K-pop (also known as Korean Pop) is a worldwide sensation that has been the biggest building block for the Hallyu/Korean Wave. It has been praised for its catchy rhythms, eye-catching choreography, and good visuals. Though K-pop itself is one genre of music itself, the songs that come out are in many varieties and different genres. From R&B to Ballads to EDM, K-pop can have different sub-genres of its own.
There are multiple generations of the K-pop timeline. Currently there are 4 generations in the K-pop community and each one has a significant role in the development of K-pop history. It starts from 1st generation, 2nd generation, 3rd generation, and 4th generation.
1st Generation: 1992-2003
Groups of 1st generation: Seo Taiji and the Boys, H.O.T, S.E.S, g.o.d, Shinhwa, Sechs Kies
2nd Generation: 2003-2012
Groups of 2nd Generation: Girls Generation, Big Bang, Super Junior, SHINee, Miss A, TVXQ, 2NE1
3rd Generation: 2012-2018
Groups of 3rd generation: BTS, BlackPInk, EXO, Twice, NCT, Red Velvet
4th Generation: 2018-modern day
Groups of 4th generation: Stray Kids, ATEEZ, TXT, Enhypen, New Jeans, LE SSERAFIM, AESPA
K-pop has been a sensation in the Western world and has had many influence on Western media and music. A big artist that mass introduced K-pop outside of South Korea was PSY with "Gangnam Style". Created and posted on Youtube in 2014, this music video became a huge hit overseas and reached Western audience. At a certain point, it was one of the most viewed Youtube videos of all time.
The biggest influencer for K-pop worldwide is BTS. BTS is the biggest K-pop boy group and have made millions and is known internationally. During COVID, BTS rose in popularity and popularized the Hallyu Wave. K-pop is one of the biggest factors of the Hallyu Wave and without it, Korea and its culture wouldn't have been known as well as it is now.