Nineteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

Korean pop music, commonly referred to as K-Pop, has achieved remarkable global prominence as a dynamic and captivating art form. With a substantial following worldwide, particularly among the Gen-Z demographic, K-Pop has also garnered a growing community of enthusiasts within Iran. This research delves into the profound implications of K-Pop fandom on the identities of Iranian Gen-Z adolescents. Employing an in-depth qualitative approach, we interview a cohort of 11 Iranian teenagers, ranging in age from 13 to 16. These interviews, characterized by their semi-structured nature, delved into the multifaceted aspects of how K-Pop influences their daily lives, social interactions, and personal aspirations. Our findings suggest the impact of Eastern Confucianism values, such as apolitical humaneness, emerges in their empathetic interpersonal relationships and compassionate demeanor. Concurrently, the participants display characteristics emblematic of post-modern values, including relativism, hedonism, and individualism, which are expressed through their pursuit of personal gratification and fulfillment. A noteworthy outcome is a pronounced emphasis on present experiences over future concerns. Intriguingly, traditional concepts such as truth and reality seem to have diminished relevance within the context of their K-Pop-inspired identities. By bridging Eastern Confucianism values with contemporary post-modern influences, K-Pop exerts a profound impact on self-perception, interpersonal dynamics, and cultural values. The prioritization of the present and the reevaluation of certain traditional tenets underscore the transformative influence of K-Pop within Iranian Gen-Z culture.