Full Description
Converging theory and practice, this book provides a unique analysis of Korean youth's attempts to become global celebrities within the growing K-pop phenomenon, which is rapidly becoming part of global media systems and culture. K-pop has become one of the most popular cultural forms in the global music markets, despite having a relatively new global presence. Its recent spread around the world suggests that K-pop exists as a local-based genre of music in global markets, including Western markets.
Unlike other existing books on K-pop, which mainly focus solely on academic analyses or industrial perspectives, K-Pop Idols: Popular Culture and the Emergence of Korean Music Industry combines theory with industry and musical aesthetics. Following the idol group Nine Muses through a year-long chronicle, the authors portray the everyday lives of young girls relentlessly pursuing happiness, satisfaction, and the achievement of their dreams in the K-pop world.
Contents
Part I. Emergence of K-pop
Chapter 1. Emergence of K-pop as Transnational Popular Culture
Chapter 2. K-pop Entertainment Industry in the 21st Century
Chapter 3. Idol Formation Reality Shows as K-pop's New Star System
Part II. Entertainment Houses and Training Idol Groups
Chapter 4. A Secret Door Finally Opened: Assistant Director and Trainees United
Chapter 5. Sweat and Tears in the Studios
Chapter 6. The Shadows in Spartan Training and the Pre-debut
Chapter 7. A Country Girl who Dreams of an Idol Star
Chapter 8. The Long Road to Stardom
Part III. Borders between Becoming Stars and Disappearing
Chapter 9. Competition, Sorrow and Love
Chapter 10. Tears, Idols, and K-pop
Chapter 11. Going Overseas and a Few Stars
