The University of Southern California in Los Angeles is introducing a new course centered on G-Dragon, highlighting the global influence of K-pop and its leading innovators.

The USC Annenberg School announced on December 4 that it will open a G-Dragon–focused class in the upcoming spring semester. This follows a growing academic trend in the U.S., where major universities have begun spotlighting global pop culture icons—Harvard introduced a Taylor Swift course last year, and Yale will offer a Beyoncé course next year.

This marks the first time a U.S. university is launching a four-credit regular course dedicated to a K-pop artist. USC described G-Dragon as a "multi-artist" who "redefined what is possible in K-pop."

A New Academic Lens on K-Pop

The course, titled A Crooked Study of K-Pop: The Case of G-Dragon, will be led by Professor Lee Hye-jin, a prominent scholar in Korean media studies. Students will explore G-Dragon's artistry, creative identity, and far-reaching cultural impact.

Challenging Stereotypes

Building on this analysis, the class will also reframe how K-pop is perceived globally. It plans to critique outdated views that dismiss the genre as "commercial" or lacking artistic autonomy, despite its worldwide influence.

Galaxy Corporation CEO Choi Yong-ho, marking G-Dragon's 20th anniversary, expressed pride in the academic milestone and reaffirmed the company's commitment to expanding global recognition of his artistic value.