Ashley Hagan, Virginia Commonwealth University

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

Meredith Granmayeh, Chapman University

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

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.

Peyton Conner, Indiana University

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Karen Lu, Yale University

The K-pop group presents an image that breaks away from traditional gender norms and propels us into a new era of self-love and acceptance.

Summer Brotman, University of California, Los Angeles

The K-pop boy band illustrates life in the time of COVID-19 with their newest track.

Sammi Looi, Baruch College

What makes this Korean pop supergroup such a success? It may be the multi-generational cast of experienced singers.

Reem Farhat, Fordham University

Fans of Korean idols and idol groups are organizing around the world to crash alt-right Twitter hashtags and boost black activism on YouTube.

Janani Mangai Srinivasan, Wake Forest University

The K-pop group’s loyal fan base, known as the BTS ARMY, has run into some pushback in their quest to pump up views on platforms like YouTube.

Michelle Young, Simon Fraser University

On their latest album, the K-pop superstars blend genres as they explore growing pains and the dark side of high ambitions.

Janella Tibbetts, Framingham State University

K-pop and K-dramas might be expanding America’s cultural horizons, but does it come at a price?

Caleb Dukes, Rice University

The musician’s latest album is brilliantly and beautifully manic.

Emma Lichtenstein, Brandeis University

Who knew she was such a softy?

Alicia Owens, Georgia State University

Following K-pop can be overwhelming, so here’s a breakdown of where and how to get the best content.

Sydney Hawkins, Alabama A&M University

It’s time to look behind the scenes of this multibillion-dollar industry.

Ashley Peterson, Geneva College

K-pop’s biggest stars sit down with each other to remind everyone that they’re still normal people.

Ashley Peterson, Geneva College

The song is a perfect introduction to the band’s mobile game and its focus on following your dreams.

Jamie Lovley, University of Maine

Move over machismo, there’s a new type of man in town.

Abby Hall, Hollins University

If she can’t make it big, K-pop might be in trouble.

Christine Fang, University of California San Diego

It’s simp o’clock somewhere…

Michele Mendez, Temple University

Fans point to the song’s parallels to the Greek myth of Narcissus, in which a self-obsessed protagonist commits suicide.

Jade Hookham, UC San Diego

BTS’s unique use of social media has fostered the growth of a multi-language fan base like nothing that has been seen before.

Michele Mendez, Temple University

‘Burn the Stage’ shows the good, the bad and the ugly of the K-pop industry.

Michele Mendez, Temple University

In his ‘Hope World’ mixtape, J-Hope tells a compelling story of his rise to fame and success, which came with responsibilities he did not foresee.

Terrica Singletary, Southern New Hampshire University

The seven-member, K-pop boy band recently shocked the world with their upset win at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards.

Karen Juarez, University of Illinois at Chicago

I mean, have you heard it?