Started in South Korea in the early 1990s, K-Pop (aka Korean Pop) a genre of music has taken the world by storm from a range of genres like pop, rock, experimental, hip-hop, R&B, electronic, and dance. With a diverse audience from all over the world, the Wangs from Malaysia being one of them, have been visiting Seoul for years. Apple Wang, her mom Su Mei and Grandma ‘po-po’ have been diehard fans of K-Pop culture, since Apple was a toddler.
Su Mei recalled, “When I first heard of Seo Taiji and Boys who debuted in 1992. I find them so refreshing and that’s how I got my daughter and mom excited in K-Pops.!”
Apple enthusiastically adds, “I like the vibrant visuals, infectious melodies, and the perfectly choreographed performances. Imagine the long hours of discipline and sacrifices each performer has to make!”
Po-po, who doesn’t speak much English or understands Korean, commented that she found the wave of creativity and energy so fascinating, and makes her want to bop to the music. Po-po notices in the concerts how K-Pops can unite people across different backgrounds and generations like her own family.
In the crowds, the Wang family also meets Michelle D'Almeida at some of the popular K-Pop musical festivals in Kuala Lumpur in malls like IOI Puchong and Sungei Wang Plaza.
Michelle, like the Wangs, is particularly enchanted by the genre’s visual flair. She keenly observed that every video produced is a visual feast, designed to mesmerise viewers and leave a lasting impression. Michelle also appreciates the meticulous attention to detail—from costume design to set decoration—creates an immersive experience that transcends language barriers. Fans worldwide, regardless of age, are drawn to the artistry and creativity on display.
Michelle D'Almeida recently queued patiently for hours at Jumpa, Sungei Wang Plaza, she points out K-Pop’s success isn’t just about the music and visuals, its also about being part of a loyal and passionate fanbase.
Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter enable K-Pop artists to reach a global audience instantly, breaking down geographical barriers and creating a global community of fans. Michelle enthusiastically adds, “I am so lucky to have K-Pop friends from all over the world.”
Michelle enjoys the fan activities—such as organised streaming events, social media campaigns, and charitable initiatives. The sense of belonging and shared purpose within these fandoms creates a unique social dynamic, where age and cultural differences are secondary to the shared passion for K-Pop.
Michelle, like the Wangs, have visited Seoul many times and she observed this cultural export has not only enhanced South Korea’s soft power through the years, and also created opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and collaboration.
Michelle reflects, “K-Pop is more than just music; it is a cultural movement celebrating the beauty of diversity and the strength of unity. It is a testament to the idea that, beyond borders, we are all connected through the shared language of art and perhaps this is something, we Malaysians can also learn and adapt from.”
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