Global K-Pop Culture: Youth Identity, Behavior, and the SDGs

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to analyze the influence of K-pop on adolescents' social identity and behavior, with particular attention to its relevance to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including quality education (SDG 4), good health and well-being (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16). Theoretical framework: The research is grounded in theories of social identity, cultural globalization, and adolescent psychosocial development, which provide a basis for understanding how global cultural flows shape individual and collective identities. Literature Review: Previous studies indicate that K-pop has both positive and negative influences, ranging from fostering creativity, diversity, and global connectivity to creating risks of social pressure, mental health challenges, and the homogenization of local cultures. Methods: A mixed-method approach was used, combining quantitative surveys with 500 teenage K-pop fans and qualitative in-depth interviews with 30 participants from diverse cultural backgrounds. Data focused on levels of engagement with K-pop, identity formation, and behavioral impacts. Results: Findings show that K-pop significantly contributes to adolescents’ identity formation, self-expression, and cross-cultural understanding, while also introducing challenges such as unrealistic beauty standards, stress, and potential neglect of local cultural values. Implications: Educators and policymakers need to balance K-pop’s benefits with strategies for mental health, cultural preservation, and inclusive education, in line with SDGs on well-being, education, equality, and cultural diversity. Novelty: This study uniquely connects K-pop’s influence with global development agendas, showing how popular culture shapes adolescent development and sustainable social transformation.