I know nothing about K-pop. How does it differ from J-pop? And why isn't there a Chinese equivalent (that I've heard of)?
A lot of the separation between K-pop and J-pop really have to do with their influence. Kpop groups seem to be more influenced by western music and often (at least in the male groups) there are like rap segments and other familiar things. In fact, from what I've heard R&B and rap (and a lot of like mid late 90s to early 2000s style pop) seem to be the main influence in a lot of kpop. Jpop seems to be more of a fusion genre now, but they don't quite have any western equivalent. Shows like K-On and its score is an example of how loosely pop is used in jpop.
As for the girl groups. K-pop has long been cashing in on sex appeal and J-pop is more cute style stuff. The other is that J-pop (and other japanese groups) has rarely tried to venture outside of the bounds of Japan. While K-pop groups seem to almost aggressively attack the western markets now.
Ah, thank you. ---
Not changing this sig until I decide to change this sig. Started: July 6, 2005