Exo

An illustration of KAI from K-pop group, EXO

KAI’s Journey From EXO to a Full-Fledged Solo Artist

Kim Jong-in wasn’t always the smooth and suave soloist fans know him as today. He’s gone from being EXO’s beloved main dancer to a successful soloist following his two recent album releases.…

March 23, 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

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