Despite the 13,000 kilometers and stark cultural differences separating the Asian nation from the Caribbean island, K-pop has found a devoted following among Cuban youth.
In socialist Cuba, the birthplace of salsa and many other world-famous rhythms, the influence of South Korean pop music has taken hold.
In Havana, a popular gathering spot for K-pop enthusiasts, known as “discorea,” has become a hub for young Cubans eager to show off their dance moves and share the latest news about their favorite K-pop idols. Among them is 24-year-old Francisco Piedra, who goes by the stage name ‘Ken.’ A regular attendee, Ken dedicates himself to daily rehearsals and dreams of becoming a K-pop choreographer.
“K-pop has given me happiness, a world where I can be myself. I enjoy laughing, singing, dancing, and expressing myself as I truly am,” Ken shared, reflecting the passion that drives many of the movement’s followers.
The K-pop scene in Cuba is more than just a musical trend. Earlier this year, Cuba and South Korea re-established diplomatic relations, which had been severed since the Cuban revolution in 1959. However, K-pop’s arrival on the island predates this diplomatic shift. It began around four years ago, coinciding with the introduction of mobile internet services on the island, allowing fans to access the latest K-pop hits and choreography directly on their phones.
The movement, which its members fondly call the “K-pop tribe,” thrives on this digital connection. Fans regularly gather in Havana and Santiago de Cuba, forming a visible and vibrant community.
Tania Abreu, an electronic engineer and the leader of the Macrocosmos cultural project dedicated to K-pop, attributes the genre’s popularity to both its musical quality and its relatable themes. “When the kids discovered that K-pop is not just beautiful music but also has meaningful lyrics, they started downloading the songs and found a connection with that world,” she explained.
While the exact number of K-pop fans in Cuba remains unclear, Abreu estimates that several thousand enthusiasts are actively involved in this youthful and growing movement. Their presence is most noticeable in Havana and Santiago de Cuba, where they gather almost every weekend to celebrate the music and culture that have bridged continents and cultures.
