1. Where it all started: Gayo

 "Gayo" is the genre that adopted "K-pop" back in the old days. This word is defined as the mainstream music in Korea which includes the songs from our K-pop idols. Seo Taiji and Boys in 1992, were part of the earliest K-pop acts that became popular in South Korea. They were also the first artists in Korea that used rap in their music.


2. The OG idol generation

Since the late '90s, K-Pop was already setting new trends and going viral. Idol culture. H.O.T., SECHSKIES, Fin.K.L, and S.E.S belong in the K-Pop groups that caused so much fangirling and fanboying in the good old days.

When we talk about solo careers, BoA and Rain are one of the actors and actresses who kept shining up to this day. They still have their loyal fans who never get tired of being supportive of their idols.

The 2nd idol generation began in the mid-2000s. Super Junior, Girls' Generation, BIGBANG, SHINee, 2PM, 2NE1, Wonder Girls were part of the hottest K-pop groups introduced at that time.


3. Cassettes

In the early days, fans used cassettes to listen to their favorite K-Pop songs. They loved collecting and burning CDs in order to create a playlist of K-pop music. With iTunes, Spotify, or YouTube of today, listening to K-pop is more convenient.


4. Unique concepts

K-pop is made up of peculiar concepts that will never go out of style. Idols chose uniqueness over simplicity. From uniforms that matched each other and cool haircuts to colorful outfits which made all these years more colorful.  


5. Boy group/girl group collabs

In the early days, year-end ceremonies were greatly anticipated due to collaborative stages between idol groups that made this shows extra-special. Fans got excited about boy and girl collaborations that brought amazing covers and idol interactions. 


6. Label family concerts

One unforgettable moment from the past is the celebration of a family concert of different labels. This tradition faded through the years and is not as common as before. The good memories will remain as time goes by.


7. K-drama parodies

Ever since K-Pop started, our idols did their best to give us the kind of entertainment we deserve. There are only a few K-drama parodies but these are the souvenirs K-pop has brought our way.