J-Pop vs K-Pop: The Growing Academic Gap in Idol Education

EN brief: '현역 교토대생' 아이돌까지 등장…대학 가는 J팝, 안 가는 K팝 (culture) + 1 glossary term.

Summary

A recent trend in the Japanese entertainment industry has seen a rise in "academic idols," with members of popular groups like Sakurazaka46 revealing their status as students at prestigious institutions. Most notably, Haru Katsumata recently trended on social media after showcasing her intellectual skills on a morning variety show, later confirming she is a current student at Kyoto University.

In contrast, the South Korean music industry is seeing a sharp decline in university enrollment among idols. While earlier generations of K-pop stars almost universally attended college, current fourth-generation idols are increasingly choosing to bypass higher education entirely to focus on their global promotional schedules.

This divergence highlights different cultural expectations and career strategies between the two markets. In Japan, a high academic background is often seen as a unique selling point or a "gap moe" charm, whereas in Korea, the intense competition of the trainee system makes balancing school and stardom nearly impossible.

Experts note that as K-pop becomes a global business, the opportunity cost of four years in university has become too high for many top-tier performers who prioritize immediate international activities over a traditional degree.

Full story (translated & rewritten)

On January 26, the phrase "Current Kyoto University Student" (현역 교토대생) topped the trending charts on X (formerly Twitter) in Japan. The buzz was centered around Haru Katsumata, a member of the idol group Sakurazaka46, who appeared on the TBS program 'Love It!'. During the broadcast, she effortlessly solved complex mental arithmetic and difficult kanji readings, leading fans to praise her as a "genius idol."

Katsumata, who debuted in June last year, recently revealed on her blog that she is currently enrolled in the Faculty of Agriculture at Kyoto University. In Japan, Kyoto University is considered one of the top two national universities alongside the University of Tokyo. While international observers often focus on private schools like Waseda or Keio, Kyoto University is frequently ranked higher within Japan due to its rigorous academic standards and history of producing Nobel laureates.

Katsumata explained that she initially planned to work in the food industry or marketing. However, during a period of self-analysis, she realized she wanted to be a "driving force" for others, leading her to audition for Sakurazaka46 during her junior year of college. She decided to go public with her academic background to encourage students who are currently struggling with their own entrance exams.

This trend of high-achieving Japanese idols includes members from Nogizaka46 and AKB48 attending Keio and Waseda. Conversely, the K-pop scene is moving in the opposite direction. While all members of the first-generation group Fin.K.L went to college, none of the members of the third-generation powerhouse BLACKPINK or the fourth-generation group IVE have pursued university degrees.

While there are rare exceptions in Korea, such as tripleS member Kim Yoo-yeon who attended Ewha Womans University, the general consensus in the K-pop industry is that the peak years of an idol's career are too precious to spend in a classroom. The article suggests that for K-pop, the "idol" role is a full-time professional commitment, while J-pop increasingly allows for a "dual-track" life of student and performer.

Context

• Kyoto University (Kyodai) is famous for its "liberal" atmosphere and has produced the most Nobel Prize winners of any university in Asia.
• The term "SKY" in Korea refers to Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University, representing the pinnacle of academic prestige.
• Many K-pop idols now opt for the "CSAT waiver," publicly announcing they will not take the national entrance exam to focus on their groups.

Source

• Link: https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/25401776