G-Dragon USC Course to Explore K-Pop’s Cultural Impact

On December 5, 2025, agency Galaxy Corporation officially confirmed that K-pop icon G-Dragon will be the subject of a new university course at the prestigious University of Southern California (USC). The upcoming G-Dragon USC course marks a significant moment for K-pop in academia, as it aims to critically analyze the artist’s immense cultural influence and legacy. The course was first teased on the official Instagram account of USC’s Annenberg School for Communication, generating excitement among fans and academics alike.

A Milestone in K-pop Academia

Scheduled for launch in the Spring 2026 semester, the 4-credit regular course is titled “COMM 400: K-pop Crooked Studies: The Case of G-Dragon.” This is the first time a major U.S. university has dedicated a full-credit course to a single K-pop artist, placing G-Dragon in the company of global superstars like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, who have been the subjects of courses at Yale University and Harvard University, respectively. This development is a powerful validation of K-pop’s artistic value and its growing importance in global cultural and Hallyu studies. Choi Yongho, CEO of G-Dragon’s agency Galaxy Corporation, expressed that this academic recognition aligns with the artist’s upcoming 20th debut anniversary, celebrating his journey and impact.

Inside the “K-pop Crooked Studies” G-Dragon USC Course

The curriculum is designed to offer a deep dive into the K-pop industry through the lens of one of its most pivotal figures. It seeks to challenge and deconstruct common criticisms leveled against K-pop, such as it being overly mechanical or lacking artistic autonomy.

Course Content and Objectives

Led by Professor Hyejin Lee, the course will use G-Dragon as a central case study to explore the complexities of the genre. A key focus will be on his role as a “producer-idol,” a term that highlights his deep involvement in songwriting, production, and creative direction. By examining his career, students will gain a nuanced understanding of artistic agency within the K-pop system and the evolution of the industry. The G-Dragon USC course aims to provide a framework for a more critical analysis of K-pop’s global success.

Analyzing G-Dragon’s Cultural Influence

The course will also investigate G-Dragon’s extensive impact beyond music. His influence on fashion, art, and contemporary culture has been profound, setting trends that have resonated globally. This aspect of his career is a testament to how modern artists can shape cultural conversations, a topic that mirrors The Evolution Of Korean Fashion: How is Modern Korean Fashion Defined?. By positioning G-Dragon as a cultural phenomenon, the course solidifies his status as a key figure not just in K-pop history, but in the broader landscape of modern popular culture.

This brief was automatically generated from official updates. For in-depth coverage, visit our Trends section.