A major U.S. university is putting the spotlight on G-Dragon’s global influence.
On December 4, the University of Southern California (USC) Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism announced via social media that it will introduce a new course centered on G-Dragon for the upcoming spring semester.
In recent years, top American universities have increasingly offered courses exploring global cultural icons. Harvard launched a Taylor Swift course last year, while Yale is preparing a Beyoncé-focused class for next year.
However, USC’s new curriculum marks the first time a 4-credit academic course dedicated to a K-pop artist will be offered at a major U.S. institution. The university described G-Dragon as a “multi-artist who redefined the possibilities of K-pop,” emphasizing his impact across music, fashion, and contemporary culture.
The course, titled “A Crooked Study of K-Pop: The Case of G-Dragon,” will be led by Professor Lee Hyejin, a distinguished scholar in Korean media studies. Students will explore G-Dragon’s artistry, creative evolution, and cultural influence, while also reexamining how global audiences perceive K-pop.
The course aims to challenge longstanding stereotypes—such as the notion that K-pop lacks artistic autonomy and is purely commercial—by using G-Dragon’s career as a lens for critical analysis.
Galaxy Corporation CEO Choi Yong-ho celebrated the news, noting, “This holds special meaning as it aligns with the 20th anniversary of G-Dragon’s debut. We will continue to share his value with the world and contribute to the expansion of Korean culture.”