Tori McQuinn is a second-year civil engineering student with a passion for K-pop, the South Korean music trend that has been sweeping across international borders. Her WUSC-FM radio show features a mix of pop, ballad, hip-hop, R&B and electronica, all falling within the realm of K-pop. Catch DJ Taro’s show, “Korean Seoul,” Saturdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
How and when were you first introduced to Korean pop music?
Ghost (Ravi Solo) — VIXX
Lion Heart — Girls’ Generation
Let’s Not Fall in Love — BIGBANG
Get — Urban Zakapa
I Don’t Need a Man (남자없이 잘 살아) — miss A
In 10th grade, my best friend Brittany, who was one-fourth Korean, was a huge K-pop fan. I already knew a little about it — the big names mostly — but she’s the one who truly got me into it.
What is it about K-pop that allows you to appreciate the genre despite the language barrier?
Even though K-Pop is mass produced, I think it’s done pretty well. Audiovisuals are a huge part that appeals to me, but I obviously can’t show the music videos on the radio show. Still, I think it’s really fun and catchy, and a lot of people seem to like it.
Do you prefer solo artists or boy/girl groups? Give me your top three.
I like both boy and girl groups over the solo artists. My number one favorite group would have to be SHINee; number two, Infinite; and number three, miss A.
Which singers or groups would you recommend to someone completely new to the world of K-pop?
Either Girls’ Generation or Psy. I would recommend Psy just because he’s popular and everyone knows who he is due to “Gangnam Style.” Girls’ Generation because “Gee,” one of their most popular songs, is really catchy, and everyone I’ve shown it to generally likes it even if they don’t like K-pop.
