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The TALK Sessions features a variety of topics and activities, and each convention attendee gets to choose one of these parallel sessions to attend. The purpose is to expand attendees' perspective through critical analysis and discussion of issues in the K-pop community, from "idol" life in Korea all the way to fan identity in our very own neck of the woods. There is a session right for everyone, whether a person is seeking to learn more about issues, be an active participant, or both!
Hello Hallyu!: Kpop Fictions, Facts and Fans in the Global Academy
Presented by: Kpop Kollective (Crystal S. Anderson, PhD; Kaetrena Davis Kendrick, M.S.L.S.; Mark Jaehoon Byon; Kuylain Howard)
Location: Dwinelle 109
All K-pop fans are tweenage Asian girls. Idols are manufactured and have no talent. Male K-pop idols aren’t “real” men. K-pop music is unoriginal. It doesn’t matter where you get your K-pop news. What do you really know about K-pop fans, artists and the industry? How - and why - has K-pop spread around the world? This will be an interactive session that will reveal surprising details about the heart of the Korean wave: the fans. The presenters will speak on the unique connection K-pop fans have to the music, take a look at issues surrounding the evolution of the K-pop image as it has migrated to the United States, and explore the roles of social media and Internet publishing in the spread of K-pop music. Cover dance your way to this session and find out how We Do Hallyu!
Hot Issue: Discussing the Inner Workings of the K-pop world
Presented by: Tuhina Das, K-pop enthusiast and Wesley Jackson, Owner of KpopCDs
Location: Dwinelle 229
This session will explore some of the behavioral, cultural, and societal issues that come up in Korean entertainment, but are perhaps not addressed as often as they should be. We’ll talk scandals, the “idol” image, anti-fans and other hot issues that cause controversy and craze in the K-pop universe. In an intelligent and interactive setting, we’ll go behind all the glitz and glamour to take a look at the larger picture of K-pop!
Let’s Debut
Presented by: Divina Magracia
Location: Dwinelle 223
This workshop is focused on looking at K-pop from a company perspective. How do companies choose who goes in what group? What happens when a trainee is a great singer but a poor dancer? Attendees will be able to look at pretend trainee profiles and put together their own idol groups while discussing their ideas with other attendees. From perfect pitch singing girl groups to synchronized dancing boy groups, everything is up to you.
Society and Culture: Dissecting the 2nd Hallyu and K-Pop Idols
Presented by: Inkyu Kang, PhD
Location: Dwinelle 156
This session will study the Korean Wave from a critical perspective, focusing on the relationship between Korean pop idols and the country's economic recession. A balanced approach will be taken to the phenomenon is needed because it involves a lot of social, economic, and ethical issues. The term "hallyu" was coined to refer mainly to the popularity of Korean dramas in China between the late 1990s and the early 2000s; most of the popular shows at that time had been produced for Korean audiences. The 2nd Hallyu, however, is characterized by the cultural products carefully manufactured and marketed for global audiences. The idol bands, especially girl groups like the Wondergirls, KARA and and Girls' Generation, differ significantly from the first-generation idols: they are much younger, heavily emphasize sexual appeal and rely on intensive audition-processes and training sessions. Most importantly, the group members have been de-individualized; They have similar heights, figures and roles in the group so that each member can be easily replaced.
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