by Jay Paul G. Carlos
BOCAUE, Bulacan, Philippines (Eagle News Service, April 21) – K-pop fans all over the metro rushed to the world’s largest indoor arena last April 12, 2015 to catch their idols perform live.
K-pop is the shortened version of “Korean pop”, a type of music from South Korea characterized by catchy tunes and easy-to-remember lyrics, performed by boy and girl groups. It is a very popular genre in South Korea. What’s more surprising is that it followed the footsteps of Korean dramas, locally known as “Koreanovela”, and was able to garner fans outside its home country.
The success of the Korean wave is evident as many K-pop fans braved the long lines and hot weather for a chance to see their idols.
As the concert started, the area was lit by thousands of light sticks, as the fans waved and cheered and chanted Korean words like “Saranghaeyo” which means “I Love You!”
Four K-pop acts performed that night. First up is Red Velvet, the newest girl group of the South Korean entertainment company, SM Entertainment. They performed their debut single “Happiness”.
Next up is K-pop boy group, BtoB, who performed their hits like “Beep Beep” and “Wow” to the delight of the female fans.
Third to perform is internationally famous Girls’ Generation, with the crowd singing along with their hits like “Mr. Taxi”, “Genie”, “Hoot”, and “Gee”.
But the group that really brought the Philippine Arena down is the legendary K-pop group Super Junior. Their funny antics on stage delighted the fans, who shouted their appreciation at the top of their lungs. Super Junior or Suju ,as they are more popularly known, performed their popular hits like “Mr. Simple” and “Mamacita”.
As the night ended, the fans seem to not get enough as they continued singing their favorite K-pop songs at the top of their lungs as they go their separate ways back to their homes.
The K-pop phenomena is a proof that music truly transcends cultural and linguistic barriers.
(Eagle News Service, additional research by Aimee V. Mendoza)