“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Upper-Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 9: Entertainment and Pop Culture
Story 02: The Global Phenomenon of K-pop
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Phenomenon
- Infectious beats
- Catchy melodies
- Polished
- Genre
- Emphasis
- Rigorous training
- Intricate choreography
- Accessibility
- Strategic collaborations
Read or Listen to the following passage:
In recent years, K-pop has become a global phenomenon, with its infectious beats, catchy melodies, and stunning visuals captivating audiences around the world. K-pop, short for Korean pop music, is a genre that originated in South Korea and has grown to become a cultural force both in Asia and beyond.
One of the factors that have contributed to the popularity of K-pop is its emphasis on high-quality production values. K-pop artists undergo rigorous training in singing, dancing, and performance to achieve the polished and precise performances that have become a hallmark of the genre. In addition, K-pop music videos are known for their intricate choreography, colorful costumes, and stunning visuals, which often tell a story or convey a deeper message.
Another reason for the popularity of K-pop is its global appeal. K-pop groups often include members from different countries, and their music often features a mix of Korean and English lyrics, making it more accessible to international audiences. K-pop artists also engage with their fans through social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, which allows them to build a strong and dedicated fanbase worldwide.
The K-pop industry has also been successful in establishing partnerships and collaborations with international brands and artists, further expanding its reach and influence. K-pop has also been used in popular TV shows, movies, and commercials, which has helped to increase its popularity and visibility.
In conclusion, K-pop has become a global phenomenon due to its high-quality production values, global appeal, social media engagement, and strategic collaborations with international brands and artists. As K-pop continues to evolve and innovate, it is likely to remain a cultural force and an important contributor to the global music scene.
Comprehension Questions:
- What is K-pop and where did it originate?
- What is one of the factors that have contributed to the popularity of K-pop?
- What makes K-pop music videos stand out?
- How do K-pop artists engage with their fans?
- How has the K-pop industry expanded its reach and influence?
Conversations Starters:
- Do you like K-pop?
- How do infectious beats and catchy melodies contribute to the success of a song?
- What role does polished production value play in the popularity of music videos?
- What is your favorite music genre and why do you enjoy it?
- Who is your favorite singer or band and what draws you to their music?
- How important do you think rigorous training and practice are for musicians and performers?
- What is your favorite K-pop group and why do you enjoy their music?
- How has the pandemic affected the accessibility of concerts and live music events?
- What strategic collaborations between musicians and brands have you found particularly successful?
- What personal experiences have you had with music or concerts that have left a lasting impression?
