In today’s world, one can’t simply be limited to domestic media. With the expansion of globalization, it is now easier than ever to discover your new favorite thing via the web. K-pop is one of those things- in fact the Hallyu wave (Korean cultural wave) has been capturing the interest of Chicagoans.

K-pop, also known as Korean pop, is a genre of music originating in South Korea characterized by audiovisual elements, according to Youtube. It is gaining recognition worldwide by Korean fans and now international fans (who don’t speak the language but love the music).

Now, you may have heard of the mega hit popularized Gangnam style song in 2012; however it’s important to note that K-pop has been making strides in the music industry way before Gangnam style was even a thing. The Kim sisters were a jazz funk trio that gained success here, and in their home country of Korea back in the 60’s, according to Time online.

Recently, K-pop groups have been coming to the Midwest to perform. This is a clear example of people behind the industry noting that the demand for these groups aren’t just in Asia – but worldwide.

With growing K-pop interest in the western world, K-pop labels have been considering having concerts in the Midwest.

In February, one of the most recognizable faces in K-pop, Exo, held a concert in Chicago. This was a monumental moment because this concert would be the first of its kinds in the Midwest from Exo’s label, SMent.

As a fan of the group, Maya Hernandez, Div. 766, went to this concert and said she had a fantastic time.

“I was in awe the whole day and I was super excited,” Hernandez said. “The group was well rehearsed, delivered a great performance and sang beautifully – I loved every second of it.”

The most recent K-Pop group to do so was B.A.P’s concert on April 23.

K-pop groups have been holding fanmeets in the Midwest as well. A ‘fanmeet’ is when K-pop fans meet their idols face to face. The most recent fanmeet was held on May 8 by popular K-pop group ‘Shinee.’

Just this February, one of the most recognizable faces in K-pop- Exo- held a concert in Chicago.

Because K-pop isn’t quite as mainstream in American media, it may be difficult for fans to engage in conversation with other Kpop fans near them. Luckily for any students at Lane who are fans of the genre, Lane offers K-pop club.

K-pop club is in it’s 4th year of being a club at Lane and students of all backgrounds have been coming together in unison to share their enjoyment of the genre.  One member of K-pop club, Jojo Klepaczko, Div. 852 said “I got into it because of an internet friend, she helped me pick out groups that I would most likely like. There wasn’t anyone at my school who was really into it. However, during 8th grade, I got a lot of my friends into it and slowly changed people’s opinions of viewing it as ‘silly’.”

K-pop Club started off as a place where President Nouhara Malhaim, Div. 666, and her friends could hang out and listen to K-pop after school. Since then, the club has been growing in size.

“The first year, I was a freshman so most of the people who joined were my friends but this year especially the club has grown incredibly. More people feel comfortable joining, even people who are new fans and don’t know much. There are even some people who have gotten interested in K-Pop because they attended meetings.”

The club discusses topics relevant to the K-pop scene and watches the latest K-pop music videos together.

In regards to why Malhaim started the club, she said “ I started the club because when I first got into K-Pop in 7th grade. I was judged a lot, and I felt really embarrassed about it. When I got to Lane I started up K-Pop Club as a kind of support group for all the people who enjoy K-Pop. They are able to come together and not have to worry about being judged.”

Klepaczko adds, “I think K-Pop spreads positivity because it has such dedicated and talented artists and it shows other people that Asians don’t just go, “Ching chong,” you know? Like they realize that they shouldn’t be judging someone because of their race.