# K-Pop — Genre

> Korean popular music. Highly produced, multi-genre fusion, idol group culture.

## Defining elements

- Highly polished production
- Multi-genre within one song often (pop + hip-hop + R&B + EDM)
- Group-based (BTS, BLACKPINK, etc.) typically
- Korean + English mix lyrics
- Visual + dance integration
- Hook-heavy

## Sub-types

- **Idol K-pop** — group format (BTS, BLACKPINK, NewJeans, TWICE)
- **K-R&B** — solo R&B style (DEAN, Crush)
- **K-rap** — hip-hop (Zico, Epik High)
- **K-ballad** — emotional ballads
- **K-rock** — rock (Day6)
- **K-indie** — indie (Hyukoh)

## Typical instrumentation

Synth pads + drum machine + electric piano + bass + occasional live drums + vocals (multiple members) + rap parts often

## Production characteristics

- Maximum polish
- Multiple genre shifts within song (verse pop, chorus EDM, bridge ballad)
- Vocal layering complex
- Auto-tune used carefully
- High production value

## Song structure (K-pop specific)

```
Intro (often instrumental hook)
Verse 1 (member A)
Pre-chorus (member B)
Chorus (group together)
Verse 2 (different member)
Pre-chorus (different)
Chorus
Rap verse (rapper)
Bridge (powerhouse vocalist)
Final chorus (often modulated, dance break)
Outro
```

## Lyrics direction

- Love (idealized)
- Empowerment
- Confidence
- Mix of Korean + English
- Modern themes (mental health newer)

## For Suno

```
[Style: modern K-pop, 120 BPM, F# minor, mixed genres - pop verse + 
EDM chorus + rap bridge, synth pads + drum machine + bass + electric 
piano, multiple vocal parts (lead + harmonies + rap section), highly 
polished production, Korean + English lyrics]
```

## Examples

- BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, NewJeans, IVE, Stray Kids
- Solo: Taeyeon, IU
- Pioneers: H.O.T., S.E.S, BoA, Big Bang
- K-R&B: DEAN, Crush, Heize

## Avoid

- Lo-fi production
- Single genre throughout
- Solo vocal (K-pop is group-based often)
- Acoustic only
- Slow tempo throughout
