For those with time on their hands, here’s a few articles about how far K-pop is spreading, whether K-pop culture is beating J-pop culture and other copy generated by the Psy phenomenon.
- Highly recommended: Will the Korean pop culture boom have legs?, Tao Jones, 22 November, Wall Street Journal Speakeasy blog – has the shock fact included in this post’s title, relating to a fan event organised by MNET in the US.
- Why it was so easy for Korea to overtake Japan in the pop culture wars, Y Euny Hong, Quartz, 16 November. Not sure I agree with what she says, but it’s interesting reading. Contains the slightly dubious claim that “K-pop has already conquered Europe”. No, Psy has a great video.
- Is the bubble beginning to burst? Mimi Anim-Nyame, London Korean Times, 29 November. Not yet, but again, interesting reading.
- Hyuna is the next big thing. No wait, I mean Girls Generation. The Guardian indulges in some indecisive wishful thinking, 24 October and 17 November.
There are loads more along the same lines out there. As interesting ones come to my attention, I’ll add them to the above list.