The Identity and Emergence of K-pop

by Jimmyn Parc

Overview

By analyzing the various factors contributing to K-pop's unprecedented global rise, this book delves into key elements such as cultural hybridity, digital connectivity, and the role of fan engagement, while also interrogating the ways these factors have shaped K-pop's unique position within the global music industry.
In addition to exploring K-pop's identity, the book addresses the often overlooked competitive landscape in which it has flourished, including a detailed analysis of K-pop's strategic innovation and its ability to resonate across diverse cultural contexts. This book provides a thorough and compelling account of the multifaceted forces behind its international success. For readers seeking a deeper understanding of the true drivers behind K-pop's global phenomenon, this work offers critical insights into its cultural, economic, and artistic dynamics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798765160053
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	07/10/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	208
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Jimmyn Parc is associate professor at the University of Malaya.

Table of Contents

Prologue: Mission Identified, but Misaddressed
Part I: The Search for Identity
Chapter 1: Formation
Chapter 2: Definition
Chapter 3: The Copying
Chapter 4: The Copied
Part II: Competitiveness Enhancement
Chapter 5: Hybridization (or Hybridity)
Chapter 6: Fandom
Chapter 7: Diffusion
Chapter 8: Transnationalism (or Transnationality)
Part III: Competitiveness Creation
Chapter 9: Government
Chapter 10: Corporations (and the Internet)
Chapter 11: Copyright
Chapter 12: (Physical and Psychological) Perseverance
Epilogue: Mission Accomplished, and Next…
Bibliography
Index
About the Author

Editorial Reviews

K-pop's global success didn't happen overnight-it evolved through decades of transformation and innovation. In The Identity and Emergence of K-pop, Jimmyn Parc traces the historical development of K-pop and examines how it compares to music scenes and industries around the world. By analyzing cultural hybridity, digital connectivity, and fan engagement, the book reveals the unique factors that have shaped K-pop's identity and positioned it at the center of global music. This is not just a story of music but a deeper exploration of how K-pop rewrote the rules of the global music industry.” —Anthony Y. H. Fung, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

“Unlike so much of the rapidly increasing literature on its subject, this is not a book solely about the 'K' in K-pop. From a background in international studies and economic history, Jimmyn Parc unpacks the 'pop' as much as the 'K' in what, since the beginning of the millennium, has rapidly become an unstoppable, global phenomenon. . .Usefully, he demonstrates how Korea's all-conquering entertainment companies have learned to overcome financial disasters and difficult-to-control singers as they have imposed strict training regimes on wannabe stars and standardized ways to debut, promote, and develop those stars.” —Keith Howard, professor emeritus, SOAS University of London

“The Identity and Emergence of K-pop is an incredibly valuable contribution to the discussion of Korean pop culture. It defies a number of conventional wisdoms and myths that have simplistically explained the reasons and factors for the global success of K-pop by relying on anecdotal evidence and ad hoc observations. Jimmyn Parc has taken a very prudent approach, looking beyond Korea in comparison to music scenes in various countries across different decades and even centuries. The book, written in an accessible manner, not only helps develop research in creative industries but also breaks new ground in the study of cultural globalization.” —Nobuko Kawashima, Doshisha University

From the Publisher