K-Pop

K-Pop Merchandise

Okay, admittedly: the genre is not that new. More specifically, K-pop originated in South Korea in the 1990s. However, the trend spilled over to the rest of the world in recent years and is now even storming the US Billboard Charts. K-Pop is a generic term for, you might have guessed: Korean-language pop music! There are both boy and girl groups in K-Pop, but also a number of successful solo artists. Elements from rap, rock or techno flow into the music style, which gives the songs their very own touch. Thematically, many of the songs are not just about friendship, family or love. The BTS group in particular often addressed taboo topics in their earlier texts, such as the pressure to perform in society, social grievances and growing up. This ensures that the often young fans have a strong emotional connection to the songs and can find themselves in the music. In addition, many people become interested in Korean culture, the language or the food.

High-energy choreographies characterize K-Pop

Normally, when we attend a band's concert, at the beginning all the band members enter the stage and sit behind their instrument or the mic. In pop in general, but especially in K-pop, the group itself usually does not play any instruments in their performances, rather they deliver first-class, elaborately rehearsed dance routines! These are almost symbolic for the genre and the stage shows of Korean bands.The outfits are often designed by well-known designers and serve as inspiration for many fans to create their own similar looks. Another feature: The titles of K-Pop songs are often in English, such as the BTS song "Blood, Sweat & Tears". However, the lyrics are mostly written in Korean, but more and more often they contain English words. This is how the bands make sure that the international community is picked up too!

These bands are making K-pop even bigger

Some Korean bands have seen a particularly big resurgence in recent years. BTS, also called Bangtan Boys, are probably the world's most famous K-Pop group. With albums like DARK & WILD (2014), LOVE YOURSELF: TEAR (2018) or BE (2020), the group has catapulted itself into the hearts of millions of fans. Other well-known K-Pop bands are LE SSERAFIM or ENHYPEN. Above all, the girl group BLACKPINK is becoming more and more of an international focus. In 2020, Lady Gaga even released a song with them: In "Sour Candy" the pop icon is supported by the group of four from South Korea.Compared to Western pop, the Korean cousin offers a much closer intimacy with its fans. The groups maintain their special connection to the fans through vlogs or behind-the-scenes videos on YouTube as well as weekly live streams. So it's no wonder that K-Pop fans often have a strong emotional connection to the music!

Shop K-Pop Merch now at Impericon

From now on you will find a constantly growing selection of K-Pop merchandise with us. And let us tell you one thing: The spirit of K-Pop is also reflected in the fan articles. There are t-shirts with cute comic motifs from BTS or shirts and hoodies from BLACKPINK with - how could it be otherwise - pink inscriptions. Even the girl group's vinyl for THE ALBUM PINK shines in a bright shade of pink!The special thing about K-Pop albums is that there is usually a pretty sophisticated concept behind them. For example, BLACKPINK's album BORN PINK comes in four different versions, one for each band member. You should take a closer look at the product descriptions, because the albums almost never consist exclusively of vinyl or CD. Goodies are often included that cannot be purchased individually, such as posters, lyric books or exclusive photos of the band members, which the fans use like trading cards. So there's a lot more to a K-Pop album than just music.