Kenny Kihyung Bae: "The greatest success of K-Pop is not creating stars, but transforming international audiences into cultural communities"

Kenny Kihyung Bae discusses the evolution of K-Pop and Korean dramas, emphasizing their role in creating global cultural communities. He argues that Psy's success with "Gangnam Style" was a turning point, showcasing that Korean content could achieve global recognition without Western influence. Bae highlights the importance of audience participation in K-Pop, where fans actively engage with artists and content. He notes that while early K-dramas were aimed at domestic audiences, they unexpectedly resonated internationally due to universal themes. The Oscar win for "Parasite" challenged cultural hierarchies, proving that Korean stories can address global issues. Bae stresses the need for a sustainable creative ecosystem in Korea, where both private and public sectors play distinct roles in promoting Hallyu, ultimately fostering a global community beyond economic gains.