NAME: Tamia Murphy

AGE: 15

HOME: New Haven, Connecticut

CURRENTLY: attending a music and performing arts high school

INTRO TO K-POP: “I was introduced to K-pop by my best friend, Elise,” Murphy said. “My earliest memory of K-pop was when I first heard Big Bang. I was in seventh grade.”

THE DIFFERENCE: “An easy way to describe K-pop is that it is life-changing,” Murphy said. “When you hear the different genres in K-pop mixed into one song or album, it can be a fascinating experience. I always wonder about how they decide to mix different genres into one album.”

CULTURAL MISUNDERSTANDINGS: "Many people in the United States are confused by K-pop because of the language barrier," Murphy said. "K-pop fans may not understand Korean but they like listening to the music. We appreciate the hard work of the idols and groups, especially their dedication to mastering difficult choreography."

FAVORITE GROUP: Big Bang

WHY BIG BANG: “They are very talented guys,” Murphy said. “Even though the members have solo promotions and have pursued acting, Big Bang still comes together [well] as a group. They make their fans very happy.”

FAVORITE SONG: “Haru Haru”

FAVORITE SOLO ARTIST: Jay Park

WHY JAY PARK: “Jay Park tries out different music genres and doesn’t care about the response from critics,” said Murphy. “He is able to focus on his music and his fans, rather than negative feedback. I like when he shows a different side from his normal hip-hop or R&B songs.”

FAVORITE SONG: “The Promise”

FUTURE OF K-POP: “A rising band that fans should continue to watch is GOT7,” said Murphy. “GOT7 made a strong debut in January 2014. Fans should show them lots of love. In the future, I hope that K-pop will become more popular, with idols continuing to receive our support.”

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