Introduction to K-Pop
K-Pop has taken the world by storm, and its popularity is evident in the fact that KPOP Demon Hunters is currently the most streamed film on Netflix worldwide. The film’s success can be attributed to its ability to capture the spirit of the K-Pop fandom, which is known for its energetic and lively concerts. Lauren L’Estrange, who heads some of the K-Pop courses for Queen’s University Belfast’s KPOP Society, says that the film does a great job of representing a K-Pop concert, where all souls come together to enjoy the music.
The Growing Popularity of K-Pop
The K-Pop community has undergone a significant transformation over the years, with more people accessing K-Pop music than ever before. Amy Ferguson, who has been listening to K-Pop music since 2015, says that it has become easier to access K-Pop music, with a whole section dedicated to it in shops. This increased accessibility has led to a growth in the number of people attending K-Pop dance classes, with many students gathering to learn the dance routines to popular K-Pop songs.
K-Pop Dance Classes
The K-Pop dance classes are becoming increasingly popular, with students enjoying the energetic and lively atmosphere. Lauren L’Estrange’s latest class, a K-fitness training that combines K-Pop music with Zumba, was a huge hit among the students. The class features popular K-Pop songs, including "Golden," which got everyone excited and eager to dance. The students appreciate the opportunity to learn the dance routines and enjoy the music with like-minded people.
The K-Pop Fandom
The K-Pop fandom is known for its dedication and enthusiasm, with fans going to great lengths to support their favorite artists. Maud Barr, a 22-year-old student from West Belfast, says that the K-Pop genre offers its fans more than other genres, with better live performances, dance routines, and content. The fans are eager to see K-Pop tours come to Belfast or Dublin, with Maud saying that she would be the first in line for tickets if a K-Pop group were to perform in the city.
Bringing K-Pop Tours to Belfast
The fans in Northern Ireland are hoping that the growing popularity of K-Pop will lead to more tours and concerts in the region. Maud Barr says that she is tired of traveling to London to see her favorite K-Pop groups and would love to see them perform in Belfast. The demand for K-Pop concerts in Northern Ireland is high, with many fans eager to attend a live show.
Learning Korean Culture
The interest in Korean culture is not limited to K-Pop music, with many people in Northern Ireland eager to learn about the language and customs. Rebecca Fogarty, who has taught Korean to students in Northern Ireland for 13 years, says that the people who want to learn Korean have diversified, with some wanting to learn for enjoyment, others for work-related reasons, and some because they are married to a Korean person. The students are excited to learn about the Korean culture and appreciate the opportunity to understand phrases in K-dramas or films.
A Welcome Change
The growing familiarity with Korea in Northern Ireland is a welcome change for many people, including Rebecca Fogarty. She says that she no longer has to explain where she is from, as people are more aware of the country and its culture. This increased awareness has given her confidence in her culture, and she is excited to see more people learning about Korea and its customs. The K-Pop community in Northern Ireland is thriving, with fans eager to learn more about the music, language, and culture. As the popularity of K-Pop continues to grow, it is likely that we will see more tours and concerts in the region, giving fans the opportunity to experience the energetic and lively atmosphere of a K-Pop concert.
