Reasons for K-pop popularity worldwide 2024

In a 2024 survey conducted across 28 countries worldwide, around 23.7 percent of respondents stated that a factor working in favor of K-pop was that the music itself was good. Other commonly named factors included the outstanding performances and the personal charm of the singers themselves.

K-pop

During the past decade, Korean pop music has become popular in countries all around the world. In a survey about the popularity of K-pop in their home country, almost half of all respondents reported that it was very popular to the point that not only enthusiasts but also ordinary people knew of it. K-pop mainly revolves around boy and girl groups, which consist of multi-talented singers and dancer. The industry is known for being extremely competitive, and having a dedicated fanbase.

Hallyu

At first glance it might seem that the success has come out of nowhere, but the South Korean government has strategically sold cultural content first in Asia and then in the rest of the world. "Hallyu", the so-called "Korean wave", has had an immense positive effect on the South Korean economy. For example, a report estimates that the three concerts held by the boy group BTS in Seoul in 2019 have a total direct and indirect impact of around 923 billion South Korean won. As of 2024, BTS were still the most popular K-pop artist worldwide.