Do you know BTS, Black Pink, Twice, and Red Velvet? They are idol stars. Idol means a person who is getting big popularity from young teens and who has a field of activity, like a singer, MC, game character, actor, anchor, or professor. The age is usually in the '20s. However, the age of the idol star is getting lower. Under 15 teen idol is called low teen idol. Politician Kim said, "Influence of idol stars is getting bigger." A teen idol is focused on teens, children or the audience.

Idol stars started in 1930 to 1970. At that time, they only had a singing performance. Nevertheless, in 1980 to 1990, they added the dance, too. Then, in the 1990s, the first idol started, which is called the first generation idol, making the second generation idol to be active more easily. The second-generation idol started in 2000 with its first fandom. Then, now, the third generation idol has started, and idol stars are publicizing themselves by appearing on a TV program or by holding a concert.

▲ History of idol stars

There are many kinds of idol goods. Idol goods are related to idol stars or some items which have drawings or pictures of idol stars.

▲ Idols` goods

Even in South Korea, goods refer to products related to certain stars and animations, not just products. It is estimated that the size of South Korea's idol goods industry has exceeded 100 billion won. According to the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency in 2016, the market for idol goods and portraits-related products was worth about 75 billion won as of 2014. On the fact that SM Entertainment's sales related to the goods rose sharply from about 29 billion won in 2014 to about 58 billion won in 2015, the related market size is also expected to expand faster.

Idol star is very important these days. Many young children and watching them. It is said that idol stars are the next generation of the president, so many teens will have them as their role models. Idol stars should have self-awakening knowing that they can influence the teens.

By Woo-yeup Kim