K-pop and Korean Popular Culture (Ashgate Popular and Folk Music Series)

By Sun Jung

K-pop is a cultural icon that epitomises globalized and transnationalized Korean popular culture. Flourishing idol groups are leading the current popularity of K-pop as the phenomenon expands far beyond the geographical borders of East Asia. In terms of its musical styles, K-pop is rooted in contemporary Western genres such as hip-hop, R&B and European electronic dance. The industry's transnational production and marketing practices are based largely on global capitalism, and are crucial to understanding current transnational K-pop flows. New media technologies such as social media and the smartphone have enhanced these flows. Despite its scholarly as well as significance within the music industry, very little work has undertaken conceptual analysis of the K-pop phenomenon beyond mere sketches of the industry and fandom. Within three primary areas of critical consideration: transnationalism, capitalism and digitization, Jung provides fascinating insight into the production and consumption of K-pop. The book will appeal to those working in Cultural Studies, Asian Studies, Media and New Media Studies, Youth Studies, Cultural Sociology, as well as Popular Music Studies.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1472438477
• ISBN13: 9781472438478
• Release Date: December 2026
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 1.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.3" x 9.3"