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The Creation of SM Entertainment
Lee Soo Man created SM Entertainment, one of the largest, most successful South Korean music companies to date. -
The Beginnings of K-Pop
The first K-Pop boy group was formed under SM Entertainment called 'Seo Taiji and the Boys'. Their songs 'Come Back Home' and 'I Know' borrows sounds from what we'd consider being 'old school' hip-hop and trap, sounding much like rhythms from 'Wu-Tang Clan' and 'Coolio'. -
H.O.T Music Core Award
SME's boy band 'H.O.T' won the Music Core award for their 'Candy' single. This sparked the beginning of international recognition for South Korean culture. -
The Creation of JYP Entertainment
Park Jin Yong (K-Pop artist) forms JYP Entertainment also becoming one of the fastest rising K-Pop companies, housing mega stars such as 'Miss A', '2 PM', and '2 AM'. -
The Creation of YG Entertainment
Former member of 'Seo Taiji and the Boys' , Yang Hyun Suk, founds YG Entertainment (second largest K-Pop company) which would later go onto housing mega stars like 'Psy', '2NE1', and 'Big Bang'. -
The Expansion of K-Pop
SM Artist (BOA), tops Japan's Oricon chart and fast forwards the South Korean culture trend in Japan- Japan later becoming the largest consumer for Korean culture related products. -
The Creation of South Korea's Oligopoly
South Korea's oligopoly (known as the 'Big Three') inlcuded SME, JYPE, and YGE formed the 'United Asia managment. -
Rise of International Popularity
Korea's famous 'Music Bank' (La Musique de Coree) hosts a large concert in the Bercy Stadium (France), selling 10,000 tickets in a few minutes. -
PSY's Gangnam Style Reaches UK Charts
K-Pop sensation PSY (signed to YGE) hit no. 1 chart success with his song 'Gangnam Style' pressing forward K-Pop's international success.
