Main content

How did K-Pop conquer the world?

It's a multi-billion dollar industry, with sell out stadiums across the world. How did bands, singing in Korean come to such prominence? And is there a darker side to it all?

It's a multi-billion dollar industry, with bands selling out stadiums across the world. K-Pop, or Korean Pop has created some of the biggest global music stars. How did bands, singing in Korean come to such prominence? The Korean government has capitalised on the soft power that its music industry has offered. But with the latest scandals involving the rape and abuse of women is there a darker side to it all? And could it tarnish brand Korea?

Photo: BTS performs 'DNA' onstage
Credit: Getty Images/Michael Tran/FilmMagic

Available now

25 minutes

Last on

Sat 25 May 201916:30GMT
BBC Radio 4

More episodes

Previous

What’s next for Sudan?

Next

How do you move a capital city?

See all episodes from The Inquiry

Clip

Broadcasts

  • Thu 16 May 201902:06GMT
    BBC World Service Online, Europe and the Middle East & West and Central Africa only
  • Thu 16 May 201903:06GMT
    BBC World Service UK DAB/Freeview
  • Thu 16 May 201905:06GMT
    BBC World Service Australasia, Americas and the Caribbean & South Asia only
  • Thu 16 May 201906:06GMT
    BBC World Service East and Southern Africa & East Asia only
  • Thu 16 May 201913:06GMT
    BBC World Service Australasia
  • Thu 16 May 201914:06GMT
    BBC World Service except Australasia
  • Thu 16 May 201917:06GMT
    BBC World Service South Asia
  • Thu 16 May 201919:06GMT
    BBC World Service except East and Southern Africa, South Asia & West and Central Africa
  • Sat 18 May 201916:06GMT
    BBC World Service News Internet
  • Mon 20 May 201908:06GMT
    BBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & East Asia
  • Sat 25 May 201916:30GMT
    BBC Radio 4

Featured in...

Podcast

  • The Inquiry

    The Inquiry explores the trends, forces and ideas shaping the world