An Introduction to K-Pop and BTS

This Palgrave Pivot offers a serious academic examination of the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, focusing specifically on the global ascent of K-pop and the cultural phenomenon of BTS. It positions this music movement within the broader context of South Korean popular culture that began gaining international traction in the 1990s, providing a structured analysis that moves beyond fandom to explore its significant societal impact. The book distinguishes the uniquely broad, worldwide appeal of K-pop, which has reached audiences across Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East, in contrast to the more regionally concentrated success of K-dramas.

What sets this introduction apart is its scholarly approach, framing BTS and K-pop not just as entertainment but as a pivotal subject for cultural studies and global media analysis. It is ideally suited for university students, cultural scholars, and any serious-minded reader seeking to understand the economic, social, and political forces behind this modern cultural export. By providing a critical framework, the book equips readers with the vocabulary and context to analyze Hallyu's lasting influence on global pop culture.