Notes

Here’s How I Became the First K-pop Idol From India

From being raised in a small Indian town to flying to Seoul on her first international flight, Sriya Lenka’s journey into the world of K-pop is an ode to the power of ambition.

In the eastern Indian state of Odisha, the town of Rourkela is famous for one of the biggest steel plants in the country. Beyond the shadow of its superstructure, Odisha rarely figures in the national narrative, except when cyclones hit the coastal state. According to a government report, nearly 30 percent of Odisha’s population is poor, well below the national average.

How then did a state, rich in culture but dogged by poverty, produce the first K-pop idol from India? Isn’t singing in the big leagues solely the birthright of rich, privileged kids from the metros, especially when it means assimilating into a culture and its nuances widely different from your own?

For Sriya Lenka – the 18-year-old who became the first Indian singer to officially become part of any K-pop band – it was a long time in the making. Sriya has been chosen as the fifth member of the all-girl K-pop band Blackswan.

“When my father first saw me dancing as a child, he believed that I had the potential to really be a performer,” Lenka told VICE over Zoom from Seoul. “He enrolled me in a dancing class, followed by training in Indian classical music. But he was my first teacher, as he taught me how to do even acrobatics.”

The singer prefers being addressed by her childhood name, Sriya, also her stage name now – a departure from K-pop stars who usually have a stage name. In her case, she said her decision to retain her childhood name was her way of not diluting her Indian heritage.

sriya lenka kpop star
“WHEN MY FATHER FIRST SAW ME DANCING AS A CHILD, HE BELIEVED THAT I HAD THE POTENTIAL TO REALLY BE A PERFORMER." - SRIYA LENKA

She recounted that growing up in Odisha with modest means was not easy. The sacrifices were many, including travelling for five hours every day to learn dance. “I just wanted to be an artist. But I had so many doubts about myself and whether I was really up for it.”

Sriya entered the world of K-pop only four years back when a friend shared a music video of the boy band EXO. She was instantly hooked to the vocals that flowed smoothly, elaborately choreographed dance sequences and the comforting swirl of a myriad colours.

“I visualised myself in that place, on that stage,” Sriya said. “This (blend of music and dance) was an entirely new concept to me that only pulled me deeper into the K-pop world.”

Sriya soon realised that K-pop was sweeping across the country. Before the Hallyu wave swept through India, it had made its presence felt in the insurgency-hit northeastern state of Manipur. Here, Bollywood films were banned in the early 2000s, and so locals had sought solace in K-pop and K-dramas. Now, though, K-pop is everywhere. According to Spotify’s annual report, BTS is popular among Indian listeners, while a Netflix analytics report revealed that K-drama viewership on the platform in India increased by more than 370 percent in 2020.

At the onset of the pandemic, a friend told Sriya about various K-pop bands who were auditioning in India. Sriya submitted videos of her singing K-pop songs but these were not very well received. “I realised that there was a long way to go, so I decided to go to a vocal coach and work on my singing at night because I had school during the day.”

But Blackswan was a different beast altogether, and the efforts it demanded went beyond the four months of Indian classical training Sriya had gotten as a child or the popularity she’d gained casually humming K-pop tunes on TikTok and Reels. As a girl group, the band had gone through many iterations since their debut as Rania in April 2011, with members being frequently replaced or added. One of their well-received songs, “Dr Feel Good,” was originally produced for Lady Gaga.

Sriya was selected for the band through an online audition process but the actual training of the selected members was to be in Seoul.

“When I actually bagged the gig, my mother was scared for me,” she recalled. “She broke down but I had to reassure her that it was all okay, that I was picked up safely and welcomed with a namaste.”

The six month training period to become a K-pop star, starting from the moment she landed in Seoul in January 2022, was rigorous. From doing three sets of 50 push-ups each morning to learning Korean for almost four hours every day to also learning to make her own food – it was relentless.


“A huge part of being a K-pop singer also comes with being an all-around performer, not just a singer,” Sriya said. “So, we were made to run in a circle and sing at least four songs of four minutes each in quick succession without losing the stability of our voice or going off-tune. In a way, we were running for 16 minutes every morning and singing.”

After a day of vocal rehearsals, running and singing practice, and language lessons, there was also homework that had to be done, even if it meant staying up till two at night. “The homework usually was learning at least three new K-pop songs every week and performing them well. It could be across genres. In my case, I struggled with rap, and still do.”


Sriya is aware of the weight that comes with being India’s first K-pop star, the face of a loyal fandom. She picked up the Korean language within six months but the gravity of the responsibility dawned on her when she landed in Seoul. Thankfully, she had a steady friend through it all – Brazil’s Gabrielan Dalcin.

“Only one of us could make it (as a replacement for the band’s oldest member, Hyeme, who left in November 2020),” she said. “So, we worked and prepared together as a team because we were so scared that one of us would be dropped.”


The decision to have non-Korean members in K-pop and Z-pop bands has gradually gained traction. In 2019, girl group Z-girls became famous for having a “global” group with members from Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. It also includes Priyanka, India’s first female Z-pop (a reference to the project's target audience, Gen Z) star. Other non-Korean K-pop idols include Tiffany (American) from Girls' Generation, Amber (Taiwanese-American) from f(x), BLACKPINK's Lisa (Thai), EXO's Lay (Chinese), Got7's Jackson (Hong Kong Chinese), and Wanna One's Lai Kuan Lin (Taiwanese).

“This is a great decision by music labels,” said Sriya. “The world is coming together and if a singer can truly be a performer, then they can be a K-pop idol, regardless of their nationality.”

Eventually, DR Music – the label that first started Blackswan as Rania in 2011 – took the rare decision of signing on both Sriya and Dalcin because they had trained together as a single team and displayed extraordinary chemistry together.

How’s it working with the Blackswan members, we ask. A lot of fun, said Sriya. Apart from her, 27-year-old Senegal-born singer Fatou Samba is also now part of the group – the first African to be a K-pop idol.

“Whenever we make mistakes, they just joke about it and we learn and move on,” Sriya said. “What I love about the band is that it’s always been inclusive of people across gender, race and sexuality.”

But beyond Blackswan, is the K-pop world as kind to its stars and idols? Sulli, a former member of the popular girl group f(x) was recently found dead in her apartment at 25, reportedly by suicide. In 2017, Kim Jong-hyun (Jonghyun), a member of the popular group SHINee, died by suicide after writing a 47-line note to a friend that detailed his depression.

sriya lenka k-pop idol
“I JUST WANTED TO BE AN ARTIST. BUT I HAD SO MANY DOUBTS ABOUT MYSELF AND WHETHER I WAS REALLY UP FOR IT.”

“The moment I decided to become a K-pop star, I was aware of the pressure that was always going to be there,” said Sriya. “As a K-pop star, everything you do is controlled and you need permission for everything – to go out, what you eat, where you can be seen eating. With my music label, things have been at peace so far because there is the freedom to have our own space for now, and hopefully after we become famous too.”

Apart from her training to become a K-pop star and sing in front of live audiences, Sriya is also working on her debut album with the group.

“A concert is always like a festival,” she said. “The crowd gives you the drive to keep going for your dreams. What could be better than that? I’d like to give them the inspiration to never, never give up.”

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, help is available. Call 1-800-273-8255 to speak with someone now or text START to 741741 to message with the Crisis Text Line.


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8 K-Pop Tracks That’ll Give You Whiplash – In A Good Way

K-pop is constantly evolving, exploring new sub-genres and getting more and more innovative by the day. It’s clear that a new sound is emerging in K-pop: one that combines different tempos, rhythms, and melodies all into one song. It’s the musical equivalent of whiplash – in the best way possible! If you’re interested in expanding your K-pop horizons, look no further.

1. NMIXX – “O.O”

NMIXX may be newly debuted, but that doesn’t mean that they’re playing it safe when it comes to their debut track “O.O” – which combines hip hop rhythms and electro-pop melodies to create the effect of three songs in one. The beat change is totally addictive, as is the addition of the pop-rock guitar. They’re here to shake things up!

2. TXT – “Eternally”

“Eternally” is the perfect blend of what TXT does best, and it shows off the group’s versatility. It shifts back and forth from a beautiful, ethereal melody with effortlessly light vocals to a hard alternative style so fast it’ll definitely give you whiplash. It comes together perfectly though, and the music video’s enthralling storyline makes it just that much better.

3. aespa – “Next Level”

aespa definitely wasn’t the one to pioneer this mixed-up K-pop style, but they might just be the ones to put it on the map. Their ultra-modern AI concept meshes perfectly with this sort of music, as evidenced by “Next Level.” Going from a spunky hip hop sound to a smooth R&B beat and then right back again, you can never get bored with this track.

4. EXO – “Tempo”

“Tempo” may have been released in 2018, but it still sounds totally modern. The song starts with a short harmonic run before jumping right into the peppy beat that most fans associate with this song. Don’t be fooled though – it comes back around to that ballad-y vibe, backed by some truly amazing jazz piano, before finishing with a cool blend between the two styles.

5. TWICE – “LIKEY”

While maybe not a total switch-up in the way that some of the other songs on this list are, there’s still something addictive about the way that “LIKEY” changes when the beat drops. From a bright, bubblegum sound straight into a suave hip hop beat, the rap section stands out in the best way. I only wish that there was more of it!

6. NCT U – “Make A Wish”

Released as a part of NCT’s second full-group album, “Make A Wish” definitely brings out the best in the group’s hip hop based sound and amazing ballad vocals. This song features a whistle that you just won’t be able to get out of your head, as well as a bridge with vocals so gorgeous they might give you goosebumps.

7. ITZY – “24HRS”

If there was a song that could actually give you whiplash, it might just be “24HRS.” This song starts with a heavy beat so strong you can feel it, and it switches to the sweetest bubblegum sound so suddenly you might wonder if you accidentally skipped to the next track. You might not think it would sound good, but it’s better than good – it’s awesome!

8. BTS – “Interlude: Shadow”

Suga’s solo track as a part of BTS’s larger “Map of the Soul” album series, this song is a tour de force in K-pop rap. It starts with a fairly simple rap line and some smooth vocals, but it switches into a chaotic track that seems almost rhythmless. Suga rides the beat in a way that feels like he’s making his own, which makes it all the more genius!
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Jungkook and BTS are the Highest Peaking K-Pop Acts in 2022 on Spotify Global

Yesterday, BTS made a comeback with their anthology album Proof. The anthology album included 35-track releases, including their new and old hits, unreleased songs, demos, and more, with Yet To Come as the title track accumulating over 47M filtered streams for the album. The title track Yet To Come debuted at #3 on Spotify Global with over 7M streams earning the biggest single debut for a Korean song in Spotify history.

Jungkook and BTS are the highest-peaking Korean/K-Pop acts on Spotify Global in 2022, with Stay Alive and Yet To Come both charting at #3 on the chart. Jungkook is also the highest-peaking Asian soloist of all-time on Spotify Global.
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BTS breaks numerous records on Spotify with 'Proof'
Global K-Pop act BTS smashed a great number of records with 'Proof'!
First, the group's highly-anticipated album accumulated over 56.7 million cumulative streams on Spotify on the first day of release. It now holds the record as the album with the biggest debut streams by a Korean act in 2022 and Spotify history.

While the album's title track "Yet To Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)" recorded over 7.1 million streams on its first day on Spotify, becoming BTS's fourth-biggest song debut by a Korean act, following the group's English tracks "Permission To Dance," "Dynamite," and "Butter," it also became the biggest Korean-language song debut by a K-Pop act in Spotify history.

"Run BTS," a B-side track from the album, achieved 5.4 million first-day streams, the most for any B-side track by a Korean act released.

Further, "Yet To Come," "Run BTS," "For Youth," and "Born Singer" occupy four of the top-five biggest song debuts by a Korean act this year, ranking at #1, #2, #4, and #5; the #3 is held by BTS's Jungkook with "Stay Alive (Prod. SUGA)."

In addition, BTS reached a new peak on Spotify's 'Daily Top Global Artists' chart at #2.

Congratulations to BTS on making another history!
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7 K-Pop MVs That Put Traditional Korean Fashion Front And Center

K-pop may be at the cutting edge of modern culture, but it’s always fun to bring it back to its roots. Traditional Korean fashion that pays homage to bygone days adds an element of classic beauty that instantly elevates any look. For some of the best examples of old-school Korean fashion, look no further! Here are just a few.
1. EXO’s Kai – “Peaches”

Featuring a stunning juxtaposition of traditional hanbok styles and ultra-modern streetwear, Kai’s “Peaches” music video showcases all the best that Korean fashion has to offer. The mix of art and architecture in the set also reflects some East Asian styles that have been popular for centuries. The resulting visuals are absolutely amazing!
2. TWICE – “Cheer Up”

TWICE showcases a lot of fashion versatility in this throwback track, but I can’t help but feel totally captivated by rapper Dahyun’s red-and-white floral hanbok! She even has her hair pulled back in a traditional style, and her accessories only elevate the look. The attention to detail is really what brings this look to the next level.
3. ONEUS – “LUNA”


ONEUS definitely doesn’t shy away from traditional fashion, and their music videos are all the better for it! They’ve featured traditional Korean-inspired styles in a few of their music videos, but the looks from “LUNA” are particularly memorable. Not only are the outfits stunning, but the choreography also makes use of the Korean jeobseon, or folding paper fan.

4. (G)I-DLE – “HWAA”


The ladies of (G)I-DLE featured a lot of traditional Korean fashion elements in their “HWAA” music video – with a distinctly modern twist. Watch for the tasseled norigae worn at their waists and for Miyeon’s beaded hairpiece that’s reminiscent of pins worn with a hanbok. Even Yuqi’s glittery blue parasol pays homage to traditional Korean styles!

5. Stray Kids – “Back Door”


This music video is a masterclass in blending traditional Korean clothes with modern pieces to make the whole outfit more lux. By embracing patterns and embroidery inspired by hanbok and layering the jeogori, or jacket, over a simple t-shirt and trousers, Stray Kids proves that styles from the olden days still have a place in the future.

6. BLACKPINK – “How You Like That”


It’s impossible to mention modernized hanbok styles without talking about the looks from BLACKPINK’s “How You Like That” music video. Their outfits keep all the elements of traditional Korean wear but shorten the length of the fabric to provide a breezier alternative to heavy skirts and jackets. The intricate beading, embroidery, and tassels really make these pieces special.

7. BTS – “IDOL”


BTS has promoted traditional Korean fashion on many occasions, and the looks from their “IDOL” music video made waves across the world. By leaving the jackets unfastened or loosely tied, their outfits have a perfect done-undone look that contrasts perfectly with the richly embroidered patterns and elegant fabrics. J-Hope’s look even features the gat, which is the black transparent hat traditionally worn by Korean noblemen. The look is timeless!
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The Best K-pop Songs and Albums of 2022 So Far

After two long years, the state of K-pop is finally starting to resemble what it looked like before the pandemic. In-person shows in South Korea are beginning to return—and once again allow cheering—and fans abroad are flooding to arenas to watch their favorite artists perform. BTS took over Las Vegas in April while playing four shows in the city as part of their “Permission to Dance on Stage” performance series. And TWICE performed at Los Angeles’ Banc of California Stadium in May, becoming the first K-pop girl group to play at a U.S. stadium.

Even during the period of the pandemic when K-pop could only be enjoyed virtually, the quality of music produced in Seoul never wavered. Artists continued to experiment with new sounds and genres, and developed unique musical identities to set themselves apart in a crowded landscape. In the first half of this year, K-pop acts from veteran soloists to rookie groups impressed with releases that were fresh and invigorating.

In no particular order, here are the best K-pop songs and albums of 2022 so far. (Only full-length projects were considered in the albums section for the purposes of this list.)

Songs
“GingaMingaYo (the strange world),” Billlie

Billlie opens their latest single with words of uncertainty: “What a strange world / I’m confused.” But “GingaMingaYo” is a song that knows exactly what it wants to be. The electronic pop track fully embraces the weird and celebrates the unknown—gingaminga is the Korean expression for “not sure.” Funky synths and Billlie’s animated chants propel the song, creating a whimsical number that piques a listener’s curiosity as much as it boosts their energy.

TIME celebrates SAGE, our TIME101 nominee for 2022.
BY P&G
Read More: The Best Albums of 2022 So Far

“Maniac,” Stray Kids

Stray Kids is no stranger to releasing rousing bangers, and the group turns the frenzied energy up a notch in “Maniac.” The trap and electropop track is about deviating from what society deems as prim and proper, and releasing one’s inner self without shame. “On the inside I’m always a freaky monster,” Han reveals before Changbin taunts: “If you think I’m just pure and innocent, you’re wrong.” Sounds including a bird’s chirping and a drill buzzing add to this bombastic anthem’s bizarre character.

“Love Dive,” IVE

IVE debuted with the earworm “Eleven” last year, and by dropping their latest single, the group confidently declares that it’s no one-hit wonder. “Love Dive” is dreamy and ethereal, with airy “ooh’s” and soft “la-la-la’s” sung over a steady percussion. As IVE welcomes all to dive into the feeling of love, you can’t help but be submerged in their decadent voices. The song is more riveting because of details like a beat of silence added to just before the second refrain, and rapper Rei’s spunky delivery of the line, “You into me, me into you.”

“Devil,” Max Changmin

There’s no doubt that Max Changmin’s voice is the main attraction in “Devil,” a remake of Swedish artist Alex Runo’s 2021 song of the same name. This is clear from the opening that includes no instrumentals to distract from the TVXQ vocalist’s rich tone, and from the chorus that features his soaring melodies over a slithering bass line. A haunting a cappella motif and pulsating drum beats amplify the bewitching quality of this R&B track, but it’s Max Changmin’s singing that seduces with a force similar to that of a devil’s temptation.


“Fearless,” Le Sserafim

Anticipation was high for the debut of HYBE’s first girl group, and Le Sserafim exceeded expectations with the sleek and glossy “Fearless.” In this funk and alternative pop song, Le Sserafim is resolute to reach the top—“Telling me to hide my desire, that’s weird / Acting like I’m humble, that’s done,” Yunjin sings. Much of the track’s replay value comes from its addictive chorus, as the feisty line “what you lookin’ at” is repeated over a slick bass riff.

Glitch Mode, NCT Dream
NCT Dream may be freezing up before a crush in “Glitch Mode,” but that doesn’t stop the members from pursuing what they want. “An error or two, I like it,” Jaemin sings in the title track before Jeno raps, “If this is love, it’s okay.” This spirit of facing challenges head-on and with exuberant optimism persists across the album’s 11 tracks, as the group sings of charging forward despite the haters (“Arcade”) and staying connected despite being separated (“Never Goodbye”). Sonically, the hip hop-leaning (“Glitch Mode,” “Arcade”) tracks are just as arresting as the balladesque ones (“Teddy Bear,” “Never Goodbye”), a nod to the group’s formidable lineup of dynamic rappers and emotive singers. “Saturday Drip”—performed by Mark, Jeno, Jaemin, and Jisung—is the project’s highlight. With punchy rap verses over rollicking synths, the track invites everyone to revel in the freedom of a hard-earned Saturday.

Apocalypse: Save Us, Dreamcatcher
“Maison,” Dreamcatcher’s lead single in its latest album, is novel in how the song directly confronts the climate crisis. Through lyrics like, “Save my home in the ocean / Save my home in the desert,” the band calls for environmental action. (The authenticity of this message was met with some skepticism when Dreamcatcher’s label announced an NFT collection days after the album’s release.) But Apocalypse: Save Us is notable for much more than its essential theme. In addition to featuring group recordings—among them, the retro synth pop “Starlight” is an obvious standout—the album presents a generous offering of solo tracks. From Yoohyeon’s gentle jazz number “For” to Dami’s hard-hitting pop punk song “Beauty Full,” these projects are grand exhibitions of the members’ individual artistry.

Face the Sun, Seventeen
Face the Sun is all about Seventeen’s desire to become a force as impactful as the sun, and nothing captures this burning itch more than the title track “Hot.” The hip hop-based track immerses itself in heat-related imagery—“heart set on fire,” the artists sing in one verse; “this song is sizzling,” they sing in another. Throughout the album, the artists use related imagery like light and darkness (“Shadow”) and fire and ashes (“Ash”) to describe overcoming their fears. The group also continues to evolve its sound in Face the Sun. Following last year’s exhilarating single “Rock With You,” Seventeen leans further into rock with tracks like “Don Quixote,” “March,” and “Shadow.” These songs pull from elements of other genres, too, but share propulsive beats and an explosive energy that signal the scorching trail Seventeen is bound to leave behind.

INVU, Taeyeon
In INVU, Taeyeon takes the listener on an intimate journey through the complex emotions of being in love. The two singles on the album, “INVU”—read as “I envy you”—and “Can’t Control Myself,” are raw expressions of romantic feelings that seem impossible to contain. And while “Toddler” is a wistful reflection of a little girl who “believed that there were only happy endings,” INVU quickly takes a darker turn with Taeyeon singing about the emotional wounds and scars (“Timeless,” “Heart”) left by a lover. Perhaps most heartbreaking is “No Love Again,” in which the singer describes closing her heart and building a wall to stop loving someone. But INVU ends on a hopeful note, as Taeyeon declares, “I loved you with all my heart / Forget about the past / I’ll leave now / to find my story again.” Whether her voice is flowing softly over synth notes in “INVU” or soaring effortlessly over piano keys in “Some Nights,” the seasoned artist’s delivery makes each of the 11 tracks more piercing.

Read More: The Best Songs of 2022 So Far

Psy 9th, Psy
Psy 9th, Psy’s first release in five years, features a particularly impressive guest-artist lineup. There are appearances from, for example, Epik High’s Tablo, Jessi, Crush, and of course, BTS’ Suga—who not only features on the snazzy lead single “That That” but co-produced it. This Latin-infused track is bold and unapologetic. Psy pompously announces his long-awaited return in the song’s first moments—“Long time no see, huh? It’s been a minute, huh?”—and Suga spits out a verse about his undeniable success.

Another highlight on the album is Psy’s collaboration with Mamamoo’s Hwasa, “Now.” The groovy retro number is a cover of Seoul Family’s 1987 song of the same name—which was the band’s remake of Jermaine Jackson and Pia Zadora’s “When the Rain Begins to Fall.” The tracks that Psy performs alone are also endlessly engaging, from the over-the-top “Celeb” to the mellow “Hello Monday.” The latter is a sardonic meditation on the numbing routine of life: “Let’s work hard and then get cursed as a reward,” Psy muses.
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