My Story

안녕하세요! I am a Korean Canadian ahjussi who has been listening to K-pop since the 1990s. I created this site for fun, to spread some Korean culture and to share artists I enjoy listening to. K-pop was in its infancy when I was introduced. Before modern K-pop, the only Korean music I listened to was trot music my parents played in the house. 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 around in his Acura Integra listening to "Jinusean Bomb," "Gasoline," and "Tell me." This led me to discovering 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. I liked the song so much I bought their album on CD. Taeyeon, a member of the group, is one of the best-selling solo artists in South Korea. Her music video, "INVU," is a masterpiece.

2017 - I came across a girl group, TWICE. I read in a local newspaper that they were in Vancouver shooting their new music video, "Likey." The MV features iconic sights including English Bay, Steveston Village, Stanley Park, Gastown, and White Rock Pier. I loved it. I started buying their songs on iTunes and became a fan. They are my favourite girl group to this day.

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. I have not seen that kind of fan engagement before and it was such a fun concert!

2024 - One weekend in October, my family visited Haeundae Beach in Busan, South Korea. I was watching the waves with my dad and brother and heard some amazing music from Ha Hyun Sang (하현상) performing at Festival Shiwol on the beach. I never heard of him until that day and became a fan.

As I look back on my journey, it is cool to witness the progression of K-pop into a global phenomenon since PSY's "Gangnam Style" and Seo Taiji and Boys paved the way in bringing Korean pop music to the world.

Feel free to sign my GUESTBOOK and share your favourite K-pop songs.

Take care,

Arnold (상인)