Exploring K-pop artists’ cultural appropriation through the lens of Thai K-pop fans’ perceptions

Abstract

There is currently a heated debate taking place amongst both scholars and fans
concerning whether K-pop (Korean pop music) artists culturally appropriate
foreign cultures into their music videos. This qualitative study seeks to fill the
gap in the literature by examining the approach of Thai K-pop fans relative to
this issue. The research draws on online interviews with Thai K-pop fans of
various ages, as well as lengths of fandom. The findings demonstrate mixed
opinions concerning the issue of cultural appropriation in K-pop. K-pop
music is also identified as a new and distinct musical form of hybridity, with
artists blending differing cultural elements into a Korean style. The study also
examines how the blending of cultures, particularly elements of Black culture,
may contribute to the global appeal of K-pop. Additionally, it identifies the
failure to credit those aspects taken from Black culture or to acknowledge
the related history of racism, including inappropriate behaviour towards other
cultures. Thus, this study demonstrates a range of implications from cultural
appropriation, in particular the need for appropriate recognition and respect
towards other cultures.