Asian studies Association of Australia: K-pop syncs to the politics of protest

Abstract

The term K-pop is one of the latest additions to the lexicon of global fads. Since the late 1990s, when Korean pop acts began to sell out stadiums across Northeast Asia, it has become a label for perfectly synced and well-behaved, fast R&B-based dance skits.

It certainly does not comprise Korean indie pop, but it will try to represent it all the same. Back in the 1990s, associated pop acts were the ideal sons and daughters-in-law: they personified true romance, virginity and a deep sense of loyalty. These days, K-pop idols may pack a little more street cred, but don’t let the bad-boy eyeliner and tats fool you; they’re merely following the instructions of their fashion designers.