The Identity and Emergence of K-pop

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 *