SC Connecticut News

Scholars and music industry insiders recently convened at Yale University to explore the social and cultural impact of K-pop. The conference, hosted by sociologist Grace Kao and Yale's Council on East Asian Studies, included presentations from academics and prominent figures in the K-pop industry.

The event began with a recorded message from Kim Jae-joong, a renowned singer-songwriter and former member of TVXQ!. "Congratulations on the international K-pop conference at Yale," Jae-joong stated. "I cheer for a successful conference, and I hope everyone is having a great time." Other messages from Yonghoon of ONEWE and girl groups Say My Name, Purple Kiss, and Young Posse followed.

This two-day gathering marked Yale's first examination of K-pop's global influence. It attracted scholars who study various aspects of K-pop as well as industry professionals who provided insights into music production and idol training.

Grace Kao has been studying race, ethnicity, and immigration throughout her career. Her interest in K-pop was sparked after watching BTS perform on Saturday Night Live. During the conference, she presented research linking British new wave music to contemporary K-pop alongside Wonseok Lee.

Kao emphasized that K-pop artists are expected to release multiple EPs annually. She noted that South Korean music executive Bang Si-hyuk is a fan of new wave bands like Duran Duran.

Hyung Kyu Kim from RBW Entertainment shared his perspective on the rigorous training aspiring idols undergo. He highlighted four virtues: grit, creativity, sociability, and character. Kim stated that creativity counters criticism of standardization in K-pop while sociability helps idols connect with fans.

The event was supported by several organizations including The Institution for Social and Policy Studies; The Edward J. and Dorothy Clarke Kempf Memorial Fund; and the Yale Center for the Study of Race, Indigeneity, and Transnational Migration.