From Cultural Export to Economic Engine: Examining the Role of K-Pop in the Growth of the South Korean Economy

This paper first focuses on the economic contributions of the Korean pop (K-pop, hereafter) industry by emphasizing the structure of the Korean entertainment industry and discussing its direct and indirect effects on the economy of South Korea. Secondly, the paper examines government policies and initiatives, discusses the role of government agencies and organizations in promoting K-pop, and evaluates their effectiveness in order to analyze government policies and support. Finally, this paper highlights the international reach and global influence of K-pop by analyzing K-pop’s international market expansion and its impact on the South Korean economy. It also discusses the role of digital platforms, social media, and fan communities in promoting K-pop globally, and examines the cultural and soft power implications of K-pop’s global success.