Bang Si Hyuk, chairman of HYBE, recently shared his thoughts on the global success of K-pop during an 'Asia Society' interview released on December 23. 

When asked if he ever envisioned his work leading the global spread of K-pop and Korean culture, he responded, “I never imagined such a thing.” He explained, “As a child, the U.S. music market, which represents global music, felt so distant and unattainable that I didn’t think it was even possible to approach.”

Bang Si Hyuk recalled, “When I began the journey with BTS, I never expected it to lead to where we are today. About two and a half years after BTS debuted, I started to feel that I might be able to achieve something that had never been done before in Asia.”

Reflecting on his achievements, he added, “Chasing the dream directly in front of me brought me to this point. Even so, when I look back, there are still moments when what I’ve accomplished feels surreal.”

Bang Si Hyuk also addressed the broader implications of cultural exchange, stating, “Cultural clashes can lead to global tragedies, but when understanding is rooted in cultural appreciation, the world can develop peacefully and pursue prosperity. I believe we must go beyond merely recognizing differences—we should embrace them and use them as creative inspiration.”

He acknowledged the transformative role of BTS in reshaping global perceptions of Asian culture. He shared, “Before BTS achieved global success, the understanding of Asian culture was often narrow or superficial. People who liked Asian culture were seen as having peculiar tastes. Through BTS, the things I worked hard to promote became something the world found exciting, and this helped deepen mutual understanding. I believe the efforts in the U.S. and globally to embrace and evolve Asian culture aren’t just cultural exchanges—they contribute to world peace and human progress.”

When asked how music can resonate with both Korean and global audiences, Bang emphasized the importance of balance. “Balance is always key. Instead of dividing music into categories like ‘global’ or ‘Korean,’ I believe all humans are unique yet share universal values. As a Korean, I draw on my cultural heritage, and through exposure to American music, I look for ways to integrate global influences. My goal isn’t to create a mere blend of two cultures but to produce compelling content that stands strong on its own.”

On October 25, Bang Si Hyuk was honored with the 'Asia Game Changer Award' at Cipriani in New York for his significant contributions to promoting Asian culture on the global stage.

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