As part of the 2026 spring program theme, “ROOT: Our Foundation”, the Korean Cultural Center in Sweden has organized the lecture to explore the foundational elements of Korean culture through the lens of contemporary popular content. 

Using the animation "K-Pop Demon Hunters" as a starting point, this lecture will examine how traditional Korean culture continues to shape contemporary K-content. The session will highlight elements such as shamanic beliefs, Hanbok’s five-color aesthetics, palace symbolism, traditional music, and warding-off-evil motifs, and how these cultural traditions influence the energy, rhythms, and collective sing-along culture of modern K-pop.

This lecture offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the essence of Korean aesthetics and the cultural spirit behind familiar popular culture.

Topic

Understanding K-Culture through K-Pop Demon Hunters & Popular Culture

Dates & Locations

April 17 (Fri), 10:00–12:00, Stockholm University (For enrolled Stockholm University students only)

April 18 (Sat), 14:00–16:00, Korean Cultural Center in Sweden (Open to the public)

Registration

To register, please visit the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/CbEf2B1M6G

※ Please note:

The April 17 lecture is intended for Stockholm University students, and registration is being handled directly by Stockholm University.

Members of the general public are kindly asked to register for the April 18 lecture.

About the Speakers

Prof. Dr. Jihae Oh

Research Professor, K-Academic Diffusion Research Institute, Korea University

Prof. Dr. Jihae Oh specializes in traditional Korean music and cultural content. Her work explores how traditional performing arts such as Pansori and folk arts continue to influence the rhythms, energy, and aesthetics of modern K-pop.

Prof. Dr. Jean Park

Research Professor, Center for Korean History, Korea University

Prof. Dr. Jean Park is a specialist in Korean history who has long taught international students through Korean history and culture. Her lectures connect Korea’s traditions with contemporary cultural media such as K-dramas, films, cuisine, and everyday cultural symbols.