Christian Horse Girl Music

Synonyms:	Innocent concept
See also:	K-Pop, Noise Music, Aesthetic
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Christian horse girl music is a tongue-in-cheek term used by international K-Pop fans to describe a specific sub-genre of K-pop characterized by its innocent, bright, and youthful sound and aesthetic. The term originated from a series of YouTube videos by content creator "ajnvcr" in 2022.

Characteristics

Songs falling under the "Christian horse girl music" umbrella typically feature:

• Upbeat, melodic instrumentals often incorporating orchestral elements or synth-pop influences
• Lyrics centering on themes of innocence, first love, and youthful optimism
• Vocal harmonies and light, airy vocals
• Music videos set in idyllic, nature-inspired locations or school settings
• Colorful, feminine, and modest styling for the group members

The term "Christian" in the name refers to the wholesome, family-friendly themes and styling, while "horse girl" is a nod to the often nature-centric, dreamy aesthetics associated with the concept.

Notable Groups

Some K-pop groups known for their "Christian horse girl music" include:

• GFRIEND, particularly their "school trilogy" songs like "Glass Bead," "Me Gustas Tu," and "Rough"
• Lovelyz, with songs like "Destiny," "Ah-choo," and "Now, We"
• Oh My Girl, known for tracks like "Closer" and "Secret Garden"
• Fromis_9, with songs like "To Heart" and "Feel Good"
• LOONA 1/3, with songs like "Love&Live"
• April, Berry Good, and more recently, CSR

History

The "innocent concept" or "pure concept" has been a staple in K-pop from the early generations, with groups like Girls' Generation and Apink, popularizing the sound and aesthetic. These concepts often featured the groups in school uniforms or feminine, pastel-colored outfits, performing in outdoor or school settings to show their youthful, innocent image.

The specific fan term "Christian horse girl music" was coined long after, around 2022, as a way for international fans to categorize this particular style of K-pop. Despite the rise of more mature, girl crush concepts within 3rd Gen/4th Gen, many K-pop fans express nostalgia for the "Christian horse girl music" era and appreciate newer groups that continue to explore this sound and aesthetic, most notably CSR and ILY:1.

Fan Comments

Some fans have identified it's origins in "classical crossover":

The real name of the genre I believe is "classical crossover". It's basically classical/orchestra music goes pop. I also associate this music with jpop, I even used to "call it shojo anime intro music" :D I believe americans associate this music with christian horse girls, cause "horse girls" are mainly found in the more conservative states of the us, and these aeras also tend to be more christian and there is a stereotype that their parents might prefer these girls listening to classical music. In my opinion, If we exclude the christian part it makes more sense. Horse riding is a more traditional/"old money" type of hobby, so people associate it with classical music, but due to the pop elments and the fact that this genre usually samples more upbeat classical music it's also associated with girliness/femininity.

Many fans have identified or commented on it's aesthetic:

A Christian horse girl is just a Christian girl who loves horses and horseback riding. They usually have horse figurines in their rooms and are really girly. They dress girly but modest, at least modest by western standards. The music they like is really girly but doesn’t have anything that could be offensive or too sexual. I always think Closer and Secret Garden by Oh My Girl are perfect Christian horse girl songs.

Well, Christian horse girls I guess share the same image as innocent concept. Wholesome and fairytaley pop. I think Taylor Swift was the OG Christian country horse girl btw

I think it's a combination from how the instrumentals sound because a lot of them reminisce church music and the image of a typical horsegirl as pure and innocent. Also that they always wear school uniform which is a thing in most Christian schools.

Links

• The UNTOLD Story of K-Pop's FORGOTTEN Genre. (2023)
• what the hell is christian horsegirl kpop? (2023)
• kpop's dead genre: christian horse girl music #slaylist (2022)