BTS

Album Review: P1Harmony’s Debut ‘Killin’ It’ Strikes a Chord in K-Pop Evolution

From Seoul to Global Stages: P1Harmony's Debut Album Showcases Their Capabilities and Opens Doors for K-Pop…

February 5, 2024

In an article about stan culture, a stan livestreams an artist's performance at a concert and receives thousands of views on social media.

A Deep Dive Into Stan Culture

Kimberly Vazquez, Columbia College Chicago

Despite its unflattering origins, the term “stan” has become a badge of honor to many fans who have dedicated their lives to promoting and defending their artists — by any means necessary. …

August 31, 2023

In an article about fanfictions being published, a black and white book depicts popular characters as inspiration for fanfictions.

The Fanfiction to Publication Pipeline

Emily Chang, Wellesley College

From 'Star Wars' to Harry Styles, fanfiction blurs the line between literary infringement and creative liberty.…

August 21, 2023

In an article about BTS and masculinity, the seven members of BTS and a member of the Korean military stand in front of the South Korean flag.

BTS: Blurring the Lines of the Gender Binary

Steffi Stoffel, Columbia College Chicago

How K-pop idols redefine what it means to be a man in Korean culture.…

August 1, 2023

In an article about minors in K-Pop groups, a Korean woman wears a shirt bearing the words 'too young'.

K-Pop Has a Minor Dilemma

Emily Chang, Wellesley College

The K-Pop industry is debuting increasingly younger idols, and the raging success of rookie group NewJeans is only proof of the growing problem.…

April 25, 2023

A sketch shows Halsey's "So Good" music video in purple, with a woman standing in front of a chandelier.

Halsey’s New Song Is ‘So Good’

Ashley Hagan, Virginia Commonwealth University

The artist's most recent release and accompanying music video showing her heartfelt love story exceed all expectations.…

June 25, 2022

stan wearing and holding BTS merchandise

Stan Culture: Is This Level of Investment Healthy or Harmful?

Meredith Granmayeh, Chapman University

In an increasingly online world, the line between enthusiasm and obsession in fan communities has become blurred.…

June 7, 2022

How K-pop Idols Are Affected by South Korea’s Mandatory Military Service

Peyton Conner, Indiana University

As if the country's music industry wasn't competitive enough, members of popular music groups must eventually face the additional challenge of serving in the military.…

January 11, 2022

Korean Language Studies Have Skyrocketed in the Wake of K-Pop

Peyton Conner, Indiana University

Hallyu has inspired many young scholars to learn more about Korea beyond what is shown on their screens.…

November 23, 2021

K-Pop Wouldn’t Be K-Pop Without the Choreography

Jenna Nelson, Scripps College

Korean pop groups are everywhere, but they wouldn't dominate as much as they do without the hard work of the people who design their dance moves.…

October 4, 2021

How K-Pop Redefined Masculinity (But There’s Still a Long Way To Go)

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

Korean bands like H.O.T. and BTS have done a lot to normalize 'soft masculinity,' but South Korean culture as a whole remains patriarchal and heteronormative.…

September 16, 2021

K-Indie Artists That Will Enrich and Bring Fresh Air to Your Playlists

Karen Lu, Yale University

The Korean indie music genre truly has something for all music enthusiasts, from R&B and hip-hop to rock and alternative.…

September 4, 2021

A photo of a fraction of the members of AKB48

AKB48 Has Reached National Success but Will They Ever Become Global?

Karen Lu, Yale University

Although the J-pop group is the biggest idol group in the world, does it have what it takes to be the next big thing?…

June 25, 2021

In an article about single Butter, an illustration of BTS

On ‘Butter,’ BTS Sings a Song of Self-Love That Also Pays Tribute to Their Influences

Salma Heram, George Washington University

The worldwide pop sensation is once again taking the world by storm with their new summertime anthem, as the band flaunts creative pop references and dance motifs.…

June 15, 2021

An illustration of the BTS x McDonald's meal.

BTS Continues To Prove Their Global Influence With Their McDonald’s Collaboration

Alice Han, Pepperdine University

While this collab was by no means expected, ARMY fans everywhere were pleasantly surprised and couldn't be more proud of their idols.…

June 14, 2021

Illustration by Lexey Gonzalez for an article on BTS's Film Out

BTS’s Japanese Single ‘Film Out’ Reflects On the Bitterness of Nostalgia

Mai Khou Vang, Michigan State University

In the second Japanese single from the renowned boy band, they tell the story of how hard it can be to let go of the past and look toward the future.…

April 18, 2021