Blackpink

Blackpink have many of the classic characteristics of K-pop idols. They are part of the YG Entertainment company; all the members were discovered by YG talent scouts and they all spent between four and six years as trainees before eventually debuting. Lisa and Jennie were developed as rappers, while all four spent hundreds of hours practising in the dance studio.

Rosé and Lisa

First published in Great Britain in 2019 by
Michael O’Mara Books Limited
9 Lion Yard
Tremadoc Road
London SW4 7NQ
Copyright © Michael O’Mara Books 2019
All rights reserved. You may not copy, store, distribute, transmit, reproduce or otherwise make available this publication (or any part of it) in any form, or by any means (electronic, digital, optical, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any person who does any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.
A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
ISBN: 978-1-78929-192-6 in paperback print format

Champion and The Show guaranteeing there is a pop programme on TV most days of the week. The fact that the shows usually feature ‘live’ acts instead of music videos ensures that performance is a prized aspect of K-pop. On-point choreography, stage presence, stunning outfits

there is a pop programme on TV most days of the week. The fact that the shows usually feature ‘live’ acts instead of music videos ensures that performance is a prized aspect of K-pop. On

week. The fact that the shows usually feature ‘live’ acts instead of music videos ensures that performance is a prized aspect of K-pop. On-point choreography, stage presence, stunning outfits

have dominated K-pop right up to the present day.

For over twenty years, K-pop has looked to the West for musical influences, taking in rock, pop and R&B, as well as hip-hop and rap music. This has all been assimilated into a style that has distinctive Korean characteristics. The Korean public demand entertainment; K-pop acts are attractive, colourful and visually interesting. Choreography is a major component, as is vocal performance, whether in upbeat bops or doleful ballads. Despite some recent high-profile scandals, Korea remains a conservative and morally strict country. Songs with references to sex, drugs and alcohol are often banned from radio and TV, and artists are expected to remain charming and innocent at all times.

Korean television is watched by millions and can be key to the success of K-pop acts. Music shows proliferate with Inkigayo, Show! Music Core, Music Bank, M Countdown, Show Champion and The Show guaranteeing there is a pop programme on TV most days of the week. The fact that the shows usually feature ‘live’ acts instead of music videos ensures that performance is a prized aspect of K-pop. On-point choreography, stage presence, stunning outfits and good looks are just as essential as the