South Korea’s Corruption, Exposed by Burning Sun
The real damage from the Burning Sun scandal is not to K-pop only, but also to the reputation of the country’s elite, whose corrupt antics have been laid bare for all to see.
K-pop
The Seungri Scandal and South Korea’s Gender Disparity
The scandal surrounding Seungri, a former member of boy group Big Bang, illustrates the ongoing struggle for gender parity in South Korea and hints at deep-rooted problems with representation of women by the K-pop industry.
BTS: Generational Icons or Misogynists?
BTS has found success around the world, but South Korean feminists contend that the all-male group, like many male musicians in their South Korea, objectifies and degrades women with their lyrics and comments.
The K-pop DNA
K-pop is no longer just ‘Korean’ pop, but a global phenomenon reaching millions of fans worldwide. Here’s the story of a BTS fan from Malaysia.
Who Is to Blame for the Ills of South Korea’s Musical Industry?
Over the past 20 years, the South Korean musical industry has experienced explosive growth. But it has failed to develop artistically, depending on big-scale Western productions. The problem lies with local production companies that prioritize profit over quality, some say. But many industry insiders blame the fans.
K-Webtoons: The Next K-Pop in Southeast Asia?
South Korea's K-webtoons are gaining popularity in Southeast Asian countries, especially Thailand and Indonesia. Can titles like "I am Gangnam Beauty" and "Lookism" become as big a hit as K-pop in the region?
Netmarble Announces BTS Game Collaboration
South Korean game giant Netmarble and K-pop phenomenon BTS have partnered up to create a new game titled BTS World. But this is not the first time local game companies have tapped into the vast popularity of K-pop...
K-pop 101: Why Do Artists Keep Singing “Niga”?
Don't worry, it has nothing to do with the other N-word. What exactly is K-pop? Why is it so popular? Why is it often hated? Find out more in our 101.
A K-pop Star for One Day
Going to a noraebang and belting out a tune or two is a favorite pastime for South Koreans. Some companies, though, see an opportunity in elevating this mundane experience to a new level: helping Chinese tourists feel like a K-pop star for one day.
K-pop to WeChat: S. Korean Start-ups Want Chinese Tourists
From providing the ultimate K-pop experience to offering Wechat pay, South Korean start-ups are eager to attract Chinese tourists.
K-Pop: Stream Like You Breathe
K-pop fans are famous for their impressively coordinated support of idols, including a practice called sumseuming, "streaming music 24/7 as one breathes."
K-pop Trainee Calls Transgender People “Not Women”
Online spat between transgender celebrity Harisu and K-pop trainee Han Seo-hee regarding what a woman is highlights ignorance about LGBT rights in S. Korea.