Podcast Summary: The Stacks Ep. 367 – "What Does It Mean to Know a Celebrity" with Giaae Kwon

Release Date: April 16, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 367 of The Stacks, host Traci Thomas welcomes Giaae Kwon, a culture writer and author of the insightful book I'll Love You Forever: Notes from a K-Pop Fan. The conversation delves deep into the intricate world of K-Pop, exploring its cultural impact, the nature of fandom, and the personal experiences that shape a fan's relationship with this global phenomenon.

Guest Introduction: Giaae Kwon and Her Book

Traci introduces Giaae Kwon as a cultural writer whose debut book serves as both a love letter and a critical examination of K-Pop’s influence on her life as a Korean American. Giaae’s work offers a nuanced perspective on how K-Pop intertwines with issues of culture, race, and personal identity.

Understanding K-Pop: Industry and Music

The discussion begins with Giaae explaining the fundamental aspects of K-Pop. She differentiates K-Pop from other global pop industries by highlighting its highly controlled nature:

"Some people criticize it for being, like, formulaic. Like, in Korea, the entertainment company controls everything... They audition, they scout, they train, they form the groups" (01:30).

Giaae emphasizes that K-Pop's uniqueness lies in the tight-knit control entertainment companies have over every facet of a group's existence, from their formation to their public personas. This systematic approach results in distinct group brands, each with specific roles and identities crafted by their management.

Fandom Culture: Parasocial Relationships and Community

Traci and Giaae delve into the nature of K-Pop fandom, particularly the concept of parasocial relationships, which are almost engineered by the industry:

"Parasocial relationships are built into idol dom. It's not like a side effect of, like, fame, but it's, like, built into it" (05:56).

Giaae discusses how K-Pop fandom fosters intense connections between fans and idols, often blurring the lines between genuine relationships and superficial interactions. The use of technology, such as live streaming platforms like Bubble, exacerbates this by allowing fans to feel a pseudo-direct connection with their favorite stars.

Mental Health and K-Pop Idols

A significant portion of the conversation addresses the mental health challenges faced by K-Pop idols, partly due to the relentless demands of the industry and invasive fan behavior:

"I'm more concerned about their like, health and well-being" (22:55).

Giaae highlights how the pressure to maintain an impeccable public image and the constant scrutiny from fans and netizens can lead to severe mental health issues, including depression and, tragically, suicides among celebrities.

Racism and Cultural Appropriation in K-Pop

Giaae brings attention to the pervasive issues of racism and cultural appropriation within the K-Pop industry:

"Racism is a really big problem in K-pop... a lot of cultural appropriation" (32:10).

She points out that K-Pop, while a global phenomenon, often borrows elements from other cultures without proper acknowledgment or sensitivity, leading to accusations of appropriation. This issue is compounded by the lack of meaningful conversations and actions within the industry to address these concerns.

Personal Narratives: Body Image and Fandom Experiences

The conversation shifts to Giaae’s personal journey with body image and how it intersects with her fandom:

"Coming out of body shaming, it's been over 10 years... I live with it" (45:34).

Giaae shares her struggles with body shaming within both Korean and American communities, illustrating how societal pressures can impact one's sense of self. Her book intertwines these personal experiences with broader cultural critiques, offering readers a heartfelt exploration of identity.

Challenges in Writing and Publishing the Book

Giaae discusses the process of writing I'll Love You Forever, balancing the needs of K-Pop aficionados with newcomers to the genre:

"Having an editor who didn't know that much about K-pop was really helpful" (08:42).

She explains how her editor played a crucial role in ensuring the book was accessible to a diverse audience, preventing it from becoming too insular or overly technical for those unfamiliar with K-Pop.

Future and Recommendations

As the episode wraps up, Giaae offers recommendations for listeners interested in further exploring themes similar to those in her book:

"I really liked Hannah Michelle's Excavations... and Hawon Chung's Flowers of Fire" (58:51).

She encourages readers to engage with literature that provides historical and cultural contexts, fostering a deeper understanding of complex societal issues.

Conclusion

Traci and Giaae conclude the episode by reiterating the importance of critically engaging with pop culture while maintaining a genuine love for the art form. Giaae hopes her book encourages readers to appreciate K-Pop's vibrancy while acknowledging and addressing its inherent challenges.

Listeners are encouraged to explore Giaae Kwon’s I'll Love You Forever: Notes from a K-Pop Fan to gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted world of K-Pop and its profound impact on both fans and the broader cultural landscape.

Note: The timestamps provided correspond to the moments in the transcript where the quotes appear, facilitating easy reference for listeners who wish to revisit specific segments.