KPOP KRACKED: redefining K-pop with an electrifying EDM video DJ live show

Kevin Kim

K-pop has grown into a global phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide with its catchy melodies, intricate choreography, and vibrant visuals. However, as this genre continues to expand, there’s a growing desire to innovate and push the boundaries of what K-pop can be. KPOP KRACKED is an exciting project that answers this call by fusing the energetic beats of EDM with the signature style of K-pop, creating an entirely new experience for fans. Led by DJ Fenner, a seasoned DJ with over 15 years of experience in South Korea and 24 years globally, KPOP KRACKED is redefining how K-pop is experienced, both sonically and visually.

Genesis of KPOP KRACKED

The inception of KPOP KRACKED is rooted in DJ Fenner’s deep passion for K-pop and EDM. After spending more than a decade immersed in South Korea’s vibrant music scene, Fenner saw an opportunity to merge these two powerful genres. “I wanted to bring K-pop more into the ‘Electronic Dance Music’ festival and club scene,” Fenner explains. His journey as a DJ began at age 14, influenced by his father’s love for music, and evolved into a diverse career spanning genres like Hardstyle, Hard Trance, Drum & Bass, Dubstep, and House. This extensive background laid the foundation for KPOP KRACKED, enabling Fenner to create something truly unique.

The idea for KPOP KRACKED began as an experiment, with Fenner crafting mashups that blended K-pop’s catchy melodies with EDM’s driving beats. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and what started as a creative exploration quickly became a full-fledged project. By drawing on his rich experience, Fenner has managed to bridge the gap between these genres, introducing K-pop to a new audience and giving EDM fans a fresh perspective.

Creative process

Fenner’s approach to creating KPOP KRACKED mashups is meticulous and innovative, involving careful selection of tracks and an intricate blending process. “The creative process has literally been collecting all kinds of cool EDM music for over 20 years,” Fenner shares. He begins by identifying K-pop tracks that stand out for their vocals, melody, or popularity, and then searches for harmonic matches within his extensive library of EDM tracks. The mashups are refined through trial and error, with particular attention paid to EQing, structural arrangement, and audio processing.

A significant challenge in this process is working with vocals. Fenner notes that it would be easier to achieve the desired sound if he had access to the original acapella versions of the songs. Despite this hurdle, his dedication to the craft shines through in every track, producing mashups that resonate with both K-pop and EDM fans. This dedication is evident in the polished, high-energy tracks that make up the KPOP KRACKED repertoire.

KPOP KRACKED aka Fenner

Visual experience

The visual component of KPOP KRACKED is just as crucial as the music. Fenner’s performances are known for their high-energy and visually stimulating elements, which are integral to the overall experience. The mask and tech-wear outfit he dons during shows add an element of mystery and excitement, drawing the audience’s attention away from the DJ himself and towards the immersive audiovisual spectacle. “I wanted something with a ‘futuristic’ and ‘rave culture’ kind of vibe,” Fenner explains, describing his collaboration with a Korean brand to create the perfect look for KPOP KRACKED. This visual presentation enhances the immersive experience, making each performance more than just a concert but a full-fledged audio-visual spectacle.

Launch and reception

KPOP KRACKED officially launched at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) during a countdown festival, a significant milestone in DJ Fenner’s career. Broadcast live on YTN News, this debut performance showcased Fenner’s innovative mashups to a national audience, marking the beginning of KPOP KRACKED’s journey. The project has since been featured at prominent events like Sungkyunkwan University, where Fenner shared the stage with well-known K-pop groups like ATEEZ as well as international shows at top clubs like ‘The Pitt’ in Kuala Lumpur and ‘MOP Club’ in Macau.

One particularly memorable moment for Fenner in the buildup to the project was performing at the National Fireworks Festival in front of a crowd of over 10,000 people. Playing his mashup of “Zico – New Thing” at the peak of its popularity, Fenner recalls the overwhelming response from the crowd, an experience that reinforced his belief in the potential of KPOP KRACKED.

Future of KPOP KRACKED

Looking to the future, DJ Fenner envisions KPOP KRACKED expanding far beyond South Korea’s borders. He plans to take the show on international solo tours, introducing audiences around the world to this unique fusion of K-pop and EDM. Fenner also hopes to collaborate with K-pop idols and international artists, aiming to place K-pop at the center of the global dance music scene. His ultimate goal is to establish KPOP KRACKED as a solo K-pop EDM video DJ live show that can also tour with K-pop idol groups as their warm-up DJ, while producing official remixes for their music.

In addition to his work on KPOP KRACKED, Fenner has also gained experience as a tour manager for international DJs like Sam Feldt, Snails, Netsky, Jay Hardway, and Cazzette when they toured Asia. Fenner hopes to bring top 100 DJs and the best music producers in the EDM scene into the mix for collaborations with K-pop idols and himself under the KPOP KRACKED alias. A dream collaboration for him would be BLACKPINK x DAVID GUETTA x KPOP KRACKED.

Fenner’s vision is clear: “I have the platform, the skills, and the vision to make K-pop fit nicely into the mainstream EDM world.” As KPOP KRACKED continues to grow, it promises to redefine how audiences around the world experience K-pop, offering a fresh and exciting perspective on this ever-evolving genre.

Final thoughts

KPOP KRACKED is more than just a DJ show; it’s a groundbreaking project that pushes the boundaries of K-pop by blending it with the energetic beats of EDM. Through innovative mashups and visually stunning performances, DJ Fenner is creating a new way to experience K-pop, one that resonates with fans of both genres. As KPOP KRACKED continues to evolve, it stands to leave a lasting impact on the global music scene, setting the stage for a new era of K-pop and EDM fusion.

With Fenner at the helm, KPOP KRACKED is poised to become a global sensation, bridging cultures and musical styles in a way that only K-pop can. As this project grows, it will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the global music industry, setting the stage for a new era of K-pop and EDM fusion.

Kevin Kim (kevin.kim@routenote.com) is the head of Asia for RouteNote, a global music business company. He worked for YG PLUS and CJ E&M Mnet before joining RouteNote.