Members of Q_ARE, a Chilean boy band inspired by K-pop, recently posed for a photo in Santiago, Chile. In this vibrant city, a growing fascination with Korean culture is evident. This October, global sensation BTS will visit Santiago as part of their world tour. They’ve already enjoyed sold-out performances in Latin America, including Mexico, and have upcoming events in Colombia, Peru, Argentina, and Brazil. The demand for more shows was so intense in Mexico that President Claudia Sheinbaum reached out to South Korean officials to schedule additional dates.
From cuisine to skincare and fashion, the Korean wave has captivated audiences across Latin America. In Chile, young fans are not only consuming this culture but actively transforming it. Known as Hallyu, the Korean wave surged globally in the 1990s, with Korean music, dramas, cuisine, and beauty entering mainstream cultures worldwide. In Chile, youth have taken core K-pop elements, like energetic choreography and vibrant aesthetics, and created something uniquely Chilean. A fresh wave of homegrown, K-pop-inspired pop stars is emerging.
Homegrown Inspiration and Success
Q_ARE is a six-member band producing fast-paced music. They mix English, Spanish, and Chilean slang with K-pop influences and have gained a significant following. Their music videos use retro video games, flashy scene changes, and vibrant makeup. In preparation for their single “FĂ,” the group gathered in Santiago to perfect their choreography.
The band draws inspiration from K-pop. Vocalist Seba, 22, entered the artistic sphere due to K-pop but stresses that while influenced by Korea, they remain grounded in their Latin identity. The band consists of Seba, Jamin, Jota, Bin, Aiden, and Fabi. They answered an online call two years ago, auditioned for six months, and trained rigorously before debuting in 2024 with “Try Again.” They handle every aspect of their music, from songwriting to choreography, aesthetics, and video production. Q_ARE has a dedicated fanbase known as the “Qniverse.”
The group toured Brazil and performed at numerous venues across Chile. “We have fans from Singapore, Japan, the United States, and more,” says Bin, a rapper and dancer in the band. Chilean fans often explain Chilean slang used in lyrics to other Latin American fans.
Cultural Impact and Opportunities
The Korean wave is widespread in Chile. In Patronato, a neighborhood in Santiago, over 50 Korean restaurants have appeared, many Chilean-owned. These eateries play vibrant music videos, creating lively atmospheres. For many Chileans, their interest in Korea started during childhood with anime and Asian cultures. Valeria Vivar, coordinator of the Rey Sejong Institute in Santiago, notes the variety of students at this Korean cultural center. With about 200 students, the institute offers Korean language lessons and a master’s program in Korean Studies at Universidad Central.
Students are drawn to study Korean for many reasons, from appreciating K-pop to gaining deeper cultural insights. As interest grows, Q_ARE members are hopeful about the future of Chilean pop music. Fabi expresses excitement about creating novel music, noting the advantages of blending Asian cultural influences with Chilean creativity. The emergence of new Chilean boy and girl bands supports this vision.