The Professional Department has been a pioneer in creating and hosting diverse K-pop content and events. We eagerly await fresh ideas from students and ensure they foster synergy with all stakeholders.
2021 K-POP SUMMIT
Berklee's student club, "K-Pop Initiative," teams up with Global Initiatives and the Professional Music Department to present the very first 2021 Virtual K-Pop Summit! The K-Pop Summit introduces K-Pop professionals to students seeking to advance their careers in the music and entertainment industry. This event advances the K-Pop Initiative’s mission to extend “K beyond Korea.”
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2022 INSIDE K-POP
INSIDE K-POP was the Professional Music's K-pop A&R listening session, featuring Adrian McKinnon (credits: BoA, SHINee, EXO, Monsta X, NCT, SuperM, WayV, Enhypen), KAIROS (credits: SHINee, Twice, ITZY, Stray Kids, Jessica, Suzy, Double S 301), and Michelle Cho (credits: Baekhyun, Kai, Produce 101, Onew, NU'EST, Yugyeom, with SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, PLEDIS, CJ E&M), highlighted industry professionals who have made significant contributions to K-pop and have crafted some of its most iconic and beloved hits.
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2023 INSIDE K-POP
The special conversation with two of SM's – and K-pop's – most influential creatives, songwriter/producer and Berklee alum KENZIE and former SM Entertainment CEO Mr. Chris Lee, took place and concluded. These two figures were integral to bringing about some of the top K-pop songs of all time, including hits by BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, f(x), SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, the NCT groups, SuperM, and aespa.
Founded in 1995, SM Entertainment has been a seminal entity that has established the sound, style, and direction of what we know today as K-pop. A leader in the field, SM Entertainment continues to impact and shape the movement of K-pop culture, from music to fandom to business to technology.
2023 BERKLEE K-POP & BEYOND
The 2023 Berklee K-Pop & Beyond was a two-day event that took place on the Berklee campus from November 17 to 18, 2023. It immersed students in the multifaceted world of the global K-pop industry. Organized by the Professional Music Department and the Career Center, the event featured contributions and support from several key Berklee partners. Two main guest speakers were selected through a student review process: Nuel Always Cho, Chief Creative Officer of MuzLive, and Andrew Cho, a Singer-Songwriter and Topliner, who were happy to accept our invitation. It was a truly student-driven event and marked the culmination of International Education Week. The purpose of this report is to reflect on the event and brainstorm future engagement strategies to maximize the benefits for students' learning experiences. We extend special thanks to the primary sponsor of the event, the CJ Cultural Foundation, which has consistently supported Berklee students and been a committed partner in bridging the gap between Berklee classrooms and industry-based knowledge and experience.
2024 FALL BERKLEE
K-POP & BEYOND
The 2024 Fall K-Pop & Beyond event was a special one that produced meaningful outcomes. Our guest, Jae Chong from the legendary 90s K-pop group Solid, shared his insights on K-pop's global success as well as his secret Pro Tools session. Notably, two Berklee versions of idol groups debuted. This experiential learning project elevated K-pop to a more student-centric level and opened up many new opportunities for K-pop lovers on campus and beyond.