K-pop

American  

[kay-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

See Examples For:

K-pop

Born Roseanne Park, Rosé debuted with the K-pop girl group Blackpink in 2016, released her single album “R” in 2021 and released her studio album “Rosie” in 2024.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026

"Spending the year away from the K-pop system in the US really opened her horizons," the director says.

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026

Resuming blaring K-pop music -- which the isolated North has long bristled at -- across the border has been floated by analysts as a possible response to last month's blast.

From Barron's ● Oct. 2, 2026

One of the world's biggest K-pop groups, Stray Kids, are joining BTS in boycotting the 2027 Grammy Awards.

From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2026

Natalie and Shannon had met in homeroom last year at the beginning of sixth grade and had immediately bonded over their shared love of boba tea, K-pop, and extreme weather shows.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz