The University of Southern California (USC) has officially announced that it will launch a 4-credit academic course dedicated entirely to G-Dragon, making him the first K-pop artist to become the subject of a full-credit university course in the United States.
The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism revealed the new course through its official social media channels, tagging G-Dragon’s account, a move that immediately attracted widespread attention from both fans and academic communities.
Following a growing trend of top global universities examining contemporary pop icons, USC’s new course places G-Dragon alongside figures like Beyoncé at Yale University and Taylor Swift at Harvard University.
The curriculum will analyze G-Dragon’s cultural, creative and industrial influence on the global music landscape, exploring how his artistic identity has shaped the evolution of K-pop over the course of two decades.
Titled “COMM 400: A Critical Look at K-Pop – The G-Dragon Case Study,” the course will be taught by Professor Lee Hye-jin starting in the spring 2026 semester.
The class will examine:
Debates over commercialism versus artistic autonomy in K-pop
G-Dragon’s creative process, musical identity and visual culture
Its influence on global pop trends, fandom dynamics, and industry practices
Broader cultural interpretations of K-pop structure and symbolism
Through G-Dragon’s work, students will reinterpret the underlying cultural, economic, and ideological frameworks that define modern Korean pop culture.
Galaxy Corporation, G-Dragon’s agency, expressed deep appreciation, stating: “It is significant that G-Dragon is being highlighted through an academic course at a prestigious university on his 20th anniversary of debut.”
As one of K-pop’s most influential figures, credited with reshaping idol art, fashion, and music production, G-Dragon continues to gain recognition outside of the entertainment industry, solidifying his status as a cultural icon worthy of academic study.
