My Story

안녕하세요! I am a Korean Canadian ahjussi who has been listening to K-pop since 1992. I created this site for fun, to spread some Korean culture and to share artists I enjoy listening to. Before modern K-pop, my only exposure to Korean music was trot 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 - The first time I heard about the girl group, TWICE, was from an article in a local newspaper that they were in Vancouver shooting their new music video, "Likey." The MV features landmarks 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 group.

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 - My family and I visited Haeundae Beach in Busan, South Korea. My dad and I listened to some amazing music from Ha Hyun Sang (하현상) who was performing on the beach at Festival Shiwol. It was the first time I heard of him and I became a fan.

As I look back on my journey, it has been such a joy to see the progression of K-pop with its humbling beginnings in the early 90s turn into a global cultural force.

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

Take care,

Arnold (상인)