Being a k-pop idol is a dream come true to many young talented Korean performers. However, an idol's career lasts only as long as the fans' interest in what they have to show and as long as there are no new kids on the block ready to take over the stage. For most young Korean music stars, no matter how much time they invest in k-pop, college is still an important aspect of their lives.
Is receiving a higher education a barrier or it rather helps talented artists throughout their music career? We'll try and get and get an answer in this article by examining the life stories of a few celebrity k-pop idols who dedicated their time to both music and education.
Talent spawning ground
For most K-pop performers, their music career starts at the college campus, where they meet kids their age, interested in the same music, the same lifestyle, and with the same hunger for achieving great things. Konkuk University is the place where Bangtan Boys' Seokjin was discovered by a talent agent, an event that launched his k-pop career. It's not unusual for young artists to start their career at University, given the fact that every year in mid-May Konkun celebrates the college anniversary by bringing music stars from all over the country to perform for hundreds of students.
Along with Seokjin, many other Korean pop idols decided to follow a dual life path by pursuing a college degree and establishing a successful music career. Campus life at most higher education institutions in Korea offers versatile activities through numerous student clubs where young people can put their skills together and improve their music skills, as well as take part in other activities that draw their attention.
Another prime example of the influence of college bonding that resulted in musical excellence is the Girl's Generation's member Seohyun, who did an amazing job at putting together college activities at Dongguk University and band obligations that included studio recording sessions and state-wide tours and concerts.
College as a backup plan
Being a k-pop idol is a dream come true, as we already said, however, it is also a stressful endeavor, especially if we take into account all the obligations that come with attending classes, preparing exams, doing homework, and numerous other responsibilities that follow academic lifestyle. Surely, a famous musician can use the stardom influence and seek out a fan on the college campus asking "would you write an essay for me, please" and get a positive response, but that's not how these young people see their academic life. For them, k-pop idol status is more of a responsibility than a privilege to be used for a facilitated college experience.
In a discussion for the Financial Times, Paul Kirkham of the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance stated that young pop stars should follow the example of young Korean artists that aim to obtain a college degree even with an established career in the music industry. Music is business, nowadays more than ever, and like any other business, the market share depends on your quality and the ability to fit the audience's needs. Furthermore, the competition is harsh, possibly more challenging than in any other industry we can think of. This is why it's always a good choice to have a backup plan.
Furthermore, a k-pop star doesn't have to experience a failure to quit music career. Sometimes, the life of a music performer can become a burden which a person can't handle anymore. On those occasions, one could use ex stardom to write papers for money or start a music school, however, those are all long shot opportunities that don't guarantee success. With a college degree in their hands, young performers have a secure future no matter what happens throughout their music career.
Conclusion
Korean higher education provides all chances to make it in the music industry and earn a college degree, thanks to their well-established curriculum and advanced take on academic life. However, times change, bands fall apart, the music industry takes its toll on a person, and the worst outcome is to be nothing more than an ex k-pop idol. Education provides security and allows a peaceful transition once the music industry lifestyle becomes too much, or ends in a crash.
Bio:
Rober Everett is a freelance content writer dedicated to creating inspirational stories about music and college lifestyle. As a devoted written, Robert aims to bring original stories to his audience, bringing them closer to authentic human experiences from all over the world. He is also very active on social media platforms where he shares his ideas with followers from all over the world.
