The Origins of K-pop: From ADD4 to H.O.T

In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of K-pop, understanding its roots is crucial. This article explores the journey from the first Korean band, ADD4, to the legendary group H.O.T, which laid the foundation for the industry we know today.

ADD4: Korea's First Band (1964)

The story of K-pop begins with a little-known Korean band called ADD4, formed in 1964. While ADD4 holds the distinction of being the first band in Korea, it is important to note that their music style predates the modern K-pop genre we are familiar with today. Instead of K-pop, their music was influenced by American and British pop styles of the time.

Seo Taek and Boys: The First 'K-pop Group' (1992)

While ADD4 marked the beginning of music in Korea, the first group to be widely recognized as a 'K-pop group' was Seo Taek and Boys, who debuted in 1992. Seo Taek and Boys were instrumental in popularizing the genre and were credited for introducing hip-hop influences that are still prominent in K-pop today. An interesting fact is that YG Entertainment’s founder, Yang Hyunsuk, was a member of this group before forming YG Entertainment.

H.O.T: The Birth of Idol Groups (1996)

While Seo Taek and Boys played a pivotal role in establishing the genre, the title of the first 'idol group' or 'idol' in the traditional K-pop sense belongs to H.O.T, which debuted in 1996. H.O.T, a megahit of the mid-1990s, was the brainchild of SM Entertainment’s founder, E.S. Kim. He realized the potential of idol groups and conducted surveys among high school students to gauge their preferences for a K-pop group. This data, combined with research into the western music market, led to the creation of H.O.T.

The concept used to form H.O.T was a success and became the blueprint for many subsequent idol groups. Its debut was a monumental moment in K-pop history, consisting of star stages, eye-catching costumes, and catchy songs that captivated audiences. H.O.T's success paved the way for the idol groups we know and love today, including the likes of BTS, EXO, and SHINee.

Conclusion

From ADD4 to Seo Taek and Boys, and finally to H.O.T, the journey of K-pop has been a fascinating one. Each group played a pivotal role in shaping the genre and setting the stage for the global phenomenon that is K-pop today.