Guest Lecture at Stockholm University on Korean popular culture

• Posted on april 9, 2026
• by Sofie Haglund
• in Aktuellt, Seminarier
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Theme: Understanding Korean culture through K-POP Demon Hunters, K-pop,
and Korean popular culture
Time: 17 April 2026 (Friday), 10.00-12:00
Place: F487, Universitätsvägen 10, Stockholm University

This lecture utilizes the animated series K-Pop: Demon Hunters as a lens to explore the historical DNA and cultural codes of traditional Korea embedded within modern K-content. From shamanic worldviews to the Obangsaek (five cardinal colors) aesthetic of Hanbok and the symbolic architecture of royal palaces, we will provide a multidimensional analysis of Korea’s living tangible and intangible heritage. Furthermore, we will trace the evolution of Byeoksa (warding off evil) symbolism—represented by the tiger and magpie—and the ritualistic rhythms of traditional music into the explosive energy and collective Ttechang (sing along) culture of modern K-Pop. This session offers profound insights into the essence of Korean aesthetics and the origins of the collective dynamism hidden behind familiar pop culture.

About the Speakers:

Prof. Dr. Jihae OH
Prof. Oh holds a Ph.D. in Musicology from the Academy of Korean Studies and is a research professor at the K-Academic Diffusion Research Institute at Korea University. As a specialist in traditional Korean music and cultural content, her research focuses on reinterpreting historical archetypes through a contemporary lens. Notably, through platforms like K-MOOC, she analyzes how the DNA of traditional performing arts—such as Pansori and folk dance—has evolved into the dynamic rhythms and ritualistic energy of modern K-Pop. Dr. Oh is presenting the distinctive aesthetics of Korean music, which transcend tradition and modernity, to a global audience.

Prof. Dr. Jean PARK
Professor Park earned her Ph.D. in Korean History from Korea University and currently holds the position of Research Professor at the Center for Korean History of Korea University. Over the past two decades, she has offered Korean History courses for international students, elucidating Korea’s traditions and distinctive cultural characteristics through her lectures. In addition to her university teaching, Professor Park has contributed to international educational initiatives, delivering tailored lectures on Korean history through programs organized by KOICA and KOFIH. Her teaching is distinguished by its sensitivity to diverse audiences, ensuring accessibility and engagement across cultural contexts. More recently, her approach has expanded to incorporate contemporary cultural media—including Korean TV dramas, films, traditional cuisine, and currency—as vehicles for exploring historical themes.

This guest lecture at Stockholm University is supported by the Korean Cultural Center (Koreanskt kulturcenter) within a program on the topic “Decoding Historical DNA and Cultural empathy on K-Culture contents”.

The second lecture in the program will be held in the Korean Cultural Center, Kungsholmsgatan 23, on April 18.