Michelle Cho speaking into a microphoneThe power of music transcends national borders and this is certainly true of K-Pop which is making waves – especially the Korean Wave (Hallyu) – worldwide.  And it was this power that Dr. Michelle Cho referenced in her invited talk at Carleton, 22 September, 2023.

During her presentation Dr. Cho, an Assistant Professor of East Asian Popular Cultures and Cinema Studies at the University of Toronto, spoke passionately about the role of K-Pop bands and their fans in promoting issues of racial justice, in particular those of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.

The audience of approximately 50 was comprised mainly of students in Carleton’s growing Korean program.  A productive Q & A followed her talk as did trays of gimbab and other tasty snacks.

The event was organized by Carleton Korean instructors with support from SLALS and the Academy of Korean Studies in Korea.