K-pop is becoming more international – what that means for the K in the genre

K-pop has become a multibillion-dollar global phenomenon. Per the Conversation, the industry is now betting on a new frontier: groups with far fewer Korean members than the genre traditionally features. Entertainment company Hybe partnered with Universal Music Group to launch acts like Katseye, which includes members from South Korea, the Philippines, the US, and Switzerland, and Saint Satine, with members from Japan, the US, and Brazil. But these experimental groups have run into serious trouble. Saint Satine lost a Swedish member who cited the industry's grueling, high-pressure culture; Katseye's Swiss member is currently on hiatus, with fans speculating about racial discrimination—prompting the label to issue denials. A global group created by major K-pop company JYP has since rebranded after member departures, with a former member now suing over alleged workplace mistreatment, including surveillance and exploitative conditions. The central question emerging: what makes K-pop "K"? Historically, the genre has featured foreign members, but they were traditionally ethnically Asian. These new acts push past that boundary—and most K-pop fans don't consider them K-pop at all, even though they follow the rigorous training system and musical style.

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