Pacific Pop: A Cultural Phenomenon in Aotearoa

Korean pop music and Pacific cultures have formed an unexpected yet vibrant connection, especially in the city of Ōtautahi Christchurch. Nearly two decades ago, a group of Pacific individuals, including students and workers from the University of Canterbury, found themselves deeply immersed in the world of K-Pop. This intersection of cultures was further amplified by the global sensation of PSY‘s ‘Gangnam Style’ in 2012.

The Hallyu Wave, a term denoting the rise of Korean culture worldwide, initially swept through regions like Japan and China before reaching Southeast Asia and beyond. What sets apart the current wave is its fan-driven nature, marking a shift from earlier industry-led movements.

Despite the geographical distance between South Korea and New Zealand, Pacific peoples were early adopters of K-Pop in Aotearoa. This was facilitated by a variety of factors, including strong bilateral ties between the two countries, New Zealanders teaching in South Korea, and the presence of Korean communities in Aotearoa.

It’s fascinating to note that the roots of engagement with Asian popular culture in New Zealand run deep, extending back to influences like martial arts movies, anime, and Filipino dramas consumed by Pacific audiences as early as the 1970s.

The Pacific K-Pop fan base in New Zealand has shown a keen awareness of cultural positioning and self-reflexivity. By actively partaking in a non-mainstream cultural phenomenon, Pacific fans are intentionally broadening their expression of identity and culture in a multicultural society like Aotearoa.

Notably, Pacific K-Pop fans in New Zealand have established dedicated community spaces such as Project:Legacy, KDA, NZ BTS ARMY, and NZ KPOP FANS. These spaces not only serve as hubs for K-Pop enthusiasts but also exemplify the communal and collective nature inherent in Pacific cultures.