KARA Becomes 1st All-Girl Group to Perform at Tokyo Dome [VIDEO}

KARA changed the face of K-pop on the 6th of January by becoming the first Korean all-girl group to perform at the Tokyo Dome. 

Performing a total of 25 songs, the girls included their hits like "Pandora", "Speed Up", "Winter Magic", "Jet Coaster Love", "Pretty Girl", and more. 

To put a unique spin on their show, each KARA member also performed solo. The crowd went crazy when their hit song, "Mister", the song they debuted in Japan with, began to play. 

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The show at the Tokyo Dome was a success for these rising stars. When tickets went on sale, the girls sold out all 45,000 tickets in an astonishing five minutes. The concert an Tokyo was just one of a six part tour in Japan. They started out in Yokohama, then moved on to Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and then finally Tokyo before moving on to their final destination. 

Six cities, twelve performances, and 15,000 fans have been how these girls have kicked off their 2013.  

Click here to watch a their music video to their hit song "Mister" 

Meet Scooter Braun, the new Power behind K-pop's Psy

Scooter Braun (R) with Justin Bieber

As we mentioned previously, K-pop sensation Psy has now signed with producer and talent manager Scooter Braun.     Scott Samuel Braun, also known as "Scooter", is an American talent manager. Appearing on two record labels, School Boy Records and Raymond-Braun Media Group, he has represented names like Justin Bieber and Carly Rae Jepsen and now the rising K-pop star, Psy. 

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The 31-year-old talent seeker was born in New York City. Even as a child, Braun seemed destined for success. As a middle school student, his ten-minute short film, focusing on Holocaust-era Hungarian Jewry, won third place in a national video documentary contest. After a family member sent his film to Steven Spielberg, who was so blown away by it he submitted the video to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, where it is still shown today. 

His launch into the music world, specifically hip hop, began with his establishment of a party-promotion business. His business drew in so much success that in 2002, Braun was hired to plan the after parties of the Anger Management Tour, which featured artists Ludacris and Eminem. 

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He left college his junior year to join the marketing team for So So Def Records. On September 3, 2012 Braun announced that he has entered into a business relationship with Psy, the K-pop star whose video 'Gangnam Style' has received over 131 million views on YouTube. Stars like Carly Rae Jepsen and Justin Bieber have seen so much success thanks to Scooter, we cannot wait to see what is in store for Psy! 

K-Pop Star Psy Set to Make History with Scooter rep

K-pop sensation Psy has quickly taken over the internet, with his video Gangnam Style. 

With over 131 million views, the video has had no trouble dominating the internet world, but with his new deal with manager Scooter Braun, Psy intends to take the song and dance even further. 

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Scooter Braun has helped stars such as Carly Rae Jepsen and Justin Bieber climb their way to the top, and he says he fully plans to do the same with Psy. 

Scooter expresses his high hopes for Psy by saying, "We've come to an agreement to make some history together. To be the first Korean artist to break a big record in the United States." 

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With big K-pop artists such as Girls Generation and 2NE1 arriving on the United States K-pop scene, Psy does have some competition -- but after his debut on the MTV VMA awards- it seems like Psy is already ahead of the game. 

We LOVE PSY! Watch Psy's Guest Appearance on MTV's VMAs [VIDEO]

K-pop artist Psy has taken over the web with his music video sensation, Gangnam Style but last night his career went to the next level when he appeared on MTV's Video Music Awards. 

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His appearance on the stage next to Kevin Hart was a surprise -- but an exciting one at that. His fun and easy-to-learn dance is always a crowd pleaser and continues to grow in popularity. When asked about his experience at the VMAs Psy responded, "I cannot believe what's going on. The increase in people knowing who I am is incredible. I did not expect things like this. I just made a video in Korea and uploaded it and within 50 days, I'm here now." Psy says we can expect many more pop songs from him in the near future- in Korean as well as some English. 

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Congrats to Psy for his success and his appearance at the Video Music Awards, we at ONCEKids are routing for Psy as we eagerly watch his popularity continue to grow!

Psy's Gangnam Style breaks K-Pop into United States [VIDEO]

K-Pop artist Psy is making history with his new hit 'Gangnam Style' in not only South Korea, but around the globe. No other K-Pop artist has been able to compete with IU's track 'You and I" which was on the top chart for a solid five weeks -- until Psy came along. He is now tied with IU and as the 6th week mark grows closer, he may find himself the number one artist on the K-Pop Hot 100. And this track isn't just blowing up in South Korea, it has crossed international language barriers, finding itself number two on the YouTube Music Chart. Coming only after Carly Rae Jepsen, Psy is ahead of Justin Bieber, One Directions, and Katy Perry's music videos with an astonishing 60 million views, which continues to increase daily. 

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His new track and dance video features an easy-to-learn dance to a trendy electropop beat. Many writers are calling Gangnam Style the breakthrough track for K-Pop in the United States. Psy has shown an interest in increasing the track's popularity in America with several appearances on TV discussing the music video and showing off his dance moves.Some believe in order to truly breakthrough to the States, a follow up hit and a successful tour are necessary, but others think the 60 million views speak for itself. Either way, this is definitely a great time for Psy and a great time for K-Pop!

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Check out the music video for Psy's 'Gangnam Style' :

What's New in K-Pop: June [VIDEOS]

As to be expected, K-Pop's growth and popularity has only speeding up not slowing down in the last few months. Stars such as the group Girls' Generation, Electroboyz, and F(x) have flourished within the K-Pop industry due to recent successful performances. 

Girls' Generation is heating up! The group appeared on the June 22nd edition of the very popular Japanese music program, 'MUSIC STATION', performing their track "Paparazzi." Alongside bands such as Linkin Park, KAT-TUN, AKB48, Maeda Atsuko, and Kuwata, the girls demonstrated their tremendous talent during the episode. The group has also recently released a "gold" dance version of "Paparazzi" PV. The "Paparazzi" PV is the group's largest-scale music video yet. Over 30,000 lightbulbs, 300 cast members, and 120 staff members are included on the set of this new hit. The track will be officially released on June 27th. 


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Electroboyz are also shining in K-pop with the release of the track "Imma Take You Home." The song went public on June 18th in celebration of the 2nd anniversary of the group. Extra member clips of the music video have also now been released. The original music video heavily focused on the boys as gentlemen, while the new clips attempt to show their "bad boy" side. 


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F(x) is having a great month in K-Pop when they swept the crowd off their feet during their performance on KBS' 'Music Bank'. It was a tough competition with other talented groups performing, such as After School with their big comeback performance of "Flashback". Wonder Girls and F(x) faced off to be on this week's 'K-Chart" but in the end it was F(x) to steal the spotlight with their performance of "Electric Shock". 

Click here to see the official music video of Girls' Generation's hit "Paparazzi":

Click here to see Electroboyz hit "Imma Take You Home":

Click here to see F(x)'s winning performance of "Electric Shock":

K-Pop Targets America

SNSD's YoonA

K-pop has enjoyed huge success throughout Asia, its popularity and influence increasing each day. The enormous success in K-pop artists' expansion into the Japanese pop music scene has encouraged agencies SM, JYP, and YG to begin to look more aggressively at the American market.


It has been difficult to crack into the American market but the agencies and stars are not letting the failed attempts of the past discourage them as they prepare to try again this year. 


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SM spoke of the success that Girls' Generation has enjoyed in their transfer to the American Market. The group recently met with multiple press in America such as E and Associated Press. The girls will also appear on "Late Show with David Letterman" and "LIVE! With Kelly." The Heatseekers Album chart on Billboard ranked their album 22nd out of 25.


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The five-member group, Wonder Girls, has been JYP's focus for its transition into the American Market, but their ability to succeed is still being questioned. On several talk shows the girls have confessed they are finding learning English a challenge. Despite difficulties, the group is not giving up. The girls' made-for-TV movie, "The Wonder Girls," aired on Teen Nick in February. 

K-pop in March: SHINee, Brave Girls, SECRET updates -- Videos here

K-pop continues to grow in the month of March! Groups are releasing new albums, singles, and doing tours throughout Asia as well as other parts of the world.


The group SHINee is finally making their anticipated comeback with the release of their first teaser!   Sherlock, the boys' 4th mini album, is being dropped and said to include quality tracks. The album is to be released March 21st and the boys are hard at work filming a new music video. 


Several weeks ago, Brave Girls made a comeback with the release of their new single "Re-Issue" as well as their music video to their track "Nowadays You." Fans loved the music video due to the girls' display of confidence and new moves. For those eager to learn the dance at home, Brave Girls just released a practice video to master their moves. 


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Girl group SECRET is currently touring in Japan and drawing major attention. Fans have reacted very positively to their tour.  On the 5th and 7th the girls performed at Zepp Osaka and Zepp Nagoya and will continue the tour at Zepp Tokyo on the 9th. The  girls will be performing hit songs such as "Magic", "Shy Boy", and "Love is Move." This is SECRET's first tour since their debut and will be meeting with fans and actively kicking off new promotions.


This is a very exciting time for K-pop artists and fans and its popularity is expected to continue flourishing! 


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Watch SECRET's hit music video to "Love is Move"

Watch Brave Girls' hit track "Nowadays"

Get a sneak peak at SHINee with their teaser!

K-pop continues to Sweep the World

K-pop continues to sweep the world with fans from many countries tuning in. The Korean wave has expanded far beyond Asia, reaching to countries including England and now the United States. This explosion of popularity has served to be an effective bridge-builder between U.S. and Korean culture. In response to last year's K-pop concert in Paris, drawing fans from all over Europe, American fans requested that concerts be held in the U.S. K-pop stars are capitalizing on their popularity by embracing the trends of the younger generation.  K-pop concerts are now available to watch on YouTube, being viewed nearly 2.3 billion times in 235 countries. Recently, the K-pop group Girls' Generation appeared on three major U.S. TV talk shows, "Late Show with David Letterman," "Live with Kelly," and NBC's "Extra TV." 

K-pop will undoubtably continue to flourish and gain popularity due to the unique combination of exceptional singing, trendy dancing, and nice appearances K-pop artists and groups possess. 

Is K-Pop's Ivy Returning?

Ivy, who nearly disappeared from the public scene since her 2009 album, may be making a comeback this year in K-pop. Besides her appearance in the musical "Kiss Me Kate" in 2010 she has stayed away from the music industry for over two years now. A reason for her withdrawal in the industry is largely due to a legal dispute with her former agency, Storm ENF. Previous to her disappearance she won numerous awards including SBS Best Female Singer Award at the "2005 Ga Yo Doe Jun" and Mnet's Best Female Solo Artist in 2007.  Hopefully this 2012 she will be back on the K-pop scene.

Click here for a sample of Ivy's music:

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K-Pop Celebrates Year of the Dragon

K-Pop's G-Dragon

Despite the ball already being dropped, celebrations for 2012 have just gotten started.  Especially because 2012 welcomes the Year of the Dragon. Baby booms and good fortune is predicted for all. The Year of the Dragon is a year many hold above other years. In Asia dragons are mostly considered lucky despite being wild and unpredictable creatures. In Japan, seahorses are even seen as baby dragons. According to legend those born in a Year of the Dragon tend to live by their own rules and are generally successful. 

This has seemingly been proven by several stars born during a Year of the Dragon, including musical artists G-Dragon and Park Gyuri, whose struggles in 2011 did not prevent  them from coming out on top. It has been predicted that 2012 will be a big year for K-Pop,  especially for the artists born during a Year of the Dragon. Here are some links worth checking out with the latest news of G Dragon (or GD)

Read more about G Dragon and "Goddess" Park Gyuri 

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K-Pop Star Rain Joins South Korean Army, Learn more about K-Pop

Korean popular music, also known as K-pop, is a musical genre that is made up of electropop, hip hop, pop, rock, and R&B music all originating in South Korea.  What started with the debut of the musical group Seo Tai-ji & Boys in the early 1990s, who incorporated elements of rap and techno into their music, led to the outbreak of many hip hop duos including Deux, Shinhwa, and Sechs Kies. 

Eventually, the increase in the popularity of this genre led to the opening of South Korea's largest talent agency, S.M. Entertainment. S.M Entertainment was founded by Korean entrepreneur Lee Soo Man in 1995. This agency publicized the first K-Pop girl groups and boy bands and inspired the founding of other talent agencies such as YG Entertainment and JYP Entertainment. These talent agencies produced talent as rapidly as the public could consume it. In recent years, K-Pop has become very popular in Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, and China. 

In addition to music, K-Pop has grown into a subculture among teenagers around the world. It is a representation of fashion and style for people who listen to and idolize the Korean groups and singers. 

Through Facebook fan pages, Itunes, Twitter, and Youtube the genre of K-Pop has continued to grow and flourish among people worldwide. 

For more information about what is happening in the world of K-Pop visit: http://k-popped.com/