To The Philippines: Why Korean Pop Music?

Dianne Kirsten S. Barquilla

9 – St. Patrick

In the Philippines, throughout the ages, a proprietor – a leader amongst all, emerged with
conviction, confidence and poise, diverging itself from the shadows. This proprietor is equipped
with a curious mind and a constant yearning for knowledge and wisdom, a passion that cannot be
disguised nor denied. This creature of intellect refers to us, the long reigning humans. With a
tough mindset pertaining to the pursuit of triumph and satisfaction, surely, we have been destined
to do exceptional and inconceivable things.

The younger folks are an equally vital piece as the employed citizens and elders in a
nation’s game of chess. As the saying goes, the youth is the hope of tomorrow. They are the
successors of the country’s economy and therefore hold the future. The vast exploits and
ventures of this younger generation have taken us to new heights. An immense variety of
inventions, products and services alone is proof of the burning desire for betterment of our
lifestyle that exists deep in the hearts and minds of the society. Whether it falls in the category of
food, literature and games, or even arts, fashion and trends, they always have something new to
offer. And one of the fields that are continuously being explored is the endless yet mysterious
realm of the arts and splendor of music. The Philippines is very proud to have OPM or Original
Pinoy Music, their own exceptional line-up of original songs and compositions, from upbeat,
hip-hop and rock to sonorous ballads and mellow R&B. Their compositions, both instrumental
and vocal, English and Filipino, have this addictive and mesmeric touch to its melody that
latches on to the listener’s mind.

Despite the fact that we are still facing a critical phase allotted for the growth and
improvement of OPM in the nation and in neighboring countries, there are also foreign music
that catches the attention of the Filipino citizens, especially teens and young adults, who are very
much aware of the influence of songs and artists that are making their way to stardom. Some of
these forms of music from other countries include the catchy and upbeat pop songs of the
Americans, the tear-jerking and relaxing compositions of British R&B artists, and the refreshing
and distinctive melodies of K-POP, J-POP and C-POP. It is safe to say that the Philippines is no
stranger to discoveries and are very open to new ideas. So it is not at all surprising to find
someone singing and jamming to foreign music.

Aside from the North and South Americans who get a fairly large amount of attention
from outside its continents, there is one particular style of music that is rapidly growing and
nurturing itself from inside the Philippines. For the past decade, ‘KPOP’ has been brewing up a
massive amount of regular listeners, audiences and fanatics, girls and boys alike. This rise in
numbers is very much appreciated by idols as it helps them to create a strong and loyal fanbase
and inspires them to continue their good work. The way of clothing, hair color, hair style and
little gestures of Korean artists are coming into trend in the country. Not only that, Kpop has its
international fans amused and interested in discovering all things Korean. Aside from fashion
and clothing styles as mentioned, and the Korean recipes and K-dramas, their culture is very
much explored.

But what exactly is KPOP? Why do people show so much love and adoration to it? Why
is it so interesting? How did it even begin? These are just little pieces from a puzzle of questions
Filipino KPOP fans are used to hearing every day. KPOP or Korean Pop Music can refer to the
generally popular music amongst the masses in Korea, or the genre that dominates the Korean
industry of music in the last two decades. It is one in a rainbow of the music styles that have
taken control the social and everyday lives of the citizens multiple times. Most compositions
include slick choreographies and colorful music videos to match with it. This may appear like a
bluff, but as of now, this nation is one of the largest homes to fanbases of KPOP artists. Aside
from hip-hop and pop which are its parenting genres, there are also other styles and subgenres
that support it beneath all of the some stereotyping and judgement that KPOP songs sound alike
one way or another. These subgenres integrated in the compositions, contribute to an end product
that sounds just as fresh and unique as the others.

This list consist of funk, metal, trap, future bass, house, rock, swing, trot, dubstep and
EDM which are generally a bit more fast-paced, cheery and upbeat. The thrill and hype feel
attached to it allows the music to be used in fun-fueled events, festivals, clubs and parties. It
earns an extra point for soloists and groups that have members who are rappers as these genres
typically include verses that are purely rapped. On the other hand, if you are into mellow, light,
either sweet or sorrow-filled and moderately-paced and slowly-paced songs, KPOP also offers
jazz, reggae, RnB, indie, acoustic, country, acapella, and ballad. These genres are prominent in
jam sessions, and multiple events and competitions too. There have been times that idols decide
to bless their fans and audiences with two versions for a song – the original and another version
usually suited into one or two of these categories, preferably acoustic or acapella.

Though there is a variance in tune, rhythm and pace, both sides possess the ability to stun
the masses and execute a parade of themes and emotions based on the message they want to
portray as shown in the lyrics. Almost all of the songs are written in the Korean language but
there are short English phrases that are added in a few parts to further enhance their connection
to international fans. And even if there is a language barrier that hinders us to fully understand
them promptly, Google is only one click away.

Filipinos have been listening and bopping to KPOP music since 2008 without even
knowing. For instance, the legendary song that even a current teenager’s parents would
recognize – “Nobody” with the lyrics, “I want nobody, nobody but you,” was actually sang by
Korean girl group Wonder Girls. Last 2012, the world, including the Philippines, went wild for
PSY’s “Gangnam Style” and just a year later, he already released another hit song, “Gentleman”.
And just a few months back, the song entitled “Bboom Bboom” by Korean girl group Momoland
became the talk of the citizens. Netizens from across the country uploaded a video of themselves
singing the lyrics and/or dancing the choreography of this song while others shot their friends
just for fun.

Of course, they are also groups that are famous for multiple songs. We cannot fail to
recall the 2NE1, the girl group that had gained lots of attention and support from the country
throughout their career as idols. Since member Sandara Park who is also the holder of the title
“Pambansang Krung Krung ng Pilipinas”, it just made their growth as idols even more thrilling
and satisfying to watch. Some of their most trending songs in the Philippines include “I Don’t
Care”, “Come Back Home”, “Fire” and “I Am the Best”. Female girl group Girl’s Generation
has “I Got A Boy”, “The Boys”, “Lion Heart”, “Mr. Mr.” and “Gee”. There is “Hot Issue” by
4Minute, “TT”, “Ooh Ahh” and “Cheer Up” which all went viral were presented by well-liked
girl group Twice. “Boombayah”, “Whistle”, “As Its Your Last”, and the lastest – “Ddu-Du DDu-
Du” are performed by rising female girl group Blackpink who also has a large reputation in Asia
and other countries.
 Bigbang is also a large name as they work not only as a group, but also as individual
artists too. Some of their most iconic songs that crash landed in the Philippine music industry are
“Bang Bang Bang”, “Fantastic Baby”, “Bad Boy”, Taeyang’s “Eyes, Nose, Lips”, G-Dragon and
Taeyang’s “Good Boy” and G-Dragon’s “Hooked”. EXO who trended the “Ko Ko Bop
Challenge” last year, are also responsible for “Monster”, “Growl”, “Overdose”, “Wolf”, “Call
Me Baby” and “Love Me Right” which were also quite iconic as they say. Next up, there’s “Just
Right”, “If You Do” and “Never Ever” by GOT7, ”, “Back” by Infinite , “Don’t Wanna Cry”,
“Mansae” and “Very Nice” by Seventeen, “Lucifer” and “Ring Ding Dong” by Shinee, “Sorry
Sorry”, ”Mr. Simple”, by Super Junior. There’s also BTS who is now on the way to stardom in
the U.S. Their songs “Dope”, “Fire”, “Blood Sweat and Tears”, “DNA” and “Fake Love” are
very much alive. Believe it or not, the Philippines has the largest percentage in the fanbase full of
ARMYs, even before their debut in the U.S. And last August, they released their newest song,
“Idol”.

It isn’t so bad once you know the reason why local and international fans adore and love
their idols so much. It’s not just for their looks, fame, influence, voice and dancing abilities
because they will certainly improve as time goes by. It’s not just about the quality of music
videos, and the production of albums and merchandise. It’s also about the message of their
songs, their personalities and their willingness to undergo months and years of grueling and
crushing training to perfect their dancing and singing even before debuting as idols. When they
were chosen to be trainees, they were immediately given the obligation to leave the comfort of
their homes in order to train. These idols are always so conscious of the way they look to the
point that they would take strict and unhealthy diets in order to impress the fans. Though they
many feel unwell, they still give their best every time they perform especially in international
concerts, debut and comeback stages. They are able to take weeks dipped in hectic schedules,
some involving multiple flights. They work hard to create songs, study choreography, and do
interviews and shows at the same time. It’s about how these challenges and obstacles make
theme stronger and more courageous. That is why fans, especially Filipinos, would do everything
in return, to show appreciation and to be able to see their idols smiling happily.