Dear Participants and Guest,
Today, K-pop has transcended the boundaries of popular music to establish a new cultural paradigm, arising from
the complex interplay of aesthetics, philosophy, politics, digital technology, fandom culture, and global communication.
In particular, the platform-centric digital environment, the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence, and the transnational
networking of fandoms are fundamentally reshaping the modes of cultural production and reception. These shifts are carving out new cultural territories that dissolve the traditional boundaries between locality and globality.
In the midst of this transformation, the journey of BTS and their fandom, ARMY, presents a vital academic inquiry.
The identity, collective engagement, and the values of care and ethics they have cultivated have expanded beyond a mere
fandom phenomenon into a profound sphere of social meaning and discourse. We have now reached a pivotal moment
to discuss the next steps for Hallyu—to ensure it functions not merely as a transient trend, but as a sustainable and
transformative cultural driver.
Under the theme "Next-Generation Hallyu and BTS," this conference seeks to explore the multifaceted nature of cultural
phenomena in the technology-media age. We will place a particular focus on the cultural inclusivity and intercultural
awareness necessary for Hallyu to achieve true global universality. Our goal is to foster a space where we can explore
the possibilities of solidarity across nations, races, genders, and generations, while sharing ethical and critical directions for
the future of Hallyu.
We look forward to the profound insights of researchers from around the world as we open new horizons for K-pop and
BTS studies in this rapidly changing global environment. It is our sincere hope that your academic passion will serve as
a significant milestone in shaping the future of Hallyu.
Sincerely,
Organizing Committee
Byong-jin Ahn (Professor, Kyung Hee University)
Sung-eun Cho (Professor, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies)
Youngmi Kim (CEO, Big Movement)
Jeeheng Lee (Assistant Professor, Jeonbuk National University)
Jiyoung Lee (Research Professor, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies)
Jung Eun Song (Lecturer, Jeonbuk National University)
Publication Committee
Candace Epps-Robertson (Editor and Independent Scholar)
Kwangsik Kim (Professor, Seoul National University)
Mi-Young Kim (Lecturer, University of British Columbia)
Jin-Ha Lee (Professor and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, University of Washington)
Nur Lina Binti Anuar (Assistant Professor, UCSI)
Hyun-Kyung You (Professor, California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt)
Activities Committee
Sunah Kim (Producer, Gina Dreams Pictures)
Hyo-Young Kang (Lecturer, Suwon Science College)
Organized by
ISBS (International Society for BTS Studies)
Hosted by
Namwon Glocal Campus Administration, JBNU
Center for Glocal University Project, JBNU
Department of K-Entertainment, JBNU
Big Movement
