The story of the last 15 years of popular music can’t be told without a significant focus on the rise of Korean pop from a powerful but largely isolated industry to a border-crossing global megaforce.

Every so often, a pop star emerges with an iconic debut album. This is not an easy feat to accomplish; however, when it does happen, it transforms these up-and-coming artists into global superstars.

In 28 days it began. In 28 weeks it spread. In 28 years it evolved.

K-pop idols such as V, TWICE, Jackson Wang, and aespa have released songs in English as well as Korean. Credit: Image credits: AFP / ImaZinS Editorial / Han Myung-Gu / NDZ/Star Max / GC Images / ...