For newcomers to K-Pop, this was a difficult year to take an interest in the genre. However, it may have been one of the best times to get to know K-Pop.

2014 has been a year filled with ups and downs for K-Pop fans. The music has never been better, with artists exploring new genres and employing creative techniques within their work. There may have been some bumps in the road for K-Pop with its numerous scandals but the genre was more accessible to fans outside of Korea.

For example, K-Pop fans in the United States had the opportunity to see concerts from the majority of artists who released new music in 2014. The year kicked off with U-KISS and CNBLUE, while VIXX was one of the final groups to make an American tour stop in 2014. Unfortunately, groups like 2NE1, EXO, WINNER, and GOT7 did not make tour stops in the U.S. In the United States, fans also had the opportunity to attend an influx of Korean hip-hop shows and special events like the DramaFever Awards.

While the increase in tours and specially curated shows appeals to fans, it does have a downside. From an industry perspective, the expansion of tours and promotional activities to the global market may have had an impact on the numerous disputes between artists and their agencies. As the fan base for K-Pop grows, so has the financial expectations of the artists.

Beyond live performances and promotions, there were more opportunities to explore variety shows and to watch the live streams of programs like the MelOn Music and Mnet Asian Music Awards. Awards in Korea are increasingly more available to international audiences, helping to expand the Hallyu Wave.

Mainstream media has also paid more attention to K-Pop in 2014. The inclusion of K-Pop artists like 2NE1 and BTOB on programs like “America's Next Top Model” has been helpful with the introduction of K-Pop to new audiences. The power of crossover inclusion was also witnessed from the popularity of “I am the Best,” a 2011 song from 2NE1 which started to mainstream radio play on American stations.

While there have been disappointing moments for K-Pop fans, 2014 is ending on a note that delivers a promising future. As we reflect on the year, it is a wonderful time to focus on the positive aspects of K-Pop, which helps to unite fans throughout the world.

Are you a new fan to K-Pop? What was your favorite positive moment in 2014?

Was this your first year in the K-Pop fan community? What was your favorite aspect of K-Pop in 2014 that portrayed the genre in a positive light.

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The ideas expressed above are those of the writer and do not reflect the opinions of KpopStarz.