Yeojin’s Underweight Revelation Reignites Debate on Extreme K-Pop Diet Culture and Idol Welfare
The K-Pop industry, a global cultural phenomenon celebrated for its meticulously choreographed performances and striking visuals, is once again confronting a sobering aspect of its demanding standards: the pervasive and often dangerous culture of extreme…
The Evolution of K-pop Fandom Culture and the Critical Distinction Between Constructive Criticism and Malicious Harassment
The global expansion of the South Korean music industry, commonly known as K-pop, has transformed from a regional cultural product into a multibillion-dollar international phenomenon. As of 2023, K-pop exports reached a record high of over $1 billion,…
IU and Byeon Woo Seok’s Fictional Royal Wedding in ‘Perfect Crown’ Ignites Global Fan Enthusiasm and Highlights Traditional Korean Culture.
The highly anticipated fictional royal wedding between celebrated actress and singer IU, playing the role of Princess Consort Lee Ji-eun, and actor Byeon Woo Seok, portraying Crown Prince Lee Hwan, in the immensely popular historical Korean drama…
Korean Culture Through K-pop 102: Korean Nationalism Uncovered
The Mythological Foundations of the Korean Identity At the heart of Korean ethno-nationalism lies the foundational myth of Tan’gun Wanggeom, the legendary figure credited with establishing the first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon, in 2333 BC. According to the…
Navigating the Intersection of Black Culture and Korean Pop Music A Dialogue on Representation and Appropriation
The global expansion of the South Korean music industry, commonly referred to as the Hallyu Wave, has brought K-pop into direct contact with a diverse array of international audiences. As the genre transcends geographical and linguistic barriers, it has…
Popular K-Pop Idol Expresses Disappointment Over Current Greeting Culture In The Industry.
Lee Daehwi, a prominent member of the K-pop group AB6IX and formerly of the globally successful project group Wanna One, has brought a significant industry-wide discussion to the forefront regarding the erosion of traditional social protocols within the…
The Growing Crisis of Sasaeng Culture in the K-pop Industry: A Comprehensive Analysis of Fan Extremism and Artist Safety
The South Korean music industry, globally recognized as K-pop, faces an enduring and escalating challenge known as "sasaeng" culture, a phenomenon characterized by extreme fans who engage in stalking and invasive behaviors that frequently…
Toxic Fan Culture and the Boundaries of Idol Privacy in the K-pop Industry
The global rise of K-pop has been fueled by a unique and symbiotic relationship between artists and their fans. On one hand, these dedicated communities are known for their extraordinary mobilization, organizing elaborate fan projects, donating…
Navigating the Intersection of Black Culture and K-pop: Perspectives on Appropriation, Representation, and the Global Fandom Experience
The global ascension of South Korean popular music, known as K-pop, is fundamentally intertwined with the history and evolution of Black musical traditions, ranging from rhythm and blues to hip-hop and soul. As the industry expands its footprint across…
LE SSERAFIM’s "Spaghetti" Serves a Deliciously Camp Commentary on Fan Culture and Hater Consumption
The vibrant and unapologetically camp music video for LE SSERAFIM’s electropop single "Spaghetti" offers a self-aware and playful response to the intense online scrutiny the group has faced, particularly following their performance at…