Routledge Focus on Business and Management-The K-Pop Content Strategy

This book explores how K-pop’s strategic approach to content creation offers powerful lessons on building sustainable careers beyond algorithm dependency. It is tailored for scholars in media, digital culture, marketing, and creative industries, as well as creative entrepreneurs seeking new business strategies. In an era where digital algorithms dictate visibility, creative professionals are struggling to attract audiences and sustain long-term careers. Yet, K-pop has seemingly mastered the art of digital engagement, successfully leveraged global fandoms, and bypassed traditional media gatekeepers. This book explores how K-pop’s strategic approach to content creation can serve as a model for creatives everywhere, offering powerful lessons on building sustainable careers beyond algorithm dependency. Through a research-driven analysis of K-pop’s content and engagement model, this book reveals four key lessons behind its global success: (1) Mass Content Creation as a Business Model; (2) Leverage Fans as Business Partners; (3) Access is the New Digital Currency, and (4) Cultivate Non-Traditional Income Streams. By drawing parallels between K-pop’s strategies and the broader creative industries, this book offers actionable insights to help creative professionals develop sustainable businesses through innovative digital content strategies and next-level audience engagement inspired by the recent global success of groups such as Stray Kids and BTS. This book serves as both an academic study and a practical guide, tailored for scholars in media, digital culture, marketing, and creative industries, as well as creative entrepreneurs seeking new business strategies.