My Journey Through the Evolution of K-Pop: From Turbo to TWICE

Introduction

K-Pop has grown from a niche genre to a global phenomenon, captivating millions of fans worldwide. My journey with K-Pop began in the late '90s, with the first generation groups like Turbo and Fin.K.L., and has continued through the exciting years of Big Bang, SHINee, and ultimately, the current era led by BTS and TWICE. This article chronicles my personal journey through the evolution of K-Pop.

The Beginning: Turbo and Fin.K.L. (1998)

My first exposure to K-Pop happened around 1998, when I was no more than a teenager, engrossed in Korean television shows. However, the real K-Pop experience began when I started watching things on my computer alone without any interruptions. The early groups like Turbo and Fin.K.L. were the pioneers, and their music videos were the gateway that introduced me to this new world of music and performance. Despite the limited channels and the obscure nature of these groups, they set the foundation for what was to come.

Second Generation: Big Bang and SNSD (2009-2010)

Following the initial exposure, my K-Pop journey took a significant leap forward when I discovered Big Bang and SNSD. It was around 2009 and 2010 when I started watching their music videos regularly. The music videos on the internet were my primary source of information, and I devoured them as much as I could. Watching Lucifer by SHINee at the SM Town concert in 2010, as recorded by the audiences, was a pivotal moment that solidified my interest in K-Pop. The first time I caught a glimpse of SHINee, it was through their music video for Mirotic, a track that remains one of my absolute favorites. This captivated my attention and brought me into the broader K-Pop universe, where I also discovered the talents of BIGBANG and SNSD.

The Acoustic Version of “Because I’m Stupid”

I found myself falling in love with K-pop not only through the group dynamics but also through the acoustic versions of their songs. The acoustic version of SHINee’s Because I’m Stupid was particularly haunting and captivating. It was a blend of raw talent and emotion that resonated deeply. This early discovery set the stage for my future love affair with K-Pop, a journey that has spanned over a decade, through various groups and performances.

SHINee (2010/2011)

SHINee marked a significant turning point in my K-Pop journey. Seeing them perform live during the SM Town concert in 2010 was a memorable experience. Particularly, their performance of Lucifer at the 2010 SM Town Concert in January 2012 left a lasting impression on me. I had already been listening to a rotation of over 300 K-Pop songs on Pandora, but had not seen their videos until then. Their performances were electrifying, and my fascination with SHINee led me to watch Mirotic and Fantastic Baby. SHINee introduced me to the world of K-dramas, and I quickly fell in love with characters like Kim Hyung Joon (Kim Bum) from Boys Over Flowers, thanks to his distinctive style and the impact of the soundtrack featuring SHINee.

BTS and Forever Fan

Of all the K-Pop groups I have followed, BTS has a special place in my heart. Even before their rise to global fame, I was a die-hard fan. My journey with BTS began in 4th grade when my sister introduced me to their song Butter. Since then, I have discovered more groups and have loved each one for different reasons. However, BTS is a constant in my life. The perseverance and dedication of BTS and their members, particularly RM and SUGA, have been the driving force behind my fandom. Their ability to connect with fans on both a personal and emotional level is truly unique. I remember the day when I saw Big Hit Entertainment's Inkigayo live debut of GFOTY, and it was just so thrilling to see the entire EXO line-up as well.

Atual Flurry of K-Pop Love: TWICE

While my first true fan journey began with BTS, I eventually fell in love with TWICE. Although my sister was a huge fan of them, I eventually started supporting TWICE and succeeding in becoming a stan. I find myself drawn to the dynamics of TWICE, how they leverage their talents both individually and collectively. Their journey from being trainees to becoming one of the most influential groups in K-Pop is a testament to their hard work and determination.

The rise of BTS and TWICE has been a thrilling ride, but the roster of K-Pop groups that has touched me includes Blackpink, got7, and EXO. Each group brings a unique flavor to the K-Pop landscape, and the music, performances, and personalities have all contributed to my appreciation of this genre. K-Pop has evolved over the years, and I have been fortunate to see this evolution firsthand, from the early days of Turbo and Fin.K.L. to the current era of big groups and global stars.