K-Pop Friday

In Korea, pop music is king. It sells new trends, TV shows, cell phones. And sometimes even laundry detergent. There is no concept of entertainers “selling out” like there is in the US. The top K-Pop songs are played everywhere and are known by everyone. The dance moves are simple, so that everyone can repeat them while walking down the street. The old man that manages the sewing shop I take classes at listens to the most popular girl bands while all the women stitch away. The grandfather sitting next to me on the subway watches music videos on his own portable media player while the train makes its many stops on the way to his destination.

I’ve decided to share K-pop videos every Friday. So sit down and turn up the volume, because you are in for a wild experience. No description of that crazyness that is K-pop can fill in for the actual thing.

First off is Girl’s Generation (also known as SNSD) with their song “Oh!” I’ve heard this song in my yoga studio, outside on a pedestrian only street near my house, in Homeplus (department store) and coming out of peoples cell phones. This is the most popular song in Korea. By watching this video, you can get a good sense of how Korean girls dress and do their hair. And yes, they do wear heels like that. All. The. Time.

Next is 2NE1. There name can be said “twenty-one” or “to any one”. They are edgier than Girl’s Generation, like a girl band of 20 Lady Gaga’s. I think their style is their strong point. Check out the crazy hair-dos and wicked shoes.

Bringing up the rear is an old song. The kids at my school hate it because it is sooo last year, but I can not help but dance a little (or a lot) every time I hear it. Here is Super Junior with Sorry Sorry Sorry.