By Morgan Thomas, Wayne State University

The K-pop group’s influence reaches far beyond the borders of South Korea, encouraging individuality and bringing happiness to many around the world.

By 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.

By Peyton Conner, Indiana University

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

By Peyton Conner, Indiana University

While the South Korean boy band has made a name for themselves within the genre, they also paved the way for other bands to do the same.

By 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.

By Jayni Nielsen, Pace University

By 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.

By Karen Lu, Yale University

Before his military enlistment, the South Korean star released a sultry, sophisticated EP that signals the start of a new chapter in his career.

By Mai Khou Vang, Michigan State University

From Latin pop to house to rock ballads, the singer and her first full-length album refuse to be put in a box.

By Megan Stager, University of Pittsburgh

While K-pop remains Korea’s most popular musical export, this indie rock band is forging the way for a few other styles of music to emerge from the country.

By Kaelani Ramirez, Arizona State University

These two powerhouses have challenged what it means to be a girl group in South Korea.