The Root of K-Pop: The Influences of Today's Biggest Acts". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017 . Retrieved July 16, 2017. In a clip from the Up Next film exclusively shared with Rolling Stone, Jurin explains how their music is R&B- and hip hop-inspired, with a sprinkle of originality and essence that is unique to XG. The girls easily stand out from any crowd, as they’re often donning a spectrum of bold colors, the most intricate nail art you could imagine, and fun hairstyles that match their sound. Cocona adds that her goal is to showcase their individual personalities while also displaying togetherness within their work. a b MacIntyre, Donald (July 29, 2002). "Flying Too High?". Time. Archived from the original on July 28, 2002 . Retrieved July 3, 2012.

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However, the use of English has not guaranteed the popularity of K-pop in the North American market. For some commentators, the reason for this is because the genre can be seen as a distilled version of Western music, making it difficult for K-pop to find acceptance in these markets. [24] Furthermore, Western audiences tend to place emphasis on authenticity and individual expression in music, which the idol system can be seen as suppressing. [17]

aespa, “Next Level"

According to an article published by the international relations magazine Foreign Policy, the spread of Korean popular culture across Southeast Asia, parts of South America, and parts of the Middle East are illustrating how the gradual cessation of European colonialism is giving way and making room for unexpected soft power outside of the Western world. [419] On the other hand, an article published by The Quietus magazine expressed concern that discussions about Hallyu as a form of soft power seems to bear a whiff of the "old Victorian fear of Yellow Peril." [420] Korean record charts include the Circle Digital Chart and the Billboard K-pop Hot 100. Some K-pop records have appeared on the Oricon Albums Chart of Japan and the Billboard Hot 100 of the United States. K-pop's increasing popularity forms part of Hallyu, or the Korean Wave: the popularity of South Korean culture in other countries. [101] K-pop is increasingly making appearances on Western charts such as Billboard. [102] [103] The development of online social media has been a vital tool for the Korean music industry in reaching a wider audience. [104] As part of the Korean Wave, K-pop has been embraced by the South Korean government as a tool for projecting South Korea's soft power abroad, particularly towards overseas youth. [105] [106] In August 2014, the prominent British news magazine The Economist dubbed Korean pop culture "Asia's foremost trendsetter." [107] Girls' Generation at SM Town Live NY in 2011