“The Korean wave or Hallyu is different only because it’s not an artist or a show taking over the world, it’s a culture! For me, K-pop led me down the rabbit hole of the K-wave.” She smirked and said, “K-pop just seems like a cult sucking everyone in and I’m not falling for it, it’s not anything special anyway!” So, I argued, knowing it would probably be a futile effort, “It doesn’t seem special because you haven’t given it a chance, just like the world didn’t for so long, and now, that culture stands so tall that all you can do is dismiss it as a cult. K-pop is a world apart from the American and contemporary pop music that I was used to because it brings dimensions to the stage, not only culture but power-packed performances, transcendent dances, and formidable fandoms.”
She sneered, “But they look like girls!”
“Your taunt is nothing new, but it doesn’t faze me because it reinforces why K-pop is so important. After all, male ‘idols’ defy gender stereotypes in a world diseased by them: wearing accessories, using makeup, and openly expressing emotions. It was the facets of an artist that BTS brought forward internationally, which left the world in awe of what music could be and what performance truly was. I went in for the music but remained there with so much more.”
She went on to say, “So what! K-pop is all they have anyway”, but I was prepared yet again.
“Don’t tell me you have not seen K-dramas or Korean movies because you are missing out! For me, K-dramas are a mystical grey area. I’m a Bollywood buff, weak for dramatic scenes and plots, but also love the well-rounded and excellently directed American shows; the grey area between the two is where k-dramas and movies lie, pushing every button and emotionally connecting the story to the viewer; a genre in itself.”
“The K-wave came like a breath of fresh air, away from the traditional pop culture that the world knew, and the tunes we danced to, and opened up a side of the world that shines bright in its true essence. It transcended borders, languages, and cultures. In truth, I am a fan of k-culture, enjoying everything from k-pop and k-dramas to food and skincare. I cannot convince everyone who thinks otherwise, but I feel obligated to clear misconceptions they hold. The K-wave is a force to be reckoned with, preparing the world for a renaissance away from the typical Western entertainment we consumed. Maybe it swept the world at this pace because they keep up with the rest while staying true to their own, which captivated the world to the extent of idolising a culture.”
She hissed, “You’re obsessed, because I’ve mostly seen you watch k-dramas and listen to k-pop!”
I retorted, “I’ve also seen you listen to just English music and watch American shows, where’s the difference?”
She just nodded; distant but accepting.
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