K-pop: A Snapshot exhibition

Impact

The exhibition K-pop: A Snapshot in the Japan and Korea Hall of the Wereldmuseum Leiden invites visitors to explore the world of K-pop through albums, photo cards and other merchandise. The exhibition offers an opportunity to discover and experience the aesthetics, storytelling and cultural impact of K-pop.

K-pop for short

Over the past two decades, K-pop has won the hearts of millions of people around the world. K-pop refers to popular music made in South Korea since the 1990s. Artists are specially trained there to become ‘idolen’. K-pop mixes different music styles – from hip hop and electronic dance music to jazz and country. Koreans call this unique mix ‘jjamppong’, which means: ‘everything mixed up’.

Bands such as BTS, Blackpink and Stray Kids are well-known representatives of this music movement. These artists are often mentioned in newspapers, on YouTube or on Instagram.

Worldwide

K-pop is no longer only popular in Korea, but also worldwide. Millions of fans live in countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and China. The scene is also growing in North and South America. There, local bands and artists mix their own music and styles with K-pop influences. The exhibition highlights, among others, the Brazilian band EVE and the Peruvian solo artist LENI N.