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K-pop continually establishes itself as an ever-evolving genre. In the past decade, it has truly become a global phenomenon. So what’s next for the K-pop genre? 

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For the past few months, K-pop fans have turned to the new reality competition that is America 2 Korea (A2K). The show’s premise involves contestants earning “stones” for achieving competencies in various areas, including dancing, singing, and character. The show starts in the US – where teens from across the country audition to debut in the next “global girl group.” The contestants are then given the opportunity to train in South Korea to work towards being the final group members. On September 21, J.Y. Park, the founder of JYP Entertainment, announced the final lineup for VCHA (pronounced: vit-chaa), a group formed by JYP and Republic Records. The lineup of VCHA consists of Camila, Lexus, Savanna, Kendall, KG, and Kaylee. 

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VCHA has released their first pre-debut single, ‘SeVit (NEW LIGHT)’, and the title track, “Y.O.Universe.” Park was involved in writing and producing “Y.O.Universe,” an up-tempo pop song that captures the narratives and journeys of A2K contestants. The single also features the songs used in the final round, “Go Getter” and “Know Me Like That.”

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A2K challenges what exactly makes K-pop, K-pop. The ultimate challenge awaits – how will K-pop fans respond to these shifts in the music industry? Given that the pre-debut songs have already demonstrated immense potential, many are hopeful for VCHA’s official debut. 

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