Kpop: Admiration to Obsession

Obsession, as defined by the dictionary, is the domination of one’s thoughts or feelings by a persistent disturbing and often unreasonable idea or feeling. Obsessions are involuntary, seemingly uncontrollable thoughts, images, or impulses that occur over and over again in someone’s mind. It can also be defined as an an almost insane desire, longing, or burning lust for someone or something. People with obsessions often feel emptiness without the object they desire, they believe that they are not complete, that they cannot cope, or – in extreme circumstances – live, unless they possess what they desire.

Depending on the person, the objects of obsessions may vary – from music to video games to celebrities – including practically anything that exists in this world. One may not even know that he is already obsessed with something or someone until his obsessions reaches to the extreme. In this case, they tend to be aggressive, sometimes even violent, in trying to get what they want.

In most circumstances, obsession – especially in teenagers – comes from the growing popularity of Korean Pop music. Korean Music, better known as Kpop, is a musical genre originating in South Korea that is starting to invade the world. Its effect is felt even more in this modern day where technology and the media help spread this new trend.

KPop, as part of the global Korean or the Hallyu wave, started expanding rapidly in the 2000s. The decade saw the emergence of new generation idol bands like TVXQ, SS501, Big Bang, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, Shinee, 2PM, Wonder Girls, 2NE1, KARA, MBLAQ and so on. These bands often collaborate with American and European producers, JYJ for example worked with Kanye West, Wonder Girls worked with Akon, 2NE1 worked with Will.I.Am, Girls' Generation worked with Snoop Dogg while Big Bang worked with Laurieann Gibson in their 2012 Alive Tour.

So far K-Pop music has been pretty successful in Asia, Europe, and South America. Now they are slowly...