Top 10 States in the USA Obsessed with K-Pop Culture!

K-Pop has definitely conquered the world, and there is no exception for the USA. In the last ten years, K-Pop has grown in popularity across the United States, and their fans are flexing love for the genre. From streaming music videos on YouTube to attending concerts, K-pop's influence has bled into the fabric of American pop culture. But what states in the U.S. are the most obsessed with K-Pop? Let's look into the top 10 states where this culture thrives.

1. California

This is no surprise; California definitely tops the list. As one of the most diverse and trendiest states, the home of a thriving fanbase for K-Pop has long been in California. Major cities include Los Angeles and San Francisco, which host K-Pop events, concerts, and fan meetups. LA hosts some of the biggest concerts in K-Pop, and the city's vibrant Korean culture adds to the popularity of K-Pop. Whether it's the annual KCON festival or pop-up events celebrating K-Pop idols, California is the heart of K-Pop culture in the U.S.

2. New York

New York, with its worldwide exposure and multi-ethnic population, is yet another state that has embraced K-Pop with flying colors. New Yorkers have embraced the genre with open arms, and the city turned out to be a central location for K-Pop concerts and fan gatherings. Whether it's catching up with a concert at Madison Square Garden or grooving at an event for K-Pop dance covers, the Big Apple has an undeniable vibe for K-Pop. K-pop fans in New York are just very passionate, and often times, New York leads the trend in K-pop-related hashtags on social media.

3. Texas

Texas might be home to country music, but K-pop has grown very fast within the major cities in the state, especially Houston and Dallas. With Texas being among the states with one of the biggest Asian-American communities in the U.S., there of course arises with it a love for K-pop culture. Within Texas, one can find fans attending K-Pop events, organizing flash mobs, or even hosting K-Pop-themed dance battles. The diversity of the population adds to the growing love of Korean culture, making Texas one of the most K-Pop-obsessed states.

4. Illinois

Another K-Pop hotspot is Illinois, especially Chicago. Chicago has one of the largest, most active Korean-American communities in the United States, and that has translated well into an immense K-Pop presence. K-Pop concerts in places like the United Center draw in thousands of fans from across the state, and local fans are putting together events and watching K-Pop constantly. Chicago shows its love for K-Pop through its many fan clubs, stores completely dedicated to K-Pop, and several events on the bustling avenue.

5. Florida

K-Pop culture has found its biggest stronghold in Florida, particularly in cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. The state has a number of K-Pop fans who are often very vocal in support of their idols. Florida often holds a number of K-Pop events, from concerts to fan meetings and K-Pop dance competitions. The great diversity in this population, combined with the fantastic music scene, makes Florida a very suitable place for K-Pop fandoms to develop and flourish.

6. Washington

Washington, particularly Seattle, has become a major hub for K-Pop culture on the West Coast. Seattle’s large Asian-American community has played a key role in the popularity of K-Pop in the area, and the state regularly hosts K-Pop concerts and events. Washington fans are incredibly active on social media, constantly sharing content related to their favorite K-Pop groups. Seattle’s reputation as a progressive and inclusive city has made it an ideal place for K-Pop to take off.

7. Georgia

Within the last years, K-Pop culture has grown hugely in Georgia, especially in Atlanta. The diversity of Atlanta's population and its position as a huge entertainment hub have fostered this budding love for K-Pop. Events such as concerts, fan meetings, and special events bring K-Pop fans together throughout Georgia. This state combines southern hospitality with strong community spirit-signs that K-Pop will do really well here. Annual K-Pop festivals and concerts held in Atlanta are usually packed with passionate fans.

8. Nevada

Within the last couple of years, Nevada has become a nexus for K-Pop fans who want to attend concerts and events, especially in its most famous city: Las Vegas. It is a city of entertainment, and artists under K-Pop often come to the city to hold performances that attract many fans around the state. Events held for K-Pop in Nevada attract huge crowds, with energy unlike any other concert. In addition, the city's dynamic nightlife provides the ideal setting for K-Pop-themed parties and gatherings.

9. Virginia

Virginia is also starting to rise as a tough competitor in the K-Pop world, as cities like Arlington and Fairfax have a high concentration of fans. Its proximity to Washington, D.C. also means it frequently benefits from concerts and events that occur in the nation's capital. It houses many K-Pop fan clubs and events within its borders, and fans show their dedication by streaming, attending live events, and participating in fan projects whenever possible for the support of their favorite idols.

10. Ohio

Ohio might not be the state that comes to mind when one thinks about K-Pop, but indeed it's become a hot spot for fans. Cities such as Cleveland and Columbus have dynamic fanbases. Ohioans are very much known for organizing events, including K-Pop dance contests and K-Pop-themed festivals. Ohio's growing love for K-Pop can also be traced from the leap in the number of K-Pop stores and fan clubs that have cropped up across the state.