The past few years are lacking in true celebrity positive influences. This is a role which needs constant fulfillment since people habe a habit of looking up to celebrities. Kpop stars are the ones who stepped up to the plate and did good when the typical pairing of music idol and not so angelic behaviors usually go hand in hand. Kpop stars lend a different image to the stereotype of a pop icon and this is much needed.

Grils' Generation is arguably the most popular girl group with appearances worldwide almost weekly now. There is no doubt that their schedules are jam packed with concerts, touring, rehearsals, and more rehearsals. Seo Joohyun fits the Dongguk University (동국대학교) Department of Theater into her already full agenda. Rather than drinking and partying in her free time, she hits the books and enhances her life through higher education.

Girls' Generation isn't the only popular group who has members getting their education on. High school, which is more often than not overlooked by worldwide icons, is a priority for the lucky few holding the honor of kpop star. SHINee's Taemin Double A's Kimchi and Hoik are graduating from high school soon. These young stars have more than enough money allowing them to never really need an education for survival's sake. The fact that they are still completing at least the basic education levels speaks volumes on their priorities and the place of education on that list.

In addition to illustrating the value of an education, kpop groups do volunteer work regularly. T-ara recently helped deliver food to elderly people who were unable to obtain supplies on their own. The Wonder Girls are teaching Korean to multi-cultural families in Korea. Not only will this bring people together, but it will expand cultural awareness. 2ne1 took it as their duty to play the role of mother last year to underprivileged children in orphanages. Super Junior's Sungmin is working with Vocational Training Center for People with Special Needs for the past four years. These are special occurrences, but not out of the ordinary for kpop idols.

When it comes to donating funds to the less fortunate, kpop idols score high marks there too. Lee Hyori recently narrated a show honoring regular people who did extraordinary things when it came to volunteering. As usual, Hyori took it upon herself to do the right thing. She donated her paycheck to one of the couples on the show. JYJ decided to give their actual money to victims of the Thailand flood.

Structured volunteer work is very important, but so is being a good person every day. Yunho of TVXQ recently celebrated his 26^th birthday. Though he is no stranger to having adoring fans appear wherever he is, he did something uniquely monumental on said 26^th birthday. He invited the fans into dinner and allowed them to celebrate the mile marker that is year 26 alongside him.

Understandably, inviting strangers to dinner isn't always the smartest activity. This example is merely to point out how Yunho carries himself throughout his every day activities. He gives scholarships, regularly participates in volunteer activities, and respects his fans. In short, he is a good person and uses his fame and notoriety to benefit the lives of others, not just his own.

With kpop buzzing all over the world, these stars are getting busier by the minute. The only thing they are missing out on to partake in leading by example is the party aspect. These idols are spending their free time learning, teaching, and setting a good example, rather than enjoying the activities more common to idols in other areans. Maybe this is a factor leading to the popularity of kpop.