HAVANA – Cuba, the vibrant island known for its salsa music, is now welcoming a new musical trend – South Korean pop music, also known as K-pop. Despite the 13,000 kilometers that separate them, the influence of K-pop is making a mark on Cuban youth.
K-pop, with its infectious beats and captivating choreography, has transcended language and cultural barriers to captivate audiences worldwide, rivaling even established Western pop stars in global popularity and sales.
While initially slow to catch on in Cuba, where salsa reigns supreme, the younger generation is embracing K-pop with enthusiasm. With improving internet speeds and greater access to online content, Cuban teenagers are immersing themselves in the colorful world of K-pop music and dance.
Many aspiring dancers and singers in Cuba have their sights set on following the footsteps of established Cuban K-pop groups like Limitless and LTX, who have participated in prestigious K-pop competitions in South Korea.
As K-pop continues to captivate Cuban youth, there remains a contrast with the older generation of leaders in Cuba, who have historically had limited ties with South Korea. However, the growing popularity of K-pop among Cuban youth signifies a changing cultural landscape on the island.
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