The upcoming Global BTS conference is set to delve into the multifaceted impact of K-pop sensation BTS as they embark on a new chapter post-military service. This interdisciplinary gathering, organized by the International Society for BTS Studies, will bring together scholars from diverse nations to explore the group's influence through the lens of fandom, technology, politics, and globalization. The conference theme, 'The Next Generation Hallyu & BTS', underscores the evolving nature of the Korean wave and BTS' pivotal role in shaping its trajectory.
One of the key highlights is the keynote address by Lee Ji-haeng, a professor of K-entertainment at Jeonbuk National University. Lee's presentation will dissect the cultural significance of BTS' post-military service era, examining how fandom, digital technology, global communication, and civic engagement continue to shape their influence. This exploration delves into the intricate relationship between BTS and their dedicated fans, the innovative use of technology in their music and promotions, and the group's growing impact on global politics and social issues.
The conference agenda is packed with 11 academic sessions covering a wide range of topics. These sessions will delve into fan communities and their digital technologies, philosophy, sustainability, and religion, offering a comprehensive understanding of BTS' impact on these diverse fields. A special opening session featuring filmmaker Bao Nguyen, director of the Netflix documentary 'BTS: The Return', adds a unique perspective. Nguyen's insights into BTS' military hiatus and reunion, described as a modern-day Odyssey, provide a nuanced understanding of the group's cultural significance.
The conference also explores the evolving nature of K-pop across cultures. One panel revisits locality and globalization through BTS and language, while another examines Latin identity in HYBE's global group Santos Bravos, alongside Mongolia's post-nomadic Korean wave phenomenon. Additional presentations investigate artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content in fan communities, digital technologies, gender identity, and changing forms of fan participation, offering a comprehensive view of the group's impact on these areas.
A special session organized by Dongguk University's Hallyu Convergence Academy will focus on the sustainability of 'post-hallyu', exploring locally driven cultural ecosystems, generative AI on platforms like TikTok, and emerging forms of digital creativity. This session will provide valuable insights into the future of the Korean wave and the role of technology in its evolution.
Beyond academic presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to watch 'Forever We Are Young', a documentary centered on BTS fans, followed by a conversation with director Grace Lee and scholars. This interactive session will offer a deeper understanding of the fan culture surrounding BTS and its impact on the group's global influence.
The conference will conclude with a traditional performance by a Jeonju 'pansori' (Korean folk opera) singer, reinterpreting the 'ARIRANG' album. This performance reflects the conference's host city's traditional cultural heritage and BTS' renewed engagement with Korean identity. The organizers have also planned an 'ARMY Tour' post-conference, featuring visits to BTS-related sites in Wanju, North Jeolla Province, and hands-on experiences making traditional Korean 'hanji' (Korean traditional paper) fans, providing attendees with a unique, immersive experience.
The Global BTS conference, launched in 2020 at Kingston University in the UK, has since grown into an international academic network dedicated to studying BTS and the contemporary Korean wave. It has been held in partnership with California State University, Northridge, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, and the University of Malaya, further solidifying its global reach and impact. This annual gathering has become a significant platform for scholars to explore the complex and ever-evolving relationship between K-pop, fandom, technology, politics, and globalization.
