WWNO skyline header graphic
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Local Newscast
Hear the latest from the WWNO/WRKF Newsroom.

Episode 410: Why K-Pop Is Taking Over The World

Not a fluke.
Hye Soo Nah
/
AP
Not a fluke.

America used to lead the world in making cars. Now we don't. China does.

We used to be the number one maker of steel. American steel built bridges and ships all over the world. Not anymore.

But the world's most popular music still comes from American artists. Turn on a car radio in Italy, walk into a store in Mozambique, and there's a good chance you'll hear an American pop tune.

Music is an export, just like anything else. And, as with other exports, businesses in lots of other countries are fighting for their share of the global market. They want people all around to world to be listening to their music. And they're figuring out how to make it happen.

The popularity of PSY's song "Gangnam Style" is not a fluke. Korea has spent the last twenty years preparing for this moment.

For More: Gangnam Style: Three Reasons K-Pop Is Taking Over The World

Music: Our k-pop Spotify playlist is collaborative. Add your favorite songs.

Download the Planet Money iPhone App. Find us: Twitter/ Facebook/ Spotify/ Tumblr

Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

👋 Looks like you could use more news. Sign up for our newsletters.

* indicates required
New Orleans Public Radio News
New Orleans Public Radio Info