The Rise of K-Pop Culture in Colombia: A Growing Movement

In Bogotá, Colombia, the dance studio V14 buzzes with energy as the co-ed group Empire rehearses K-pop routines for the upcoming K-Pop World Festival 2025. This event marks a significant moment in the evolution of K-pop culture in Colombia, where interest in the genre has surged over the past decade. The arrival of major K-pop acts, including BTS, has transformed the local scene from mere fandom to active participation, with Colombian dancers now competing and building communities around Korean pop music.

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The Embassy of the Republic of Korea plays a pivotal role in promoting K-pop as part of Hallyu, or the "Korean Wave." Kyungho Park, Second Secretary at the South Korean embassy in Colombia, emphasized that Hallyu serves as a strategic asset for enhancing Korea's national image and fostering people-to-people exchanges. Events like the K-Pop World Festival not only showcase local talent but also facilitate cultural diplomacy, reinforcing connections between fans and cultural institutions.

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The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced the growth of K-pop culture in Colombia. With traditional venues closed, social media became a vital platform for dancers to connect and showcase their skills. Juan Pablo García, a member of the dance group Double Blade, noted that the pandemic accelerated K-pop's popularity in Colombia, as the dance community became a crucial foundation for its expansion. This shift has allowed groups like Double Blade, formed less than six months ago, to compete with more established teams.

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Colombian dancers are increasingly pushing back against stereotypes that K-pop is not a serious art form. Juliana León Monroy from Empire stated, “There’s a stigma that K-pop isn’t taken seriously, but we treat it like any other form of art.” The emergence of Latin artists within the K-pop industry, such as the boy group Santos Bravos under BTS's label HYBE, has further encouraged local performers. This visibility demonstrates that there is space for Latin artists in the global K-pop landscape.

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The growing prominence of Latin America in the K-pop scene is evident, with major promotion companies like Studio PAV establishing a presence in Bogotá and Mexico City. The anticipated performance of BTS in the region highlights the cultural and economic significance of K-pop, as seen when Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum advocated for additional concert dates after tickets sold out rapidly. This reflects the genre's ability to transcend cultural barriers and resonate with young audiences across Latin America.

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• “It is a strategic asset that enhances Korea’s national image and promotes people-to-people exchange.” — Kyungho Park, Second Secretary, South Korean Embassy in Colombia

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• “But we treat it like any other form of art.” — Juliana León Monroy, Member of Empire

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• “The fact that a group as big and well-known as BTS is coming shows how music can break barriers,” — Johanna Valentina Espinosa, Leader of Empire

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As K-pop continues to flourish in Colombia, it not only enriches the local cultural landscape but also fosters a sense of community and shared identity among its enthusiasts.

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