GWIKS Signature Conference: The linguistic influence of K-Pop (hybrid)

The GW Institute for Korean Studies Signature Conference

"The Linguistic Influence of K-Pop: Global Impact and Pedagogical Opportunities"

Friday, March 21, 2025

9:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. EDT | 10:30 P.M. - 4:30 A.M. KST

Elliott School of International Affairs, Lindner Family Commons, Room 602 and Virtual via Zoom

**This is a HYBRID EVENT. In person and online registration are available for in person or virtual attendance.**

Event Description

According to statistics from the Modern Language Association, Korean experienced the highest increase in enrollments among commonly taught languages. Enrollments rose from 8,449 in fall 2009 to 13,936 in fall 2016, and further to 19,270 in fall 2021. Notably, from 2016 to 2021, while enrollments in most languages declined, Korean, Hebrew, and American Sign Language saw increases. Over the period from 2009 to 2021, Korean enrollments increased by 128%, marking the most significant growth among foreign languages taught in colleges. This surge is attributed to the global influence of Korea's popular culture, which has sparked widespread interest across diverse age groups. The popularity of Korea’s soft culture has naturally extended to the language. The Korean music industry, with its primary audience being Korean speakers, has seen its transnational popularity bring people of various ethnic backgrounds into contact with the Korean language. Recent studies indicate that engagement with target popular culture positively impacts students’ motivation to learn. This conference aims to bring together scholars and researchers to discuss the linguistic influence of Korea's popular culture and explore its pedagogical applications.

Speakers

• Young-Mee Yu Cho
• Soyoung Kang
• Jieun Kiaer
• Hanae Kim
• Jihye Moon
• Joowon Suh
• Sang-Seok Yoon

For more detailed information including the program, please visit the Registration page