In a world where K-Pop has taken the globe by storm, one thing has become abundantly clear - English lyrics are on the rise.

Fans of iconic groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and NewJeans have been buzzing with mixed emotions, uttering phrases like 'I'm honestly disappointed.' But what's behind this shift in the K-Pop landscape, and how are fans reacting to it?

K-Pop's Language Shift: Why English Now Features in Over Half of Hit Songs

It's no secret that English has started playing a more prominent role in K-Pop, and the numbers don't lie.

READ ALSO: BTS Jungkook Opens Up About Home Address Leak To ARMYs: 'People who go to someone else's house...' 

According to Circle Chart's senior researcher, Kim Jin Woo, the proportion of English lyrics in girl group music that made it into the top 400 digital charts in the first half of the year stood at a staggering 41.3%.

This represents an 18.9% increase compared to the same period back in 2018.

While some groups, like IVE, still stick to a relatively low percentage of English lyrics (24.9%), many successful acts are now delivering half of their songs in English.

Notable examples include (G)I-DLE (53.6%), LE SSERAFIM (50.6%), BLACKPINK (50%), NMIXX (49.3%), and NewJeans (48.4%).

Kim Jin Woo suggests that this surge in English lyrics is closely tied to K-Pop's expanding international audience.

He stated, "After BLACKPINK's global success, the domestic market for girl groups expanded overseas, and the proportion of English users increased. The more overseas consumers there are, the higher the proportion of English users."

BTS, BLACKPINK, & NewJeans' Songwriting Have Fans Divided Over Embracing English In K-Pop Acts

Fans have been quick to weigh in on this evolving trend. Some express disappointment that groups like BTS are primarily releasing music in English, while others voice concerns about what this means for the essence of K-Pop.

READ ALSO: NewJeans Copied Red Velvet? Heated Debate Sparks For THIS Reason 

These are some comments from fans:

• “I honestly am disappointed that BTS only releases music in English… But I do understand that it’s inevitable.”
• “These days, it is so serious. How can you call it K-Pop? See how good songs like “Rose Blossom” and “Event Horizon” are.”
• “At the end of the day, they are trying to make money. Because the Korean market is small, they are writing songs in English to attract more international listeners. There isn’t anything to be done about it. It isn’t like they don’t release any songs in Korean.”
• “I was shocked seeing LE SSERAFIM sing that game song on Music Bank, LOL. There was a time when singers couldn’t even color their hair blonde.”
• “I don’t understand why they use English songs and promote songs that are only in English.”
• “If you don’t like it, then don’t listen to it. Why are you making it seem like songs that are written
• Is English a problem? There are people who listen to it because it’s good.”
• “Then they should debut as pop artists. Why K-Pop?”
• “Why does the report only name girl groups when there is BTS?”
• “But I don’t think they would be competitive internationally if they didn’t use any English.”
• “They call it K-Pop but sing in English gibberish.”
• “I really hate English lyrics.”

Meanwhile, a more pragmatic view suggests that these acts are embracing English to attract a wider international audience due to the relatively smaller Korean market.

As fans continue to voice their opinions, it's clear that this debate is far from settled.

While some feel that English lyrics compromise the authenticity of K-Pop, others argue that good music transcends language barriers and should be appreciated for its quality, regardless of the language.

In a world where K-Pop evolves with global demands and preferences, it seems that the English invasion is sparking heated conversations among fans.

YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: BLACKPINK Lisa's Shy Side Revealed- Here's Why Idol Gets Flustered Over 'Sexy' Talk 

Follow and subscribe to KpopStarz for more news.

KpopStarz own this article.
Madison Cullen wrote this.