In this thesis I am focusing on the topic of K-Pop, i.e. Korean popular music, which has spread across the world. The beginning of this hybrid genre dates back to the last decade of the 20th century, however its foundations were laid throughout South Korea’s history and are strongly tied to historical moments and events. As one of the elements of the Korean wave it is known in the world for its emphasis on carefully trained and prepared performers who radiate perfection on the stage as well as in the elaborate and meticulously crafted music videos. In the thesis I am presenting the development of K-Pop and trying to find out what exactly is Korean about it or what K-Pop fans recognize as the central segments of Korean culture in the genre. Additional attention is given to the Slovenian K-Pop scene, to the individuals who represent it and to what K-Pop means to them. Part of the thesis is dedicated to the analysis of K-Pop in Slovenian media as it shapes the public image of this music phenomena. The thesis also deals with K-Pop’s influence on the ideals of beauty and aesthetics and tries to highlight the influence of K-Pop’s stars on Slovenian fans, the focus being the sexualization of idols and an altered understanding of masculinity.
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