K-pop, an abbreviation for Korean popular music, originated in South Korea in the early 1990s as a youth subculture, heavily influenced by Western dance music, hip-hop, R&B, and rock. Pioneering acts like Seo Taiji and Boys modernized the scene, leading to SM Entertainment's Lee Soo-man establishing the "Korean idol system" by the late 1990s, launching iconic "first generation" groups such as H.O.T. and S.E.S. Its international popularity surged in the 2010s as a key component of the "Korean Wave," propelled by social media and global sensations like BTS and Blackpink, contributing to South Korea's record 44.8% music market growth in 2020. Defined by its melodic quality, cultural hybridity, and an emphasis on visual appeal and performance, the K-pop industry is dominated by major companies like SM, YG, JYP, and Hybe, and continues to evolve with trends towards greater artist autonomy and globalized production methods.