After exploding in Europe, Korean pop or K-pop music is now spreading through Central and South America, enjoying huge success in Mexico, Peru and Chile.

Over 400 people making up 171 music groups recently applied to take part in The K-Pop Contest Latin America 2011 in Argentina this September. Except for Cuba and Honduras, every country in Central and South America is represented in the applicant pool.

The internet is also playing a role in the hype. An increasing number of foreign fans are checking out popular Korean groups online, promoting K-Pop even in the Middle East and Africa.

A K-pop concert was held in Paris last weekend, driving thousands of European fans wild for popular acts including Girls’ Generation, SHINee, Super Junior, f(x), and TVXQ. The success of the concert is a sign that the genre’s following is reaching beyond Asia.