Which K-Pop Concept Suits You?
K-pop concept
Retro
레트로
Born in the wrong decade, styled for this one.
The retro concept (reteuro, 레트로) is the K-pop style that borrows from the past — 70s disco, 80s city pop, 90s denim — and makes it new again with modern production and choreography.
It's you if…
- You own a film camera, and at least one roll is still undeveloped.
- Your playlist has songs from before you were born, and you know the lyrics.
- Thrift shops are not shopping for you. They're treasure hunts.
The surprise
Retro people are surprisingly up to date. You know the newest app and the newest café — you just like the old stuff better.
Best matchElegantYou both love things made carefully and made to last.Worst matchHip-HopThey want a louder bass; you want to hear the tape hiss.In Korean culture
Korea has its own word for this trend: “newtro” (뉴트로), from new plus retro — old things that feel new to people too young to remember them. It was picked as a trend keyword for 2019, and it shows up everywhere from cafés with 80s furniture to K-pop songs with city-pop synths.
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Take the quizFrequently asked questions
What is the retro concept in K-pop?
It's a style that borrows music and fashion from past decades, such as disco, city pop or 90s hip-hop, and updates it with modern sound and dance.
What does newtro mean in Korean?
Newtro (뉴트로) combines new and retro: vintage style that feels fresh to younger people who never lived through it. It was a big Korean trend word around 2019.
What is city pop?
City pop is smooth, synth-heavy pop from the late 70s and 80s, linked to Japan's city life. K-pop retro songs often borrow its bright synths and bass lines.
Concept names are how fans describe styles, not official categories, and real releases mix several. No idol, group or song is named or rated here.