Lore (K-Pop glossary term)

From Fanlore
(Redirected from Lore (K-Pop))
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Synonyms: Storyline
See also: Fan Theory, Alternate Universe, Loonaverse
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Lore in the context of K-Pop refers to an overarching storyline or mythology that connects music, videos, performances, and other content into a single narrative. The storyline is often ambiguous, allowing for a range of interpretations, leading to a significant number of fan theories and video essays. These often analyze the music videos in an attempt to piece the narrative together.

History

An infographic created by Bragen for a fan theory connecting color theory to girl group LOONA[1]

2012: Origins

EXO is generally considered the first group to have "lore," debuting in 2012. The members of the group are aliens from EXOPLANET, each having a superpower, and are tasked with protecting the tree of life against their main antagonist, "The Red Force." T-ara was also known to create music videos that resembled K-Dramas with more detailed storylines, for example, "DAY BY DAY" and "Sexy Love."

2015 - 2018: Rise in Popularity

Lore started gaining more popularity with the BTS Universe (BU), beginning in 2015, depicting the members living in an alternate universe. Modern usage of the fan term "lore" became more common in the following years with the creation of the LOONAVERSE in 2017, and later with aespa and their sci-fi concept called the SMCU. This storyline connected all of the groups under SM Entertainment (including EXO, NCT, SHINee, SNSD) into an interconnected storyline revolving around KWANGYA, a virtual world, with many groups mentioning it in their lyrics.[2]

The concept became more popular within the Fourth Generation, with groups such as ATEEZ, LE SSERAFIM, NMIXX, and others all having lore.

Fandom

Fans often develop fan theories. The lines between canon and fanon are often blurred, with many fan theories being widespread and taken as canon. These theories can be written or often made as video essays, dissecting a group's music videos, identifying common motifs, symbolism, easter eggs, and more. Fanfiction attempting to connect the lore together is also common.

Some examples of video essays include:

References

  1. ^ Bragen. Another crackhead theory based on the physics of LIGHT IN THE LOONAVERSE, from yours truly... April 15, 2018 (Accessed 27 May 2024)
  2. ^ For example, see this video. KWANGYA is a made-up word, referring to the virtual world
Retrieved from "https://fanlore.org/w/index.php?title=Lore_(K-Pop_glossary_term)&oldid=2660555"