K-pop

American  

[key-pop] / ˈkeɪˌpɒp /

noun

1. pop music from Korea (often used attributively): K-pop is really great to dance to.

   a K-pop girl group;

   K-pop is really great to dance to.

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K-pop British  

noun

1. the characteristic pop music of South Korea

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Usage

What does K-pop mean? K-pop is a genre of pop music originating from South Korea. The genre combines such Western pop music elements as hip-hop and rock with Korean traditions, and frequently involves dance routines and singing in Korean lyrics intermixed with some English. K-pop is especially performed by idolized boy bands and girl groups. What are some other words related to K-pop?J-popBTSGangnam Style

Etymology

Origin of K-pop

First recorded in 1990–95; K(orean) ( def. ) + pop ²

Example Sentences

"The species name libererrantes is a Latinization of the highly successful K-pop group Stray Kids," explains Carolin Haug.

From Science Daily • May 25, 2026

In a play on the rivalry between the two K-pop groups in the movie, fans “voted” for their favorite by buying one of two meals.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Ateez have also made history in the UK, becoming the the first-ever K-pop group to secure four consecutive top 10 albums in the UK, according to the Official Charts Company.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

Still, the look didn’t fully latch on in South Korea until last year after a K-pop singer named Mimi, part of the “Oh My Girl” group, confessed to using elf-ear tape.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

While he agonizes over song choice, I watch the K-pop videos playing on the television.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon