BLACKSWAN, XG, and HORI7ON Reflect the Expanding Boundaries of K-pop with Global Lineups

Courtesy of DR Music

In a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the K-pop industry, the emergence of groups composed of members from diverse nationalities is reshaping the genre. While their classification as K-pop acts is subject to ongoing debate, these groups exemplify the growing diversity and global expansion within the realm of Korean pop music.

BLACKSWAN, a girl group comprising Senegalese-Belgian (Fatou), Brazilian-German (Gabi), American (NVee), and Indian (Sriya) members, boldly identifies itself as a K-pop act. Although the group initially included Korean members upon its debut in 2020, they eventually departed, leaving the international lineup intact.

Through their management company, DR Music, BLACKSWAN shared their experiences, expressing the challenges of learning Korean etiquette and the rollercoaster ride they have embarked upon. "But we are so glad to form a K-pop girl group that we dreamed of," the group stated. Their latest release, "Karma," has enjoyed strong chart performance globally, with the music video surpassing 5 million views on YouTube. BLACKSWAN also has plans to embark on an Asian tour in September.

Meanwhile, XG, an all-Japanese girl group, distinguishes itself by transcending the K-pop label. Comprising Jurin, Chisa, Cocona, Hinata, Maya, Juria, and Harvey, XG members were trained within the K-pop system and are currently based in Korea. However, they prefer to be known as a "global group" that breaks boundaries.

On Instagram, XG's executive producer, JAKOPS, emphasized their desire to showcase their music and performances to a global audience, free from prejudices and regional language regulations. "People may find XG unfamiliar because it is an unprecedented group, but we will strive to show its own color and diversity," JAKOPS stated. XG gained attention for their English digital single, "Tippy Toes," released in March, and their track "Left Right" from their January EP, "Shooting Star," secured a spot on the major U.S. radio chart Mediabase Top 40 Radio Airplay for ten consecutive weeks. Additionally, XG made headlines in May for their performance at the Head In The Clouds New York Music & Arts Festival, a renowned event that drew 60,000 attendees in California in 2021.

Joining the wave of non-Korean members in K-pop is HORI7ON, a boy band composed of seven Filipinos: Vinci Malizon, Kim Ng, Kyler Chua, Reyster Yton, Winston Pineda, Jeromy Batac, and Marcus Cabais. Created through the survival reality show "Dream Maker" in 2022 by Korean record label MLD Entertainment and Filipino media company ABS-CBN, HORI7ON is set to debut in Korea with their 21-track album, "Friend-SHIP," on July 24.

While based in Korea, HORI7ON aspires to transcend both K-pop and P-pop, aiming to become a global pop group. The band has already garnered substantial popularity in the Philippines, attracting over 7,000 fans to their performance in March.

"MLD Entertainment stated that the septet will mark the beginning of their musical journey in Korea with their upcoming release," signaling the group's intent to embark on a remarkable musical trajectory beyond borders.

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