Baby steps, baby steps.  Kpop is fast becoming a toddler in the growth sense of the word in the world of the US mainstream music.  The month of February saw Kpop artists taking part in important US media and events.  From getting a dedicated column on Billboard to being part of the American Super Bowl and Grammy traditions, Kpop was everywhere in February! 

Billboard K-Town Maintains Momentum 

Late in January, Billboard officially opened its Kpop section, called “K-Town”.  February becomes the month for it to really gain and maintain momentum.  And it’s definitely not a shabby start with Girls Generation and INFINITE both doing the welcoming honors.  INFINITE became their first in-depth interview, and Girls Generation also offered their welcome through a video.  After then, K-Town on Billboard, curated, moderated and written by Jeff Benjamin, offered the hottest highlight in Kpop on a daily basis.  The official column on Billboard definitely put Kpop more into the mainstream consciousness.

Psy at the Super Bowl

Americans love their football, and Super Bowl often becomes like a holiday filled with festivities and of course Ad Bowl, where the most coveted ad space airs in between game coverage.  And perhaps on one of his last performances of Gangnam Style, Psy is featured in an ad that aired during Super Bowl.  Psy went nuts appearing in pistachios commercial, to give viewers some Gangnam.

Kpop Goes Grammy

You know you have made it in the US music scene when you get to be part of Grammy festivities.  This year, MNET had its first pre-Grammy party, wherein Asian Americans in Hollywood were in attendance. The highlight of the night though is American-born Ailee, who looked dazzling in her yellow dress.  

Not to be overshadowed though is Aziatix, who in advance of being officially signed on to Cash Money Records also attended their new US management company’s Grammy bash.   That party was legit, as Cash Money Records has quite a reputation for being a prominent hip hop label.

Berlin File Sets Foot in the USA

Ryoo Seung Wan’s much-acclaimed suspense-thriller film “Berlin File” opened in US theaters this month too.  Filled with intrigue and fast-moving scenes, the film was first shown to press and received good reviews.  It was then officially released in select US theaters on February 15th.

K.Will Defines The Perfect Valentine

Raise your hands if you got into Kpop because of K-drama?  If you are like the rest of us, then most likely you have heard and liked K.Will, who is OST Ballad King.  The crooner had his first concert in the US, in a fitting manner.  He became the perfect date destination for Valentine’s Day.  In a two-hour long performance, he gave heartfelt renditions of his songs with his soothing and emotion-filled voice.  The highlight of the night was a man proposing marriage to his date.   That probably made it memorable not just for the couple but also to the singer.