K-Pop may have earned it's title because it originates from Korea, but this does not mean that K-Pop music is strictly sung in Korean. In fact, as fans are aware, K-Pop is not restricted to the Korean language.
The vast majority of the songs are of course sung in Korean, but don't be surprised to hear a line or two (or even a whole chorus) in English. It may come as no surprise, but English is heard in almost every K-Pop song. With this knowledge, it is also no surprise that many K-Pop songs have an English equivalent. Songs such as "The Boys" by Girls' Generation have a version in Korean and one in English. The use of English in songs is becoming more and more of a trend in Korea as this way, the songs can garner more international interest.
But to this day, only one major K-Pop act has attempted to debut in the English-language music world. The Wonder Girls are a 5 piece girl group that have had huge success in Korea and now some moderate success in the US - their U.S. single "Nobody" managed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, a feat never before seen by a Korean act (and has not been done since).
Although the U.S. may be the world's largest music market, Korean acts are actually aiming their sights at the second largest music market in the world - Japan. Yes, it is not in the UK, Australia or America that K-Pop acts are wanting success right now, it's their neighbours in Japan.
But how can Korean music fit into the J-Pop scene? Quite easily, it seems. The K-Pop acts do not change their concepts, their look or their individual styles - the only thing they change for debuting in Japan is the language of the song. And the Japanese versions of K-Pop classics are being hugely welcomed by the Japanese.
It's interesting, girl groups KARA and Girls' Generation have by far recieved the most attention and success so far in Japan. They both boast #1 albums in Japan (their albums mostly consist of the Japanese language versions of their Korean hits) and Girls' Generation's first album is nearing the 1 million copies sold mark. This is a huge accomplishment considering the power of the Japanese music market. And this year, T-ARA debuted straight at #1 on the chart with their first single "Bo Peep Bo Peep". And more groups are expected to debut in Japan, including f(x) (see above) who are slated to do a round of Japanese promotions in 2012.
Previously in Japan, only BoA and TVXQ had flown the flag for Korea in Japan, with BoA experiencing more success in Japan than her home country.
The success of K-Pop in Japan makes me wonder. These acts are already hugely talented - they are renowned dancers, live vocalists and actors. And what's more, they are incredible linguists. They have mastered Japanese in order to be successful in Japan - appearing on Japanese TV shows is the best promotion these acts can get, and therefore a high proficiency in Japanese is strongly needed. And they have no doubt mastered English, not just in the hook of their songs either.
Good music is transmitted throughout the world via great vocals, great melodies and great visuals. But what the Koreans have realised is that it is also the language which is the key to success. With this notion, K-Pop music could be transported all over the world - and to startling success.
