Pop idolatry in Korea is on a whole other level. The rabid adoration, the screams, the posters and endorsements all over town that feature groups whose influences stretch much further than the music industry. While the age of the pop group in the US (Backstreet Boys, N'SYNC, 98 Degrees) has lost its mojo, it's dancing, crooning and thriving here in Korea.
BIGBANG, pictured above, is one such hip hop boy band. According to Wikipedia, they were the most searched artist in South Korea at the end of 2009. Aside from their musical prowess and ability to melt hearts, they're known for their fashion sway. Check out their rap sheet from Wikipedia:
Dubbed as "Big Bang fashion", their style has gained a following throughout Asia. The group first adopted the "hip-hop" image concept for their debut. The release of Always in 2007 was accompanied by a change in image, with the group leaning towards a more preppy-punk style, including skinny jeans with Converse or high-top sneakers which became a still ongoing trend in South Korea. Taeyang also traded his cornrows for a faux hawk. Seen wearing brands such as Bape, 10 deep, Louis Vuitton, and Phenomenon, Big Bang also wears custom printed hoodies for many of their performances and music videos. They were also credited for bringing back "old school" fashion into the mainstream, such as Nike and Reebok high-top shoes. Described as the "most fashionable" one in the group, G-Dragon is known to sport triangular scarves that were later nicknamed "Big Bang scarves".
The trends! Those names!
(Mini aside: the eye is almost completely better. Tomorrow morning it's off to Beijing!)
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