KPop Culture

I really wanted to just copy and paste some article but don't really feel like looking for a good one so I put the disclaimer all this information is solely based off my own knowledge and experience with KPop for the last 15 years and from a non-Korean's perspective. (And Wikipedia)

All links unless otherwise mentioned lead to Wikipedia pages !

The Basics

To get to the point of being on a debut stage, idols first go through training, and before that, an audition. Very rarely will trainees know each other prior to joining the company, but it's not unheard of, for example, Junsu and Eunhyuk were childhood friends before joining the same company. The average training time is about 1.5-3 years, with the longest (off the top of my head) being 11 years, and the shortest being a month. Typically they are sorted into separate groups based on skill level, usually A-F. Once the company deems them ready, a group of trainees will be put into a group and that is when the trainees will know which trainees are officially their band members for the first time. They will usually train as a group for about two months - one year, and then finally get to debut. This is also not always the case, for example the group Seventeen was set to debut in 2013, but didn't see their debut stage until 2015.

KPop has a big habit and desire to start kids young - kids as young as 10-12 will be accepted or scouted* and begin training, and the average for the youngest debut age is 14. All idols go through at least a couple years of training, except for a few idols who may have gotten placed into a band quickly, but even they will probably have an average of one to six months of training behind them. Idols who share stories of their trainee days often talk about the long hours they trained for, some slept in subway stations to save money, others worked multiple jobs just to be in Seoul for a chance to pursue their dreams of becoming a singer. Trainees will have classes in training, dancing, acting, language courses, and even things like variety. (Variety shows are very popular in Korea - and very different from American variety shows. A popular one these days is Weekly Idol) Some are subjected to extreme diets, restricted cell phone (and social media) usage, and even plastic surgery. Trainees are often expected to pay back the fees from training, housing, feeding, etc (plastic surgery...) once they debut, and some companies have spent upwards of $100,000 on a single trainee. Sometimes, this causes idols to not immediately earn money, as the majority of their paychecks go back to the company. Despite this, many idols are willing to go to any length to pursue their dream.

As soon as a trainee hits their debut stage, they're are now called an "idol" (aidol -아이돌), no matter their popularity. Many groups from smaller companies or ones that didn't get a lot of attention during their debut are dubbed "nugu groups," which literally translates to "who? groups." Some groups from bigger companies are immediately popular, though this isn't always the case. Groups that have debuted before them are called "sunbae" (it's the same idea as senpai - someone more experienced in whatever field, or an older classmate), while the ones that debut after them are called "hoobae" (someone less experienced in whatever field). Groups that debut around the same time will commonly just call each other "sunbae."

*Scouting in KPop means a representative from an entertainment company scouts someone from somewhere. For example, G-Dragon from Big Bang was scouted by his current company during a dance competition. Others have been scouted literally from off the street or while doing something completely not related to music. (link leads to a Quora list of idols that were scouted)

Other Info

Before 1996, South Korean music was mainly traditional or geared towards the older generations, with American music and some rock (such as Seo Taijia and Boys) sprinkled in. But in 1996, the band H.O.T. debuted, sparking idol culture in Korea. With them also came Shinhwa in 1998 and G.O.D. in 1999, as well as girl groups S.E.S. and Fin.K.L in 1997 and 1998 respectively. It settled down for a bit, until BoA and TVXQ sparked a new wave of idols in 2003.

People have called KPop bands everything from manufactured and fake to talented and real. KPop is often viewed as something that is sold, especially now that there is a stronger global awareness of KPop. A 2019 scandal (link to a CNN article about it - CW for prostitution mention, sex abuse, drugs, assault, rape, secret filming of sexual acts) caused an uproar among fans and in general Koreans. In more recent generations* of KPop, idols seem more open with their fans, especially with apps that let them communicate fairly directly with their fans, either through live video chats, such as VLive, or certain texting apps, such as one called Bubble.

The companies that create these bands range from well known (the group EXO was met with almost instant success because their company is extremely well known (H.O.T., BoA, and TVXQ are from the same company) and they were extremely hyped as trainees) to a brand new company no one has heard of. These companies often have a harder time getting their idols noticed due to the overpowering influence of the top 3 companies: S.M., YG, and JYP. (fun fact! BTS is in a company that, before BTS' success, was only mildly well-known in the KPop circle due to being affiliated with JYP. They're still only a mid-size company.) For an idol to debut without a company is almost unheard of, though one idol, Holland, ended up making his own company after no other companies would accept him due to his being gay.

*Generations of KPop - KPop is considered to have generations. Generation 1 idols are ones that debuted between 1997-2004, Gen 2 is 2005-2011, Gen 3 is 2012-2017, and the current generation is Gen 4, starting in 2018. The biggest difference between generations is style of music, style of dress, and typical ages. Also, most of Gen 1 idols were Gen X, Gen 2 Millennials, and Gen 3 & 4 have been a mix of Millennials and Gen Z.

Fans

Fans of KPop, especially native Korean fans, are fairly different from fans of American boy band days past. this article from SBS Australia sums up some of them pretty well. There is also something called the "Black Ocean," which Urban Dictionary defines as "During concerts fans will flail their cellphones and light sticks as the artist(s) performs, creating an "ocean" of light from the perspective of the performer. A "black ocean" is a trend in K-pop (Korean Pop or music) where the audience turns off their light sticks and cellphones as a show of lack of support to the current group onstage. When done collectively, it appears to the performers as a "black ocean" due to the lack of lights from the audience. Usually only happens in extreme cases. Then again, "extreme" is a subjective word when it is put together with the craziness... that is the hardcore fans of K-pop."

Another level of KPop fandom are sasaeng fans (literally: private fans), or often called "stalker fans" in English. They have paid taxis to go on dangerous car chases of their idol's vehicles, been known to stalk their homes, and some do even more crazy stunts. Others have been known to follow their idols 24/7, install cameras in their idols’ homes, hack into mobile phones to stalk who their idols are calling or texting, crash private family functions, and the list goes on. There have also been cases where these fans had broken into the idol’s homes or hotel rooms and snuck in lingerie!

A third level are the anti-fans. Most will just be like the average anti-fan we know, but some have gone to extremes, such as when an anti-fan put glue into a drink to poison an idol.

Of course, sasaeng and fan clubs members aren't the only type of fans out there. There's also the people who just happen to like KPop, or enjoy a group a lot, maybe have a bit of merchandise, but isn't involved with the fan club, etc. As with any fandom, the worst ones are always the ones that get noticed. Around the world, it is estimated there are about 35 million KPop fans!

Culture

The Basics
Korean culture shares some similarities, and of course differences, from American culture. A lot of Korean culture comes from it's history with Shamanism, Buddhism, and Confusianism. For the past approx. 50 years, Christianity has been on the rise in South Korea. Korean tradition and culture is based in Confusianism and Buddhist practices. Korea itself supports religious freedom. The major holidays are based off of the Lunar Calendar (discussed below) and take place during the Lunar New Year (called Seollal (설날) in Korean) and Chuseok (추석), which is often referred to as "Korean Thanksgiving'' when talking with foreigners. Seollal takes place Day 1 of Month 1 on the Lunar Calendar, and Chuseok takes place on Day 15 of Month 8 on the Lunar Calendar.

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Lunar Calendar

Their months are based on observations of the lunar cycle, with intercalation being used to bring them into general agreement with the solar year. The solar "civic calendar" that was used in ancient Egypt showed traces of its origin in the earlier lunar calendar, which continued to be used alongside it for religious and agricultural purposes. Present-day lunisolar calendars include the Chinese, Hindu, and Thai calendars.

Synodic months are 29 or 30 days in length, making a lunar year of 12 months about 11 days shorter than a solar year. Some lunar calendars do not use intercalation. For those that do, the most common form of intercalation is to add an additional month every second or third year. Some lunisolar calendars are also calibrated by annual natural events which are affected by lunar cycles as well as the solar cycle.

*Note: the lunar calendar is mostly used for holidays these days.

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Korean Age

In Korea, everyone is automatically one year old from the time they are born, and then all Koreans age on the (Lunar) New Year. This means that a baby born on December 31 would be considered two years old the very next day. But age isn't really asked about at that age. So we won't go into that.

Because of Koreans being one from the time they're born, they are typically a year older in Korea than they are abroad. If their birthday is before the Lunar New Year, they will be considered two years older. A 2021 example:

A person is born in 2000.
In America, they are 21.
If their birthday was, for example, in June (definitely after the Lunar New Year), they would be 22 in Korea.
If their birthday was January 1 (definitely before the Lunar New Year), they would be 23 in Korea.

So, to put it simply – in a given year, before your birthday, your Korean age is your Western age plus two; after your birthday, it is your Western age plus one.

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from Commisceo-Global

Family
► The family unit is an integral part of customs and life in South Korea. Marriage is regarded as a rite of passage
► Divorce was rare but has become more common in recent years
► Patriarchal lineage is ubiquitous and links ancestors through the husband’s line
► Traditionally, the eldest son inherited, however, this has recently altered and is now equal by law. The eldest son also bears extra responsibility to his family and it is supposed that he will care for his parents in their old age

Social Stratification
► Since the Kabo Reforms of 1894 there has been no traditional gentry
► Class position is often linked to educational attainment. 60% of Koreans considered themselves to be middle class
► Industrialisation and urbanization contribute to class difference
► Family, upbringing, wealth, education and occupation contribute to social standing
► Symbols of status include; large homes, chauffeur driven cars, dress, membership to certain clubs, and higher educational degrees
► Urbanization is 81.41% of total population (2020)
► Language is hierarchical and one must address social superiors in a fitting manner

Gender Roles
► Equality of the sexes is constitutional
► Daily life is dominated by male guidance within a primarily patriarchal society
► Social organization is influenced by gender and age
► 51.2% of adult women worked outside the home (2021)
► Women occupied 20.7% of provincial and local seats in 2018
► Women dominate Shamanism as priestesses but have limited roles within Christian and Buddhist religions
► Women are expected to be submissive in public situations and at informal gatherings, although women are considered more independent than their male counterparts

Socialization
► Daily care of infants is primarily parent based for at least the first two years with little, or no, separation from the mother
► Patriarchal obedience, cooperation, respect for elders, and familial piety are imbued into early childhood
► Gender specific roles are encouraged within the family and education system
► Sons generally receive the best education and remain more dependent upon their family, even into marriage

The Economy
► South Korea changed from an underdeveloped country, to the 11th largest economy globally, within one generation
► South Korea is heavily dependent upon exports for its GDP; almost half of its business is exported through products or services
► 48% of all exports are electronic
► 31% of exports are transport related (cars, boats, etc)

Food
► Korean cuisine is based on rice, vegetables and meat
► Kimchi (김치) is the national dish and is eaten with most meals
► Kimchi is made from a variety of vegetables which are then fermented and can be stored for long periods of time
► Banchan (반찬) are side dishes – these are often made in large numbers and are served along with the main dish
► Food is used in ceremonies, especially at weddings, birthdays and to honor ancestors

Arts, Humanities, and Popular Culture
► Historically, Chinese and Japanese influences were seen in South Korean art; aesthetic concepts and motifs were shared
► Korean music and arts were linked to natural cycles and religion, giving rise to a folk culture in rural areas that are still considered popular
► ‘Gangnam Style’ by Psy, a South Korean musician, achieved worldwide fame in 2012. The song talks about Korean society and refers to the Gangnam District of Seoul, a trendy, classy area, equated with London, Paris or Hollywood
► Foreign influences have produced a fast food and coffee culture in recent years, especially within Seoul
► Language has altered with the introduction of some Western phrases such as ‘eye shopping’ (window shopping)

The Concept of Kibun
► Kibun (기분) is a word with no literal English translation; the closest terms are pride, face, mood, feelings, or state of mind.
► If you hurt someone's kibun you hurt their pride, cause them to lose dignity, and lose face. Korean interpersonal relationships operate on the principle of harmony.
► It is important to maintain a peaceful, comfortable atmosphere at all times, even if it means telling a "white lie".
► It is important to know how to judge the state of someone else's kibun, how to avoid hurting it, and how to keep your own kibun at the same time.
► In business, a manager's kibun is damaged if his subordinates do not show proper respect. A subordinate's kibun is damaged if his manager criticizes him in public.
► Nunchi (눈치) is the ability to determine another person's kibun by using the eye.
► Since this is a culture where social harmony is crucial, being able to judge another person's state of mind is critical to maintain the person's kibun. Nunchi is accomplished by watching body language and listening to the tone of voice as well as what is said.

Meeting and Greeting
► Bowing is the traditional way to greet in South Korea
► Handshakes often accompany the bow among men
► Your left hand should support your right forearm when shaking hands
► Korean women do not always shake hands and may slightly nod instead of a full bow
► Always bow to individuals when departing

Communication Style
► Communication can be complicated in South Korea due to an inherent dislike of saying ‘no’ as it is considered poor etiquette
► Discussions can be prolonged due to the avoidance of declining or refusing
► If disquiet is verbally or visibly displayed it is a sure sign that something is amiss
► Good posture and positive body language is most beneficial in meetings; patience and politeness must be maintained throughout
► Do not use excessive or overt body language
► Use two hands, or support your right arm with your left, when passing on business cards, gifts, or when receiving an item
► Respect, trust and satisfaction are displayed through a deeper bow

Personal Space
► It is insulting for Koreans to be touched by someone with whom they are unfamiliar; don’t pat them on the back or hug them
► Prolonged, direct eye contact can be inferred as a challenge and is seen as impolite, especially when dealing with others of a higher social standing
► Keep your body within its own personal space; avoid extended or crossed legs and limit arm movements when explaining something so as to evade others’ personal space
► If calling someone over to you do not point with your index finger, instead use your hand palm down in a claw movement
► In cities (especially Seoul) pushing, shoving and touching are regular occurrences – don’t be offended by the lack of apologies
► Friends, of both sexes, though not opposite sexes, will often walk arm in arm together, especially teenagers and the younger generations

Gift Giving Etiquette
► Koreans are generous people and enjoy giving gifts
► Koreans have a "three times" rule: if someone tries to offer something, the receiver should deny it three times before accepting. (Presumably to show humbleness)
► Accept the gift with both hands – but never open the gift immediately, wait until the giver is absent
► Return the favor and offer something of a similar value. Koreans enjoy Western gifts and items so be prepared before leaving home
► If giving gifts be sure to wrap and present them in an attractive way. Avoid using dark wrapping paper, especially red, instead choose bright yellow/green
► If invited to a Korean home always take the hostess a gift; chocolates, sweets, cakes or flowers but preferably not alcohol
► Gifts are often given at the first business meeting and the host should present his first. To reciprocate, give good quality alcohol such as scotch, or desk accessories
► Do not give overly expensive gifts as Koreans feel indebted to give as they receive
► Avoid gifts such as knives, scissors, sets of four, and red writing (these are seen as ‘cutting ties’ and signifying death respectively)

Dining and Food
► Always wait to be seated by your host. If given the seat of honor (looking at the front door) it is polite to demonstrate a slight objection
► Elders are served first and begin the dining process
► Food and dining are important parts of Korean culture and are used to build relationships. Be sociable and work at shaping good associations for pleasure and business as they are interlinked
► Don’t pour your own drink, although it is considered good manners to pour another’s. Women often pour for men but not for other women. Rather than refuse more drink (remember, Koreans don’t like outright refusal) simply leave your glass part full, as opposed to empty
► Do not tip if you see a ‘no tipping’ sign
► There are often prolonged periods of silence during Korean meals – socializing can happen once everyone has feasted
► Don’t forget to pass and receive food with two hands or with just your right if it is supported by your left
► When it comes to settling the bill, the invitee may offer to pay but the host will generally pay for everyone.
► If you are invited to continue after dinner with drinks or a party, don’t refuse this invitation.
► On occasion you may be asked to sing a solo after dinner. Try not to refuse this request, instead sing with enthusiasm and spirit
► Do not point with your chopsticks, or leave them sticking out of your bowl
► The national drink of Korea is ‘Soju’, a clear vodka-like drink that is generally 18-25% alcohol

Visiting a Home
► Always remove your shoes before entering a Korean home (in recent years there has been an increase in Western culture and this may not always be the case - follow the lead of your host if unsure)
► It is possible to arrive up to thirty minutes late without causing offense but punctuality is highly respected
► Remember, never pour your own drink. The host will do this in your presence
► Being invited into a Korean’s home is considered an honor (especially if it is for a meal) so it is essential to treat it as such. Be polite, respectful and observe their customs.
► Bring a gift to reciprocate your host’s kindness
► Once the party is over you will usually be escorted to your car or the gate by the host. This is a sign of respect.

Taboos in South Korean Culture
► Do not wear your shoes in places of worship or peoples’ homes
► Do not put your feet on furniture
► Do not eat or drink in public places while walking
► Do not place your thumb between your middle and index finger while making a fist as this an obscene gesture
► Do not use red ink. This is a symbol of death and is reserved only for writing the names of the deceased. It is considered unlucky and suggests you wish death to the recipient
► Do not use the number four if at all possible – if giving gifts, do not give four of something. It is considered unlucky due to the similarity between the Korean word for death and the pronunciation of the word ‘four’
► Do not stand too close to people you are meeting for the first time – keep an arm's length between you

Transportation

Driving:

Driving in Seoul is a hassle; with so many people in the city, traffic is a nightmare and driving can get nerve-wracking. Many foreigners who plan to get a Korean driver's license, or have gotten one, typically recommend being fluent in Korean first, as the English version of the written test is, reportedly, a nightmare, although getting better. There is also a driving course test and a road test.



Public Transit:

Public transportation in Seoul is extremely good. Riders can use a T-Money card, or use the app KakaoBus to buy tickets, but only with a Korean credit card (T-Money cards can be reloaded at almost any ATM or convenience store). The buses are color coded for different types of buses.


in descending order: rapid, "trunk" bus - partially public and partially privately operated, branch bus - privately operated and runs for shorter distances, circulation bus - will circle parts of Seoul and stop at stations in business areas, tourist spots, and major railways.

Every bus and subway shows the stops in both Korean and English (unless it's a really old bus/subway car), and the public transportation maps are easy to find in person, online, and through various apps (such as the aforementioned Kakaobus).

Flying:

Incheon International Airport is the nearest airport to Seoul, and is about an hour away. You can take a taxi for a hefty fee, or simply use the airport shuttle to get from Seoul to the airport. From Cedar Beach, it would take about 12-14 hours to get to Korea.
Incheon also has daily flights from Incheon to the southern areas of South Korea, such as Jeju Island and Busan (note: there is also a bullet train to Busan).

Parks, Museums, and Tourist Attractions


Information gathered from here

Yeouido Park


One of the parks closest to our characters. Yeouido Park was the first ecological park to be opened in the country. The park consists of streams and an ecological pond, low, swampy land & a water course, a willow forest, dry grassland, and observation spots & wooden bridges. The stream is about 1.2 kilometers (about 1 mile) long and 15 meters wide (about 49 feet). The 6 kilometer (almost 4 miles) long trail is sign posted every 20 to 30 meters (~65-90 feet). There are no snack bars, park benches or streetlights in this park in an attempt to leave its ecosystem as undisturbed as possible. The park is directly connected to the Han River. Ankara Park is also located nearby.

Other information:
Field trip area near the park: National Assembly building, KBS, MBC, 63 Building, Yeouido Quay, LG Twin Tower, Han River Park(Yeouido district), Yeouido Saetgang(Tributary) Ecological Park, Bamseom(Islet) (Seogang Bridge), etc.

What is Yeouido Saetgang (Tributary) Ecological Park? The Yeouido Saetgang (Tributary) ecological park is located at a 150m distance from the Seoul Bridge coming from Yeongdeungpo(the bridge from Yeongdeungpo Stn. to Yeouido).
It is managed by Han River Park Office, 02-3780-0570~1.

Han River Park (Yeouido district): The excursion boat can be used from the Yanghwa Bridge area to the Jamsil boat port, and it also provides restaurants.

Yeouido Yunjungno Cherry blossom festival
The Yeouido Cherry blossom festival is opened from mid April for about two weeks. Cherry blossoms are spread across Yeouido Park.

Boramae Park


The park was formerly the site of the Korean Air Force Academy but was turned into Boramae Park in May 1986. This 360,000m² large park features sports facilities, a small zoo, a pond, a playground for children and walking paths. Four of the two-storey buildings in the park are equipped with libraries for young students. The Boramae Youth Center is popular among adolescents as it operates a wide range of fun and educational programs, including a movie club. The symbolic monument of the Korean Air Force Academy still remains here.

For more information on Seoul Parks, see here



Nearly all museums are across the Han River, but the closest museum to our characters is approximately the National Museum of Korea, which is about a 30 minute bus ride from Dreams Entertainment. It has historical artifacts and information from medieval and early modern history, prehistory and ancient history, calligraphy and painting, donated works, sculpture and crafts, and world art as it main permanent fixtures. (map)

Another museum fairly close to the Dreams Entertainment headquarters is the Trick Eye Museum. Opened in 2010, the Trick Eye Museum is popular among the younger generations.

There are many more museums to search here, and you're free to click around! Please note: As great as the love museum's existence is, please avoid mentioning it on the site as it is not PG-13 rated friendly.



Bukcheon Hanok village


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Buckheon Hanok village is a village of traditional historic Korean homes. Hanok is the name of the type of home. The traditional hanok houses found here date all the way back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), and people actually live in them! This picturesque residential area is nestled in the heart of the city between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, and from atop the hill you can see a background of modern buildings in the distance.

Myeongdong


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Myeongdong is popular among the younger crowd, and is a cosmetic-lover's paradise. It also has a couple stores that have KPop, and is also a popular area for Japanese food.

Lotte World


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Lotte World is the world’s largest indoor amusement park. Comprising both an indoor theme park and an outdoor amusement park, Lotte World is also surrounded by a hotel and a large shopping complex! This top-notch attraction is great for families, kids and couples alike. Lotte World is more than just an ordinary theme park, it’s a massive entertainment hub that promises fun in epic proportions!

Gyeongbokgoong Palace

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When visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace, don’t miss out on observing the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony or the Gwanghwamun Gate Guard-on-Duty Performance. Either one happens every hour between 10am to 4pm at the Gyeongbokgung Palace, every day except Tuesdays.

Everland


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If you’re looking for a different theme park experience while in Korea, Everland is where you need to be. It is South Korea’s largest outdoor theme park and houses five unique zones of rides and attractions. Among all the rides, Everland is proudly home to the world’s steepest wooden roller coaster and South Korea’s only safari!

The best advice we have for you is to visit the park as early as you can. Based on past reviews, Everland has too many rides to squeeze into a day!

See more tourist attractions here!