USC Launches G-Dragon Course, Elevating K-Pop Studies

In a landmark move for K-pop academia, a new G-Dragon USC Course will be established at the University of Southern California (USC). G-Dragon’s agency, Galaxy Corporation, officially announced on December 5, 2025, that the course will launch in the spring semester of 2026, coinciding with the artist’s 20th debut anniversary.

A Milestone for K-Pop Studies

This course represents a significant moment for the academic recognition of K-pop’s global impact. Offered by the prestigious USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, the 4-credit course is the first of its kind in the United States to be dedicated entirely to a single K-pop artist. The establishment of this program signifies a formal acknowledgment of G-Dragon’s immense cultural and industrial value, moving the conversation about K-pop into a new academic sphere.

Analyzing G-Dragon’s Cultural Influence

The course, titled “COMM 400: Crooked Studies of K-pop: The Case of G-Dragon,” aims to provide a deep and critical analysis of the artist’s career. Taught by Professor Lee Hyejin, the curriculum will challenge common criticisms of K-pop, such as it being mechanical or lacking artistic autonomy. Instead, it will focus on G-Dragon’s unique status as a “producer-idol” and one of the genre’s most innovative and influential figures. This academic focus reflects the growing recognition of The Influence Of K-Pop On College Students and its broader cultural resonance.

Course Details and Commemorative Timing

The launch in Spring 2026 is intentionally timed to celebrate G-Dragon’s 20th year in the industry, making the academic honor a meaningful commemorative event. Galaxy Corporation CEO Choi Yongho stated that the course is a testament to K-pop’s artistic depth and its expanding global reach. The curriculum is designed to explore G-Dragon’s broad cultural influence that extends far beyond music, touching upon fashion, art, and modern aesthetics.

A New Era for K-Pop Academia

By focusing on G-Dragon as a case study, the G-Dragon USC Course aims to foster a new discourse on K-pop studies. It will critically examine the cultural and aesthetic assumptions surrounding the industry, using his career to unpack complex themes of artistry, commercialism, and global identity. This pioneering course is expected to pave the way for more in-depth academic explorations of individual artists within the K-pop phenomenon, solidifying the genre’s place in contemporary cultural studies.

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