Korean Pop, more commonly known as K-pop, has undergone a remarkable transformation from its origins as a niche subculture in South Korea during the 1990s to a global cultural powerhouse. Its captivating blend of catchy melodies, impeccably choreographed performances, lavish live shows, and visually stunning music videos has propelled K-pop to dominate the Billboard charts, cultivate a devoted online fanbase, and amass billions in revenue.
From a Divergent Diversion to an Academic Exploration
In the early days of the pandemic, sociologist Grace Kao stumbled upon K-pop videos as a means of diversion. Fast forward to the present, and Kao finds herself delving deep into the societal implications of this captivating genre. Grace Kao, a distinguished Yale sociologist holding the IBM Professor of Sociology title along with the position of ethnicity, race, and migration professor, is also the director of the Center on Empirical Research in Stratification and Inequality (CERSI). Kao’s intrigue ignited after watching a captivating 2019 BTS performance on Saturday Night Live, propelling her into a realm of research that scrutinizes K-pop’s multifaceted cultural, sociological, and even political ramifications.
Transforming Curiosity into Scholarship: A New Perspective on K-pop
The turning point for Kao was the mesmerizing performance by BTS on Saturday Night Live, which gradually shifted her curiosity from a personal fascination into an academic exploration. Kao’s journey into the realm of K-pop was initially casual, watching videos simply for amusement. However, her perception shifted as she recognized the importance of comprehending this cultural phenomenon. Supported by her colleagues Wonseok Lee, an ethnomusicologist and musician from Washington University, and Meera Choi, a Korean graduate student at Yale, Kao embarked on a mission to educate herself about K-pop and its implications.
Fusion of Disciplines: Unraveling K-pop’s Complex Fabric
Kao’s scholarly interests, steeped in race, ethnicity, and Asian American studies, converged with her newfound fascination for K-pop. While her background was rooted in quantitative sociology, Kao embraced the opportunity to broaden her expertise. The thrill of academia lies in its capacity to foster learning and evolution, a principle Kao eagerly embraced. Collaborating with Lee, she embarked on an exploratory journey, initially devoid of specific research questions. Together, they embarked on diverse research endeavors, dissecting K-pop’s connection to a spectrum of genres, from ’80s synth-pop to R&B and hip hop, revealing its intricate ties and rapid production pace.
Music as a Catalyst for Change: Analyzing K-pop’s Sociopolitical Impact
Among Kao’s ventures, a compelling study with data scientists delves into the influence of K-pop in shaping political narratives. Analyzing Twitter data pertaining to a pivotal BTS tweet following the tragic Atlanta shootings of 2021, Kao and her team explore the genre’s potential for catalyzing sociopolitical change. As K-pop’s massive and well-organized fandom amplifies its sway, it emerges as a potent vehicle for political mobilization. This research involves sifting through vast amounts of data, a testament to Kao’s dedication to unearthing K-pop’s multifaceted impact.
The Journey of Representation: K-pop’s Role in Empowering Asian Americans
A pivotal aspect of K-pop’s ascent is its role in empowering Asian Americans through enhanced visibility. BTS’s breakthrough on Saturday Night Live marked a watershed moment, showcasing East Asian individuals singing in a non-Western language on a global stage. Kao emphasizes the profound effect of this visibility, transcending musical preferences. Moreover, the pandemic spotlighted BTS’s omnipresence across media platforms, sparking discussions about xenophobia and discrimination. The unwavering support of BTS’s fandom, coupled with media coverage, catalyzed public conversations against racism.
Reimagining Possibilities: K-pop as an Agent of Societal Change
Kao’s analysis delves into the broader implications of K-pop, with profound effects on perceptions of ethnicity and identity. Historically, Asian culture has been prone to stereotyping and mockery, but K-pop’s rise challenges this norm. The embrace of BTS by mainstream media, exemplified by their Time magazine cover and White House invitation, showcases the transformative potential of K-pop in reshaping societal narratives. Kao reflects on the significance of such advancements, which seemed unimaginable merely years ago.
Elevating Musical Discourse: Pop Culture’s Deeper Significance
Kao imparts her insights through a first-year seminar titled “Race and Place in British New Wave, K-pop, and Beyond.” This course underscores the importance of treating pop culture with seriousness, considering its pervasive influence on perceptions of race, ethnicity, gender, and nationality. Kao emphasizes the distinct ways students today engage with music, primarily through algorithm-driven platforms like Spotify and YouTube. This shift necessitates a renewed understanding of musical genres, urging students to consume diverse music to cultivate a comprehensive grasp of musical classifications.
Empowering Music Literacy: Fostering Deeper Appreciation
Kao’s objective is to cultivate an appreciation for musical diversity among her students, urging them to engage actively with a wide range of genres. By comprehending various genres and their unique traits, students can contribute more informed perspectives on cultural and sociopolitical matters. Kao’s pedagogical approach accentuates the importance of consuming music actively, fostering a deeper connection to its significance.
Personal Melodies: Kao’s Current K-pop Favorites
Beyond her academic pursuits, Kao is an ardent enthusiast of K-pop herself. In addition to BTS, she enjoys the music of SEVENTEEN, ENHYPEN, NewJeans, Super Junior, and the emerging group TRENDZ. This personal affinity underscores Kao’s holistic immersion in the genre she studies.
In conclusion, the evolution of K-pop from a regional subculture to a global cultural powerhouse mirrors the genre’s transformative power in society. Grace Kao’s multidisciplinary exploration exemplifies the genre’s complex interplay with music, culture, and politics, fostering newfound perspectives on representation, empowerment, and societal change. Through her endeavors, Kao not only uncovers the multifaceted layers of K-pop but also encourages a deeper understanding of the broader implications of pop culture in our interconnected world.
