K-pop, or Korean Pop, K-pop is a musical genre originating in South Korea but has spread across Asia (and now the rest of the world). It is characterized by a wide variety of audiovisual elements. Although it comprises all genres of "popular music" within South Korea, the term is more often used in a narrower sense to describe a modern form of South Korean pop music covering mostly dance-pop, pop ballad, electronic, rock, hip-hop, R&B, etc.
Exponents of the genre have attracted a fanatical following in recent years, though western audiences could be forgiven for not being entirely au fait with K-pop until this year.
The movement has largely been driven by the internet with every wannabe artist in the world having a platform to showcase their abilities. Though instant stardom is not guaranteed, the internet has played a major role in the spread of the Korean Wave (which describes the rise of Korean music and entertainment business) and has unearthed many new stars.
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