Here are a few of the K-Pop facts and statistics I was able to dig up. As always, be sure to check back in the future as I will be updating this post as new and updated stats become available.

Image credit: BTS

Please note that some of these numbers are easier to find than others. A few of these K-Pop facts come from their own reports, but some are based on news reports and not official company tallies. Basically, this is the best I can find and I don’t guarantee anything to be 100%

K-Pop Facts

What is K-Pop?

K-Pop (Korean Popular Music) is a form of modern music in South Korea that infuses American pop music sounds with Korean culture. The various bands in the genre have amassed fanatical followings first domestically but spreading globally over the past few years.

When did K-Pop begin?

Although its roots go back much further, it is generally accepted that K-Pop began in 1992 with the emergence of Seo Taiji and Boys.

What was the first K-Pop hit single?

Nan Arayo (I Know) by Seo Taiji and Boys

Who was the first K-Pop idol boy band:

H.O.T.

Age at which Korean kids start training to become K-Pop entertainers:

between 10-12 years old

First K-Pop album to chart on the UK Charts:

Wings (BTS) in October 2016

First K-Pop album to reach #1 on the US Charts:

Love Yourself: Tear (BTS) in September 2017

Group with the highest charting Billboard Hot 100 song for a K-Pop girl band:

Blackpink (Ddu Du Ddu Du) #55 in June 2018

Group with the most viewed music video on YouTube for a K-Pop girl band:

Blackpink (Ddu Du Ddu Du)

K-Pop artist Psy has the first music video (Gangnam Style) to hit 1 billion views on YouTube.

BTS' "Boy With Luv" has the record for the most video views in the first 24 hours on YouTube (78 million views).

Last updated 4/13/19

Highest Billboard Hot 100 debut for a K-Pop band:

Boy With Luv by BTS (#8)

Last updated 4/22/19

First K-Pop act to perform on Saturday Night Live:

BTS

BTS had 2 of the 3 selling albums in the world in 2018.

What does BTS stand for?

Bulletproof Boy Scouts (Bangtan Sonyeondan in Korean)

First K-Pop artists to perform at Coachella:

Blackpink (2019)

Last updated: July 1, 2020