Description
Book Synopsis"This is the book on K-pop everybody has been waiting for.…A must-read!" —Charlotte Naudin, PR Manager, Torpedo Productions
K-Pop Now! examines Korea's high-energy pop music and is written for its growing legions of fans. Pop culture expert Mark Russell features the most famous groups and singers and takes an insider's look at how they have made it to the top.
In 2012, Psy's song and music video "Gangnam Style" took the world by storm. But K-Pop, the music of Psy's homeland of Korea, has been winning fans with its infectious melodies and high-energy fun since long before that. Featuring talented singers and eye-catching visuals, K-Pop is the music of the moment.
Although K-Pop is a relatively new phenomenon in the West, it is rapidly gaining traction and reaching much larger audiences —thanks in large part to social media like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram — the Girls Generation single "Gee" has almost three hundred million views!
K-Pop Now! includes:- Profiles of current K-Pop artists and their hits.
- A look at Seoul's trendiest hangout spots.
- Interviews with top artists like Kevin from Ze:A and Brian Joo from Fly to the Sky.
- A look at the K-Pop idols of tomorrow.
You'll meet the biggest record producers, the hosts of the insanely popular "Eat Your Kimchi" website, and K-Pop groups like Big Bang, TVXQ, 2NE1, Girls Generation, HOT, SES, FinKL Busker Busker, and The Koxx. The book also includes a guide for fans who plan to visit Seoul to explore K-Pop up close.
Join the K-Pop revolution today!Trade Review"It's an enjoyable and informative read which strikes a good balance between out-and-out fandom and critique, and can be warmly recommended." --
London Korean Links"This book provides rare insights into the personalities and inner workings of the fascinating world of K-Pop. Mark Russell not only explores and explains this vibrant musical phenomenon--he provides a window onto a trend that is shaping popular youth culture throughout Asia and the world. K-Pop Now! is an essential read for everyone who wants to understand the evolving popular tastes in this vital part of the globe." --
Gwen Robinson, Financial Times Southeast Asia correspondent"Mark Russell understands popular Korean music as well as anyone, Korean or foreign, and his latest effort doesn't disappoint.
K-Pop Now! gives an honest, fascinating account of the development of the K-pop machine, and is written with obvious enthusiasm for the subject. Mr. Russell goes beyond the boy bands and girl groups, and is as comfortable discussing Cho Yong-pil as he is 2PM. Korea's star is rising, thanks in part to its music industry. If you want to know how that industry works, who the main players are, and what the future holds for them, look no further than this book." --
Daniel Tudor, former Korea correspondent for The Economist and author of Korea: The Impossible Country
