K-pop is everywhere. It’s catchy, fun, and full of talent. But as a Black person living in America, I ALWAYS get frustrated watching how K-pop has taken so much from Black culture—our lyrics, clothing, and even hairstyles—and yet somehow, they get all the credit for it. People have ultimately forgotten where it all came from.
In all seriousness, the roots of K-pop are built on Black creativity. The raps, R&B vocals, the dance moves all came from Black artists and communities who made them out of struggle and power. Black people, since slavery, have found the light in the bad times, and music was a huge way for us to overcome and fight back against injustices in the world. But now, when K-pop idols do it, it’s seen as trendy, while when we do it, it’s “ghetto”. That double standard is exhausting.
What hurts most is the erasure. So many fans around the world have no idea that the things they love in K-pop started in Black culture. They think it’s something new that Korea made up, when in reality, it’s something we’ve been doing and perfecting for generations. Black people created these sounds and styles before K-pop even existed.
It’s not just about copying; it’s about respect. If you’re going to profit from a culture, you should honor the people who made it. K-pop companies have blatantly stolen from Black culture and given no credit. Take "Hot Sauce" by Babymonster, for example: the entire song is sampled from "Supersonic" by J.J. Fad. Yet no credit was given where credit was due, resulting in the hip hop group calling the K-Pop idols and their company out. Idols should acknowledge their Black influences and even speak up when fans cross the line into racism. Appreciation means giving credit and standing with us. Not just taking what looks cool.
As a Black person, it’s tiring to always see our culture celebrated only when someone else wears it. We are the blueprint, so tell us our style is appreciated, but don’t go and tell the copycat years later. We deserve recognition, respect, and the right to be seen as the originators of what the world now loves.
K-pop proves that music can connect people across countries and languages. But a connection without credit isn’t real unity; it’s just another form of taking. If the industry truly values the culture it borrows from, then it’s time for it to give us our recognition and let the people know: “This came from Black people.”
In all seriousness, the roots of K-pop are built on Black creativity. The raps, R&B vocals, the dance moves all came from Black artists and communities who made them out of struggle and power. Black people, since slavery, have found the light in the bad times, and music was a huge way for us to overcome and fight back against injustices in the world. But now, when K-pop idols do it, it’s seen as trendy, while when we do it, it’s “ghetto”. That double standard is exhausting.
What hurts most is the erasure. So many fans around the world have no idea that the things they love in K-pop started in Black culture. They think it’s something new that Korea made up, when in reality, it’s something we’ve been doing and perfecting for generations. Black people created these sounds and styles before K-pop even existed.
It’s not just about copying; it’s about respect. If you’re going to profit from a culture, you should honor the people who made it. K-pop companies have blatantly stolen from Black culture and given no credit. Take "Hot Sauce" by Babymonster, for example: the entire song is sampled from "Supersonic" by J.J. Fad. Yet no credit was given where credit was due, resulting in the hip hop group calling the K-Pop idols and their company out. Idols should acknowledge their Black influences and even speak up when fans cross the line into racism. Appreciation means giving credit and standing with us. Not just taking what looks cool.
As a Black person, it’s tiring to always see our culture celebrated only when someone else wears it. We are the blueprint, so tell us our style is appreciated, but don’t go and tell the copycat years later. We deserve recognition, respect, and the right to be seen as the originators of what the world now loves.
K-pop proves that music can connect people across countries and languages. But a connection without credit isn’t real unity; it’s just another form of taking. If the industry truly values the culture it borrows from, then it’s time for it to give us our recognition and let the people know: “This came from Black people.”
