K-Pop’s Global Reach: Cuba’s Unexpected Love for Korean Pop Music
Cubans kids attend K-Pop dancing classes. Video from El Pais on YouTube.
Cuba’s Musical Heritage
The island of Cuba has given birth to several types of music influenced mostly by west African and Spanish music, which have taken the world by storm, for example, salsa, reguetón, and rumba. This makes it perhaps surprising that music from South Korea, which has no geographical, cultural, language, or traditional connections with the Caribbean’s largest island, should be catching on.
K-Pop’s Infectious Beat
However, K-pop’s infectious beat and elaborate choreography seems to have been able to skip over these apparently insurmountable barriers and become popular worldwide. But in Cuba, where until very recently internet download speeds have been non-existent or glacial, it appears that the appearance of cell phones has finally linked Cuban youth to the outside world, so although Havana doesn’t have diplomatic relations with South Korea, its youth can download Korean music and videos. And they like them.
K-Pop’s Global Popularity
Korean popular music, or K-pop, has spread far and wide from its Asian roots as boy bands like BTS and NCT and their female counterpart Blackpink rival Taylor Swift for downloads and album sales globally.
Cuba’s K-Pop Enthusiasts
On Saturday, far from Seoul, dozens of teenagers clad in plaid, prep school skirts, baggy bomber pants, and heavy black eyeliner busted their best moves as images of the genre’s idols were projected on a large screen of a Havana dance club. "K-pop has opened a new world to me," said 24-year-old Fransico Piedra, who when not working with his father as a blacksmith dreams up meticulous dance steps. Known by his artistic name Ken, he one day aspires to be a professional K-pop choreographer. "It’s a place where I can be myself, and share with friends the joy of laughter, song, and dance."
Cuba’s K-Pop Ambassadors
Many of the teenagers hope to follow in the footsteps of two Cuban groups — Limitless and LTX — that before the pandemic traveled to South Korea to partake in the K-POP World Festival, an annual talent competition.
K-Pop’s Early Penetration
K-pop — a catch-all for musical styles ranging from R&B to rock — first penetrated the island when Cubans fell in love with South Korean soap operas about a decade ago. As internet speeds improved, and government controls eased, more young Cubans got online and started streaming videos like teenagers everywhere.
Diplomatic Ties
While Cuban kids may be mesmerized by K-pop, an older generation of leaders have had frostier ties to South Korea. The two countries only restored diplomatic relations that were severed following the 1959 Cuban revolution this year and have yet to exchange ambassadors. Meanwhile, Cuba remains a staunch ally of North Korea, which views K-pop as a dangerous form of propaganda from a capitalist enemy with whom it has been locked in a military standoff since the 1950s.
Sources
VOA, AP, Reuters, El Pais.
Conclusion
K-pop’s global reach has transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, captivating fans worldwide, including those in Cuba. Despite the island’s unique musical heritage, K-pop has managed to find a foothold in the hearts of Cuban youth, who are eager to follow in the footsteps of their K-pop idols.
FAQs
Q: How did K-pop first penetrate Cuba?
A: K-pop first penetrated Cuba when Cubans fell in love with South Korean soap operas about a decade ago.
Q: What are some popular K-pop groups among Cuban youth?
A: Some popular K-pop groups among Cuban youth include BTS, NCT, and Blackpink.
Q: How do Cuban youth access K-pop music and videos?
A: Cuban youth access K-pop music and videos through the internet, which has become more widely available on the island in recent years.
Q: What are the diplomatic ties between Cuba and South Korea?
A: Cuba and South Korea restored diplomatic relations in [year] after they were severed following the 1959 Cuban revolution.