NAME: Leo Siow

AGE: 15

HOME: Hacienda Heights, Calif.

CURRENTLY: Sophomore at Glen A. Wilson High School

INTRO TO K-POP: Siow was first introduced to K-pop in a place not typically associated with the latest dance music. "I kind of stumbled onto K-pop from one of my Korean friends at my church," he said. "I was 13 at the time. She was dancing with earphones on, and I asked her what it was she was dancing to. She replied, 'Sorry, Sorry.' My mind went blank as I tried to find a mainstream pop song with that title. I asked if that song was an English one, and she said, 'no, it's Korean. It's sung by a K-pop group called Super Junior.' She let me listen to the song for a while, and I must say it was refreshing to hear something different from mainstream American music. I enjoyed it so much that I went home and researched all I could find out about K-pop."

FAVORITE GROUP: f(x)

WHY f(x) IS THE BEST: "First of all, I was attracted to this group because they are unique," Siow said. "Amber Liu is a tomboy, and that is something that makes her so special. Many K-pop girl groups have the stereotypical 'perfect' girl. However, Amber breaks that stereotype. I also enjoy Luna's amazing vocals, Victoria [Song]'s awesome dancing, and how cute Sulli and Krystal [Jung] are."

BEST f(x) SONG: "Goodbye Summer"

"I think it is such an amazing song," Siow said. "I love the soothing vocals and Amber's strong rapping."

FAN CREDENTIALS: Siow has seen f(x) perform live twice in the last two years, not a bad for a fan of a band that doesn't see California's sunny coastline that frequently. He recalls the first time he saw f(x) as part of a 2012 SM Town show in Los Angeles, as being better than the group's performance at the KCON music festival this year, but claims both shows were a thrill. "I cheered for f(x) with all the energy I could muster," Siow said. "All I can say is, the energy was high and the noise was deafening...the experience of attending those concerts was exhilarating and also breathtaking when you see your favorite idol perform onstage. "

FAVORITE SOLO ARTIST: Outsider

Siow explained that the 30-year-old South Korean rapper known as Outsider impressed him because of the sheer velocity of his rhymes. "Outsider is known for his rapid-fire rapping skills," said the teen. "When I first listened to his song 'Loner,' I was amazed at how quickly and precisely he rapped the lyrics. I really enjoy Outsider's music."

FAVORITE OUTSIDER SONG: "Memoride" featuring San E, Tymee and Ven

"'Memoride' is such an amazing song, and features one of my favorite female rappers, Tymee," Siow said.

K-POP IN THE US: "K-pop actually has a somewhat strong influence here, especially in areas with many Asian-Americans," he said. "That is not to say, however, that people of other ethnic backgrounds don't enjoy it. When Psy came out with 'Gangnam Style,' there was an explosion of interest. But K-pop mainly has a large influence in the west and east coasts of the United States, primarily California and New York."