Converging theory and practice, this book provides a unique analysis of Korean youths attempts to become global celebrities within the growing K-pop phenomenon, which is rapidly becoming part of global media systems and culture. K-pop has become one of the most popular cultural forms in the global music markets, despite having a relatively new global presence. Its recent spread around the world suggests that K-pop exists as a local-based genre of music in global markets, including Western markets.Unlike other existing books on K-pop, which mainly focus solely on academic analyses or industrial perspectives, K-Pop Idols: Popular Culture and the Emergence of Korean Music Industrycombines theory with industry and musical aesthetics. Following the idol group Nine Muses through a year-long chronicle, the authors portray the everyday lives of young girls relentlessly pursuing happiness, satisfaction, and the achievement of their dreams in the K-pop world.

Hark Joon Lee is a journalist and film maker.Dal Yong Jinis professor of communication at Simon Fraser University.

Part I. Emergence of K-popChapter 1. Emergence of K-pop as Transnational Popular CultureChapter 2. K-pop Entertainment Industry in the 21st CenturyChapter 3. Idol Formation Reality Shows as K-pops New Star SystemPart II. Entertainment Houses and Training Idol GroupsChapter 4. A Secret Door Finally Opened: Assistant Director and Trainees UnitedChapter 5. Sweat and Tears in the StudiosChapter 6. The Shadows in Spartan Training and the Pre-debutChapter 7. A Country Girl who Dreams of an Idol StarChapter 8. The Long Road to StardomPart III. Borders between Becoming Stars and DisappearingChapter 9. Competition, Sorrow and LoveChapter 10. Tears, Idols, and K-popChapter 11. Going Overseas and a Few Stars