K-pop and Cultural Appropriation: Influences from the West and Within South Korean Society

Abstract

Korean pop music, or K-Pop, has become an international sensation and a multi-billion industry in just the past 20 years. K-Pop groups such as BTS, Blackpink, and EXO have become household names and carry huge influence on the international youth audience. New cultural products within the K-Pop industry consequently have to cater to fans across all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. However, there are increasing accusations against Korean artists of cultural appropriation, or taking the possession and performing elements of a subordinate culture without proper accreditation. Many artists imitate and attempt to profit from marginalized communities, who are criticized and ostracized for performing their own culture. In the West, cultural appropriation manifested from the colonization by the West (and particularly the US) of African American, Native American, and Hispanic cultures. The clear power imbalance between the colonizing and colonized countries defines the parameters of cultural appropriation. However, cultural appropriation in South Korea is more difficult to ascertain due to the country’s complex position within the international community. South Korean companies and the government need to be more conscious and have a united front against cultural appropriation to create media that respects the culture of those all over the world.