Resources

BTS ‘Proof’ release interview.

K-Pop is bigger than it has ever been. Many new artists debut each year and the industry is at an all-time international high. But how did we get here? Is it something more complex and important than mere media headlines? K-POP: The Odyssey - Your Gateway to the Global K-Pop Phenomenon takes you on a journey to explore one of the biggest pop cultural phenomenona in recent history, drawing from stories and interviews from some of the biggest names in the K-Pop industry including: Henry Lau, international popstar, actor and K-Pop veteran; Hyuk Shin, multi-platinum record producer behind the hits of stars like EXO, DEAN, and Girls’ Generation; & Peter Chun, former YG Entertainment Director who spearheaded US collaborations for BIGBANG, 2NE1, and Epik High. Plus a BTS co-songwriter, academic scholars and more. K-POP: The Odyssey is split into eight parts, with each exploring a facet of the K-Pop phenomenon. Whether you are interested in the idol system, music, business, technology, or fandom, this book will serve as your guide.

South Korean K-pop bands like BTS, EXO, and Black Pink are breaking music industry records on the pop charts, in the concert halls, and on social media websites. K-Pop discusses what today's musicians are doing, how they attract a following, and what they are saying through their music.

This text uses interviews with K-Pop industry personnel, media experts, critics, and fans as well as archival research to explore how the K-Pop industry manages to sell live music events in a marketplace where everything is available online.