Capstones
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Graduation Date
Winter 12-19-2025
Grading Professor
Vanessa Botelho
Subject Concentration
Arts & Culture
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Abstract
From sold-out stadiums to chart-topping albums, K-pop has evolved from a regional phenomenon into a global cultural force. What began with viral moments like PSY’s “Gangnam Style” has grown into an industry capable of headlining major U.S. festivals, shaping fashion trends, and mobilizing passionate global fandoms. As K-pop expands deeper into Western markets, however, it faces mounting questions around identity, language, and authenticity. The increasing use of English lyrics and Western collaborations has sparked debate over whether global success comes at the cost of Korean cultural roots. Beneath the polished performances lies a tightly controlled industry, where young idols endure years of intense training, rigid standards, and mental health pressures, challenges compounded for Korean American and foreign trainees navigating complex identities. While K-pop has advanced Asian representation on the world stage, it also exports narrow beauty ideals and reinforces industry gatekeeping. As a new generation of artists and fans emerges, K-pop’s future hinges on whether it can balance global ambition with cultural truth – thriving internationally without losing what makes it uniquely K-pop.
Recommended Citation
Sadykhov, Sima, "K-Pop Goes Global: Fame, Identity, and the Cost of Crossover" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gj_etds/809
