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Philosopher Argues BTS Deserves Academic Study Alongside Shakespeare, Kant
🇨🇱 Chile /Culture & Society

Philosopher Argues BTS Deserves Academic Study Alongside Shakespeare, Kant

From Cooperativa · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A philosopher argues that studying K-pop group BTS can be as academically valuable as researching Shakespeare or Kant.
  • Jiyoung Lee, co-organizer of a global conference on BTS, believes the group reflects the current "zeitgeist" and addresses social issues.
  • She suggests that analyzing BTS's impact and resonance with contemporary society can lead to significant academic research.

Studying the global phenomenon of K-pop group BTS can yield academic insights as profound as those derived from analyzing Shakespeare, Immanuel Kant, or Jorge Luis Borges, according to South Korean philosopher Jiyoung Lee. Lee, a co-organizer of a worldwide conference examining BTS from various academic viewpoints, asserts that the band's music and cultural impact resonate deeply with the spirit of our times.

I believe that if you delve into the key points of the BTS phenomenon that impact you and reflect, and analyze how it resonates with specific aspects of current society, you can undoubtedly conduct significant research.

— Jiyoung LeeThe philosopher explains the academic value of studying BTS.

"I believe that if you delve into the key points of the BTS phenomenon that impact you and reflect, and analyze how it resonates with specific aspects of current society, you can undoubtedly conduct significant research," Lee told EFE. She highlighted that the band's songs connect with diverse audiences by addressing societal discontents and psychological states, reflecting a strong "spiritual dimension."

zeitgeist

— Jiyoung LeeLee uses this term to describe the spirit of the times reflected by BTS and its fans.

Lee, who authored the book "BTS, Art Revolution," contends that the world's most famous K-pop group and its extensive fanbase embody the contemporary "zeitgeist," despite emerging from a highly structured industry. Her perspective challenges traditional academic hierarchies, suggesting that popular culture, when critically examined, offers rich ground for understanding modern society and human experience.

spiritual dimension

— Jiyoung LeeLee describes a key aspect of BTS's connection with its audience.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Cooperativa in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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