I swore it wouldn't happen to me. Really, I did. I even thought about naming my blog after my apathy towards it.

But here I am, just over 2 months in, and I have fallen prey to the greatest predator of all.


K-Pop.


It just sounds so bright and cheery as it pops off your lips, I don't know how you can not like it.

Now before I ruin any and all credibility I once had, hear me out.

It's almost like that really cute guy in high school that everyone likes, so you like him too. And yes, he's very attractive, and you wouldn't mind rubbing your hands all over his washboard abs, but you wouldn't necessarily want to hold a conversation with him. He's nice and all, but more for just staring at. That is K-Pop to me. Pretty people with pretty choreography and pretty damn catchy tunes.
I told myself I would avoid it at all costs. But that's impossible here in Korea. Every other store (which is usually a cell phone store) blasts K-Pop round the clock. The cosmetic places play it. The supermarkets play it. The bars play it. I'm sure Buddha himself would have that damn "Oh!" song stuck in his head too.

I've also found it's a great way to connect with my students. Students bored? Bring Girls Generation or Big Bang or Wonder Girls into the conversation. Hell, just say any of those words or a combination thereof. Ears will perk, eyes will shift, and smiles will form. I guess its probably cause I'm a foreigner they are surprised I even know the names. Let alone that I know some of the songs and can do some of the dance moves... but that's for another class kids....
So besides it being saturated in everyday Korean life, it's also damn catchy. You cannot help but to sing along. Or dance. They are all so poppy and fun and dancy. Is dancy/dancey a word? Spellcheck is telling me it's not, but I don't believe them.

Another way to explain my affinity for K-Pop..... K-Pop is the Chick Flick of the music industry. There is absolutely no substance. The same formulaic plot, the same formulaic script, the same characters, yadda yadda. However, sometimes you want that. Sometimes it's been a hard day and your brain can't wrap around some psychological thriller or Tarantino film. Sometimes it's nice to sit back and just be entertained.
And entertain they do. Now while I would not argue for their singing talent, some of these people are born entertainers. Check out this video, and tell me this kid's dancing does not remind you of another Michael Jackson -- hip thrusts and everything.


So does he even sing in this "performance?" I don't know. I can't tell. But I don't care. Cause I'm entertained.


And that is why I can finally admit to myself and others, that I like K-Pop.

------------------------------

And now for the viewing portion -- pictures of the more famous K-Pop groups.

Girls Generation (SNSD)

2PM
2AM (Yes there is a 2PM and 2AM lol)

Big Bang
Wonder Girls