K-pop classes in Los Angeles give students hands-on industry experience

US students participate in a K-pop seminar hosted by the South Korean Consulate General in Los Angles / File: CNN

According to Korea Herald, students from four middle and high schools in Los Angeles took part in the program on May 20. Working in teams, they developed and presented global marketing plans, fandom strategies, music trend analyses and concepts for K-pop groups. Industry experts reviewed the projects and provided feedback.

The students are part of a K-pop elective course offered at their schools. The curriculum was developed in 2024 through a collaboration between the South Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).

The course includes six units covering the history of K-pop and Korean popular music, K-pop marketing, related industries, music genres and dance. Beyond introducing students to Korean culture, the program aims to help them explore potential career opportunities connected to the entertainment industry.

According to educators involved in the project, the curriculum allows students to learn how skills developed through an interest in K-pop can be applied to professions such as music production, marketing, content creation, law and accounting.

South Korean officials said they plan to continue supporting educational programs that connect culture, industry and career development, while giving students the opportunity to experience the global influence of Korean content firsthand.