Why BTS & K-Pop Should Matter to Asian Americans

On Wednesday November 17th, 2021, the Asian American Studies Program and Center at Hunter College hosted an online event via Zoom: "Why BTS & K-Pop Should Matter to Asian Americans." This is an edited version that includes the intro and Q&A. The presentation was not posted due to copyright restrictions.

BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan or 방탄소년단) is the most prominent K-Pop group and one of the world's most popular musical groups today. How does their worldwide visibility – and public stands on BLM, racial solidarity, and gender identity -- affect images of Koreans and Asians, and the identities of Asian Americans? Sociologist Grace Kao will introduce us to K-Pop, and share some video clips and reflections of BTS’s impact on arts and activism. She will also present ongoing research on the influence of K-Pop and BTS in transforming "live" musical performances during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grace Kao is IBM Professor of Sociology and Professor of Ethnicity, Race, and Migration at Yale University.

Talk Moderated by Vivian Louie, PhD, Director of the Asian American Studies Program and Center and Urban Policy & Planning Professor at Hunter College.