J-Min
* Billlie (managed under Mystic Story Entertainment, a subsidiary label of SM Entertainment)
* LUCY (managed under Mystic Story Entertainment, a subsidiary label of SM Entertainment)
* Music/{{NCT}}
** NCT U
** NCT 127
** NCT Dream
** Music/WayV
* Music/RedVelvet
** [[Music/{{IreneAndSeulgi}} Red Velvet - Irene&Seulgi]]
** Creator/{{Joy}}
** Wendy
** Yeri
** Seulgi
* Music/{{RIIZE}}
* S.E.S.
* Music/{{SHINee}}
** Taemin
** Jonghyun
** Key
* Music/SuperM
* Music/SuperJunior
** Super Junior-M
*** Henry
*** Zhou Mi
** Super Junior-T
** Super Junior-M
** Super Junior KRY
** Super Junior Happy
** Super Junior-D&E [[note]]No longer directly under SM, but still a member of the group[[/note]]
** Kyuhyun [[note]]No longer directly under SM, but still a member of the group[[/note]]
** Ryeowook
** Yesung
** Heechul
* Music/{{TRAX}}
* [[Music/DongBangShinKi TVXQ]]
** Changmin
** Yunho
** JYJ [[note]]formed after the split under another label[[/note]]

[[/folder]]

[[folder: '''Project Groups''' ]]

* The Blue
* Kangta & Vanness
* S.M. The Ballad
* [[Music/MnD M&D]]
* Younique Unit
* S.M. The Performance
* TOHEART

[[/folder]]

[[folder: '''Former''' ]]

* Music/{{FX}}
** Victoria
** Amber
** Luna
** Creator/{{Sulli}}
** Krystal
[[/folder]]

[[folder:JYP Entertainment]]
[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder: '''Active Artists''' ]]

* [[Music/TwoPM 2PM]]
** Jun. K
** Nichkhun
** Taecyeon
** Wooyoung
** Music/{{Junho}}
** Chansung
* Baek A Yeon
* Fei[[note]]former member of Music/MissA[[/note]]
* Music/DAY6
** JJ Project
** [=JUS2=]
* Music/{{ITZY}}
* J.Y. Park
* Nakjoon
* Music/{{NMIXX}}
* Music/StrayKids
** [=3Racha=]
* Music/{{TWICE}}
** 2015 - "Music/LikeOohAhh"
** 2016 - "Music/CheerUp"
** 2016 - "Music/{{TT}}"
** 2017 - ''Music/{{Twicetagram}}''
** 2019 - "Music/FeelSpecial"
** 2020 - ''Music/EyesWideOpen''
** 2021 - ''Music/FormulaOfLove''
*** "Music/TheFeels"
** Music/{{Nayeon}}
** Music/{{Jihyo}}
* Music/WonderGirls
** Music/{{Yubin}}
** Hyerim
* Music/XdinaryHeroes
[[/folder]]

[[folder: ''Former:'' ]]

* 15&
** Park Jimin
** Baek Yerin
* [[Music/TwoAM 2AM]]
** Jo Kwon
** Changmin
** Seulong
** Jinwoon
* g.o.d
* Music/GOT7 (Left JYP in 2021 with members now independent soloists)
* G.Soul
* JOO
* Music/MissA
** Jia
* [[Music/WonderGirls Wonder Girls]] (disbanded in 2017)
** Music/{{HATFELT}}
** Music/{{Sunmi}}
** Yubin
[[/folder]]

[[folder:YG Entertainment]]
* [[Music/TwoNEOne 2NE1]] (disbanded in 2016)
** Bom
** CL
** Dara
** Minzy
* Akdong Musician
** Hi Suhyun
* BABYMONSTER
* Music/BigBang
** GD & TOP
** G-Dragon
** Taeyang
** T.O.P[[note]]Ended his contract with YG but he still participates in the group activities[[/note]]
** Daesung[[note]]Ended his contract with YG but he remains a member of Big Bang[[/note]]
** Seungri (former)
* Music/{{BLACKPINK}}
** 2020 - ''Music/TheAlbum''
** 2022 - ''Music/BornPink''
** Jennie
** Rosé
** Lisa
** Jisoo
* Music/EpikHigh (former; they left the company in 2018)
** Tablo
* Music/{{iKON}} (former; they left the company in 2022)
** Bobby
* Lee Hi (former; left the company in 2020)
* Music/{{PSY}} (former; left the company in 2018)
** 2012 - "Music/GangnamStyle"
* SECHSKIES
* TREASURE
* Music/{{WINNER}}
** Mino
** [=MOBB=]

[[/folder]]

[[folder: '''The Black Label (subsidiary)''' ]]

* SOMI
* Zion.T

[[/folder]]

!!Other Labels

[[folder:HYBE Labels]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder: '''BIGHIT MUSIC''' (formerly known as [=Big Hit=] Entertainment until March 2021.) ]]

* 8eight (inactive)[[labelnote:*]]Co-managed by Source Music.[[/labelnote]]
* Music/{{BTS}} (on hiatus)[[labelnote:*]]The members are currently serving their mandatory 18-month Korean military service.[[/labelnote]]
** 2016 - ''Music/{{Wings|BTSAlbum}}''
** 2017-18 - ''Music/LoveYourselfSeries''
** 2020 - ''Music/MapOfTheSoul7''
** RM
** SUGA (also known as Agust D)
** Music/JHope
** Music/{{Jimin}}
** Music/{{V|Singer}}
** Music/JungKook
* GLAM (disbanded in 2014)[[labelnote:*]]The group was a collaboration between Source Music and Big Hit Entertainment.[[/labelnote]]
* Homme (officially disbanded in 2018)
* Lee Hyun
* Music/{{TXT}}

[[/folder]]

[[folder: '''SOURCE MUSIC (subsidiary since 2019)''' ]]

* Music/{{GFRIEND}} (former; left in May 2021)
** VIVIZ
** Yuju
** Yerin
** Kim Sowon
* Music/LeSserafim

[[/folder]]

[[folder: '''PLEDIS Entertainment (subsidiary since 2020)''' ]]

* Music/AfterSchool (inactive)
** Music/AfterSchoolRED[[note]]Subunit comprised of Kahi, Nana, [=JungAh=] and UEE, who were considered the HotterAndSexier members at the time.[[/note]]
** Music/AfterSchoolBLUE[[note]]Subunit comprised of Lizzy, Raina, Jooyeon and E-Young, who were considered the LighterAndSofter members at the time.[[/note]]
** Music/OrangeCaramel[[note]]Subunit comprised of Nana, Lizzy and Raina.[[/note]]
** EYOKAN[[note]]Unofficial subunit comprised of E-Young and Kaeun, focused mainly on promoting the group in Japan.[[/note]]
** Raina
** Lizzy
** NANA
** Kahi
* BUMZU
* [[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]]
* Music/{{Nuest}}
** NU'EST-M
** NU'EST-W
* Music/{{Pristin}} (disbanded in 2019)
** Pristin V[[note]]Subunit comprised of Nayoung, Kyulkyung, Roa, Eunwoo and Rena.[[/note]]
** Kyulkyung
** Yehana
** Sungyeon
** Kyla
* Music/{{SEVENTEEN}}

[[/folder]]

[[folder: '''KOZ ENTERTAINMENT''' (subsidiary since 2020) ]]

* Zico
* Dvwn
* [=BOYNEXTDOOR=]

[[/folder]]

[[folder: '''BELIFT LAB (founded jointly with CJ ENM in 2020)''' ]]

* Music/{{ENHYPEN}}
* Hanbin (former; left the company in 2021)

[[/folder]]

[[folder: '''ADOR (founded in 2021)''' ]]

* Music/NewJeans

[[/folder]]

[[folder: '''HYBE LABELS JAPAN''' ]]

* &Team
** K
** Nicholas
** EJ
** Kyungmin (left the company before debut)
** Taki

[[/folder]]

[[folder:Cube Entertainment]]
* [[Music/FourMinute 4minute]] (disbanded in 2016)
** Music/{{Hyuna}} (former; left the company in 2018)
** 2YOON
* Music/{{B2ST}}[[labelnote:*]]Changed their name to Highlight in 2017 after leaving Cube[[/labelnote]]
** Hyunseung
* Music/{{BTOB}}
* Music/{{CLC}}
* Music/GIdle
** Soyeon
** Yuqi
* LIGHTSUM
* Music/{{Pentagon}}
[[/folder]]

[[folder:RBW (Rainbow Bridge World)]]
* Music/{{Mamamoo}}
** Hwasa (currently under P Nation)
** Moonbyul
** Solar
** Wheein
* Music/{{ONEUS}}
* Onewe
* Purple Kiss
* Vromance

[[/folder]]

[[folder: '''WM Entertainment (subsidiary since 2021)''' ]]

* [=B1A4=]
** Sandeul
* Music/OhMyGirl
** Yooa
* ONF
* Lee Chaeyeon

[[/folder]]

[[folder: '''DSP Media (subsidiary since 2022)''' ]]

* April
* Fin K.L.
** Lee Hyori
* Music/{{Kara}} (left in 2016)
** Gyuri
** Hara
** Nicole
** Youngji
* Music/{{KARD}}
* [=MIRAE=]
* Sechs Kies
* Music/{{SS501}}
* Rainbow
** Rainbow Pixie
** Rainbow Blaxx
* Young Posse
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Kakao M (formerly LOEN Entertainment)]]

''House Labels:''

[[/folder]]

[[folder: '''EDAM''' ]]

* Music/{{IU}}[[labelnote:*]]The singer was formerly under LOEN Entertainment. EDAM is her sublabel since 2019.[[/labelnote]]

[[/folder]]

[[folder: '''IST Entertainment''' ]]

* Music/{{Apink}}
* Victon
* Weeekly
* Music/TheBoyz

''Independant Labels:''

[[/folder]]

[[folder: '''High Up Entertainment''' ]]

* STAYC

[[/folder]]

[[folder: '''Starship Entertainment''' ]]

* Boyfriend
* Music/{{WJSN}}
** [=WJSN=] The Black
** [=WJSN=] Chocome
* Cravity
* Giriboy
* #Gun
* Music/{{IVE}}
* K.Will
* Mad Clown
* Music/MonstaX
* Music/{{Sistar}} (disbanded in 2017)
** [=Sistar19=]
** Hyolyn (former; left the company)
** Soyou (former; left the company)
[[/folder]]

[[folder:FNC Entertainment]]
* Ampers&one
* Music/{{AOA}} (Ace of Angels) (Inactive, presumed disbanded)
** AOA Black
** AOA Dance Unit
** AOA White
** AOA Cream
* Cherry Bullet
* Music/CNBlue
** Jung Yonghwa
* Music/FTIsland
** FT Triple
** Lee Hongki
* N.Flying
* [=P1Harmony=]
* Music/{{SF9}}
* Honeyst
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Jellyfish Entertainment]]
* Music/{{Gugudan}} (disbanded in 2020)
** gugudan 5959
** Kim Sejeong
* Music/{{VERIVERY}}
* Music/{{VIXX}}
** VIXX LR
** Ravi
** Leo
** Ken
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Woollim Entertainment]]
* Drippin
* Music/KwonEunbi
* Golden Child
* Music/{{INFINITE}}
** Infinite F
** Infinite H
** Sunggyu
** Woohyun
* Music/{{Lovelyz}}
** Jin
** Jiae
* Rocket Punch
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Fantagio]]
* Music/{{Astro}}
* Hello Venus
* [=LUN8=]
* Ong Seongwoo
* Weki Meki
[[/folder]]

[[folder:MBK Entertainment (formerly Core Content Media)]]
* [=BAE173=]
* Coed School
** Speed
** F-ve Dolls
* [=DIA=]
** [=BinChaenHyunSeuS=]
** L.U.B
* Music/{{Tara}} (former; left the company in 2018)
** T-ara N4
** QBS
** Jiyeon
** Hyomin
** Elsie
* Shannon Williams

[[/folder]]

[[folder:[=B2M=] Entertainment]]
* Davichi
* Eric Nam
* SG Wannabe
* Spica
** [=SpicaS=]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:P Nation]]
* Music/{{PSY}}
* Crush
* Heize
* Hwasa
[[/folder]]

[[folder:AOMG]]
* Jay Park
* Simon Dominic
* Gray
* Lee Hi
[[/folder]]

[[folder:TS Entertainment]]
* Music/{{BAP}}
** Bang Yongguk
* Secret
** Hyosung
** Jieun
* Sonamoo
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Star Empire Entertainment]]
* ARIAZ
* Imfact
* Nine Muses
** Nine Muses A
** Sera
** Moon Hyuna
** Kyungri
* ZE:A (Children of Empire)
** ZE:A J
** ZE:A 4U
** ZE:A Five
[[/folder]]

[[folder:TOP Media]]
* Teen Top
* 100%
* MCND
* [=Up10tion=]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:[=KQ=] Entertainment]]
* Music/{{ATEEZ}}
* Xikers

[[/folder]]

[[folder: '''Seven Seasons (subsidiary)''' ]]

* Music/BlockB
** Bastarz
** Zico
** P.O.
** Taeil
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Happy Face Entertainment]]
* 4Men
* Music/DalShabet
** Subin
* [=D1CE=]
[[/folder]]

[[folder: '''Dreamcatcher Company''' ]]

* Music/{{Dreamcatcher|Band}}[[labelnote:*]]Made up of members of former group Minx.[[/labelnote]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:MNH Entertainment]]
* [=8TURN-=]
* BVNDIT
* Music/{{Chungha}}
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Dream T Entertainment]]
* Music/GirlsDay
** Minah
* [=MAP6=]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:YMC Entertainment]]
* Music/{{IOI}}
* Music/WannaOne
[[/folder]]

[[folder:NH Media]]
* Laboum
* Music/UKiss
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Others]]
* 24K
* AA (Double A)
* [=AB6IX=]
* Music/{{ACE}}
* Ailee
* A.Kor
** A.Kor Black
** Kemy
* [=AleXa=]
* {{Music/ARTMS}}
* [=BBde=] Girl
* Berry Good
* [=BESTie=]
* BIGSTAR
* BIKINY
* Bonus Baby
* Boohwal
* The Boss (aka DGNA)
* Brown Eyed Girls
** Narsha
** Jea
** Gain
** Miryo
* Bulldok
** Kimi
* Chocolat
* Music/ClazziquaiProject
* Cocosori
** Coco
** Sori
* Music/{{Craxy}}
* Music/CrayonPop
** Strawberry Milk
* [=D-Unit=]
* DAWN[[labelnote:*]]Formerly E'Dawn[[/labelnote]]
* Music/{{Dean}}
* Everglow
* [=EvoL=]
** Jucy
** SAAY
** BÉBE YANA
** Yull
* Music/{{EXID}}
** DASONI (aka [=SoljiHani=])
** [=LE=]
** Hani
** Solji
* Fiestar
** Yezi
* Fifty Fifty
* Geeks
* G.NA
* GI (Global Icon)
* Girls Girls
** [=MiSo=]
* Music/{{Holland|Musician}}
* Music/HoneyPopcorn
* H.U.B.
* Music/{{Hyuna}}
* Ivy
* IZ
* Music/{{IZONE}}
* JBJ
* Jessi
* Jewelry
* [=JJCC=]
* Music/{{Juniel}}
* Kahi
* Kang Daniel
* Kep1er
* Kim Beom-Soo
* Kim Gun Mo
* Kiss&Cry
** Dia
* Kiss of Life
* Ladies' Code
** Ashley
** Sojung
* Lapillus
* [=LedT=] (aka LED Apple)
* Lee Jung Hyun
* Lee Sora
* Music/LimKim
* Music/{{LOONA}}
** LOONA 1/3
*** [=HeeJin=]
** Music/OddEyeCircle
** yyxy
*** Chuu
* {{Music/LOOSSEMBLE}}
* Music/{{MBLAQ}}
* [=MIXX=]
* Music/{{Momoland}}
* [=MyB=]
* [=MyName=]
* My-Q
* NC.A
* Norazo
** Lee Hyuk
* Music/NSYoonG
* Oh Hyuk
* Only-One-Of
* Park Jung-Hyun
* PIXY
* Purfles
* Music/{{Rain|Singer}}
* [=RaNia=]
** BP Rania
** [=BlackSwan=]
** Cosmic Girl
** Ela8te
** Alex Reid
* Music/RollingQuartz
* [=Se7en=]
* Secret Number
* Shinhwa
* Sinawe
* Son Dam Bi
* Spectrum
* Stellar
* Sunny Hill
* Supernova
* Tahiti
* Tasty
** Niel
* The Rose
* Tiny-G
** Mint
* XENO-T (aka Topp Dogg)
* Music/TripleS
* Turbo
** Kim Jong-Kook
* Ulala Session
* Wa$$up
** Nada
* Winterplay
* Wonder Boyz
* YB
* Youha
* Younha
* Music/{{X1}}
* Zerobaseone
[[/folder]]

[[index]]
----

!!Positions and roles assigned to idols in the Kpop scene:

Most 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.

It'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.

Positions and roles commonly found in Korean idols groups are:

* '''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.
** 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.
* '''Dancer''': Similarly, there are two levels under this position; main dancer and lead dancer.
** 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.
* '''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.
** 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.
* '''Visual''': Simply put, they are the best looking/most attractive member of the group.
** 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).
* '''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.
** 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.
* '''[[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.
* ''Additional roles'' may include:
** '''The center''': which, as the name suggests, is the member at the center of the group during performances and formation.
** '''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.

----

!!Tropes associated with the K-pop scene include:

* AlternateAlbumCover: Physical releases often have several different covers, including member-specific variants on group releases.
* 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.).
* BathtubScene: Usually seen in girl groups' music videos with soap foam or sometimes clothes covering their bodies.
* CensorshipBureau:
** 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.
** 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.
* 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.
* CoolCar: This is a must-have element or prop for any cool Kpop MV to look even cooler and trendier.
* 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).
* 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.
* 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.
* {{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.
* 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.
* IdolSinger: Well, that's what they get paid to do.
* IHaveManyNames: This is due to idols using StageNames and [[FanNickname nicknames given by fans]] or [[AffectionateNickname other members]].
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* {{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.
* 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.
* {{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.
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* 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"
* TeenIdol:
** 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.
** 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.
* VocalTagTeam: Plenty of groups have at least two or more vocalists who trade vocals together on their songs. Harmonizing is less common, since for many groups the focus is mainly on giving every member their own spotlight to showcase their skills and persona.