Working Hypothesis:

The phenomenon surrounding K-pop culture in the United States is largely impart to their cultural appropriation in black culture.

Purposeful Summaries:

K-Pop Has a Cultural Appropriation Problem

• It seems counterintuitive that K-pop idols relish in the benefits of black hip hop culture, yet do not understand the significance of it. With these artists choosing to imitate the genre’s concept in clothing and music, it should be expected that they are educated in the origins of this music. Unfortunately, these idols emulate the hip hop concept because they view it as a popular trend that they can follow for either their own satisfaction or the audience’s appeal. They continue to turn a blind eye towards the damage that they are causing towards the hip hop genre and how they are disrespecting black hip hop artists.
  • https://feministelizabethan.com/2015/08/07/k-pop-has-a-cultural- appropriation-problem/

 [Weekender] Dress down to be hip, hop on fashion stage

• It seems counterintuitive that the Korean fashion industry is reaping the benefits of hip hop inspired fashion lines, yet there is no social responsibility or context as to how hip hop clothing was developed to combat social inequities. South Koreans prioritize appearances, especially the various clothing styles people wear. They would take any piece of clothing and try to make it into an unique fashion statement. It is no surprise that their fashion industry has adapted to the hip hop clothing style. Local clothing stores are capitalizing on these styles and selling them at more affordable prices for the youth.
  • http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20180223000497

‘They use our culture’: The Black creatives and fans holding K-pop accountable

• It seems counterintuitive that Korean music industry moguls are actively soliciting to collaborate in hip hop influenced Korean music, yet do not compensate inadequately to artists who represent the genre. There are numerous successful songs in K-pop that have been written and produced by Black Americans. However, despite K-pop being heavily reliant on hip hop and black culture, they give little to no support towards black lives. Korean music companies would look for inspiration from the west and take anything that can be useful in appealing to the audience. Coincidentally, they took interest in black culture and attempted to take anything from it without giving them the credit that they deserve.
  • https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/jul/20/k-pop-black-fans-creatives-industry-accountable-race

Performing Post-Racial Asianness: K-Pop’s Appropriation of Hip-Hop Culture: Congress on Research in Dance Conference Proceedings

• It seems counterintuitive that K-pop is utilizing all popular parts of hip hop culture and music, yet do not understand the implications of racism and oppress black artists have been through. American hip-hop has been portrayed with exaggeration, and stereotypes of Black Americans such as gangstas and rowdy behavior. In addition, their body movements and clothing accessories are exaggerated to portray a hardcore gangster look. K-pop artists managed to adapt and modify this portrayal of American hip-hop culture to be more toned down for their own style in K-pop.
  • https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/congress-on-research-in-dance/article/performing-postracial-asianness-kpops-appropriation-of-hiphop-culture/A494315072BD5609BB1B19AC8C19D0B2

There would be no K-pop without cultural appropriation. Is that bad?

• It seems counterintuitive that K-pop culture and music has continued to benefit economically without providing the appropriation to the hip hop genre’s culture and history. South Korea has been notorious for taking things from what they have observed and adapting it into their own style. In fact, various artists in the industry have been lucky enough in getting away with appropriating black hip hop culture, yet can have detrimental outcomes. Despite artists such as BTS and CL being greatly favored internationally, their tendencies of appropriating black culture and/or remixing the hip hop genre can lead to tension with other hip hop artists. Consequencently, this can lead to economic, social, and political ramifications.
  • https://www.scmp.com/culture/music/article/2168815/k-pop-ultimate-cultural-appropriation-or-south-korea-improving?utm_source=email&utm_medium=share_widget&utm_campaign=2168815

Current State of Research Paper:

I decided to take the advice involving my hypothesis into consideration, but I am still a bit doubtful about it. I feel like my sources are a bit redundant, but they do have some specific details that give me a good idea on where to look next.