Magazine
A legacy-driven media platform documenting Korean excellence in culture, economy, and identity
By Priscilla Song
2019 has come to a close, marking a year of significant activity in the Korean music industry. Over 300 songs were released, with 56 new artists debuting. While the industry showcased fresh beginnings, it also faced considerable challenges, controversies, and losses. Records were broken, and new groups formed, setting the stage for further developments in the upcoming decade.
Among the "Big Three" entertainment companies—JYP, SM, and YG—JYP Entertainment emerged as a standout. While I have a fondness for SM and YG groups like NCT and BLACKPINK, JYP's artists, particularly ITZY and TWICE, thrived with their comebacks this year. The debut of ITZY, with their track "Dalla Dalla," garnered significant attention, amassing over 150 million views—a remarkable feat for a rookie group.
TWICE also remained one of the most promoted groups, releasing five music videos and four albums this year alone. Their successful world tour, which included stops in America, underscored their expanding international popularity. TWICE’s compelling dance moves and vibrant personalities have kept fans engaged, making them arguably the most successful girl group of 2019.
Several rookie groups left a strong impression, with Everglow being particularly notable. Their debut song "Bon Bon Chocolat" captured my attention, while "Adios" sparked discussions over similarities with BLACKPINK's "Kill This Love." Despite any controversies, Everglow's music has quickly garnered millions of views.
Dreamcatcher and CUBE Entertainment groups, including CLC, Pentagon, and (G)-IDLE, also deserve more recognition for their distinct concepts and self-produced music. X1, born from the survival show "Produce X 101," debuted with seasoned professionalism, showcasing the viable talent despite the experienced age gap within the group.
More than 20 K-POP artists ventured on tours in America this year, highlighting the genre's global reach. Collaborations with Western artists like Charlie XCX and Jason Derulo further bridged K-POP with international audiences, illustrating music’s universal language.
Despite these successes, the industry was marred by significant controversies. SM Entertainment's debut of "Super M" sparked fan frustration, while the Burning Sun scandal deeply impacted YG Entertainment. Controversies involving prominent figures like Seungri and B.I. shook public trust in K-POP governance, forcing major resignations and contract terminations.
Tragedy struck with the passing of former f(x) member Sulli, highlighting the profound effects of cyberbullying and mental health struggles faced by idols. Her death served as a sobering reminder of the pressures within the industry.
2019 was a pivotal year for the Korean music industry, full of both groundbreaking and heartbreaking events. As the decade concludes, the industry and its fans look forward to new beginnings and transformations in 2020.
Priscilla Song is a junior at Tenafly High School and contributes as a Junior Reporter for Mom & I Magazine. As the Managing Editor of her school’s newspaper, she has a passion for writing, painting, and exploring the world of K-Pop. Though her future career path remains open, she aspires to enter the media or communications field.
