My Story
안녕하세요! My name is Arnold (상인) and I am a Korean Canadian who has been listening to K-pop since the seventh grade. I created this site for fun, to spread some Korean culture and to share artists I enjoy listening to. I grew up in a household where my parents played Korean Trot. One of their favourite artists is Na Hoon-a (나훈아).
1992 - My cousin from South Korea introduced me to Seo Taiji and Boys (서태지와 아이들). This trio envisioned a new direction for Korean music that blended elements of American hip hop, R&B, techno, and rock with hip hop choreography. They debuted on the South Korean television talent show MBC on April 11, 1992 with their song "Nan Arayo" ("I Know"). The song was poorly received by the judges and critics, but it went on to become a huge hit and is considered to have launched modern K-pop.
1997 - In high school, my buddy introduced me to a Korean hip hop duo, Jinusean. I have fond memories of cruising in his Acura Integra listening to "Jinusean Bomb," "Gasoline," and "Tell me." This led me to discover other artists including H.O.T., S.E.S., Fin.K.L, and Baby V.O.X and buying their cassette tapes.
2007 - I went to South Korea to visit my relatives. A new girl group, Girls' Generation (소녀시대), had just debuted and their single, "Into The New World," played at shops and cafes. It was a huge hit and I bought the single on CD. Taeyeon, a member of the group, is one of the best-selling solo artists in South Korea. Her music video, "INVU," is, in my opinion, a masterpiece.
2017 - I discovered the girl group, TWICE, from an article in a local newspaper that they were in Vancouver shooting their new music video, "LIKEY." It features iconic landmarks including English Bay, Steveston Village, Stanley Park, Gastown, and White Rock Pier. I fell in love with this group and started buying their songs on iTunes.
2023 - I went to my first K-pop concert and saw TWICE during their 5th World Tour "Ready To Be" in Toronto on July 2, 2023. It was their first time performing in Canada. They were so good live and the fan engagement was amazing!
2024 - On a family trip to Haeundae Beach in Busan, South Korea, there was a cool music festival, Festival Shiwol, going on the weekend we were there. I'll never forget my dad and I listening to some amazing music from Ha Hyun Sang (하현상) while the waves crashed on shore. It was the first time I heard of him and I instantly became a fan.
2026 - I got tickets to see a couple of K-pop concerts in Vancouver. I saw TWICE during their 6th World Tour "This Is For" and IVE during their 1st World Tour "SHOW WHAT I AM." Both shows were phenomenal and full of high-energy performances.
As I look back on my journey, it has been a joy to see the progression of K-pop from its humbling beginnings in the early 90s to a major force in global pop culture.
Feel free to sign my GUESTBOOK and share your favourite K-pop songs.