Today’s theme: K-pop Export

Korean culture is being widely consumed by many fans not just here in Korea but also in the global market. K-pop music is hitting Billboard charts and even k-pop idol training systems are being exported in the overseas markets. Even during the PyeongChang Winter Games, athletes marched in the Parade of Nations to the accompaniment of a select group of K-pop hits.With catchy melodies performed by polished dance groups, pop bands and soloists growing rapidly, the spin-off industry around their amazing ranks is growing even faster.

The Conversationalist

with

Professor Hae-kyung Um(엄해경)

Lecturer in music at the University of Liverpool and author of Asian Pop Music in Cosmopolitan Europe: K-pop Fandom in the Age of Globalization

“As a lecturer in music, what do you believe are some of the musical elements of k-pop that appeal to European audiences?

How do you think K-pop is able to have such large fanbases overseas when there obviously are cultural differences and language barriers which can be an obstacle in accessing popular culture?”

&

Chelsea Proctor

- Managing editor at Seoulbeats

“While pop star Psy found massive chart success with his 2012 dance hit Gangnam Style, his star soon fizzled. Do you think the success of BTS is here to stay?

The group is not from one of the three large labels in South Korea, SM, YG and JYP, and most of their lyrics are in Korean. How does that compare with other groups that have gone or are going global?”

Media Monster

노라조“형”

Artist: Norazo

Song: Hyeong (brother)

Next week: Birthrate