K-pop Dominates Global Stage from Australia, Philippines to the U.S.: Foreign Members Now a Must-Have

K-pop is no longer confined to Korean borders. As major idol groups such as ENHYPEN and aespa target audiences worldwide, foreign members have become an essential part of team compositions. Australia serves as a key example illustrating K-pop’s global expansion. Idols of Australian origin, including Rosé of BLACKPINK, are active on K-pop stages. Roald Maliankai, a professor at the Institute of Korean Studies at the Australian National University, analyzed why Australia has become a breeding ground for K-pop stars. He cited three main factors: first, Korean-Australians acquire a foundation in the language by speaking Korean at home; second, Asian populations make up approximately 17.4% of the population in major Australian cities; third, Australians’ positive communication style leaves a good impression on agencies. International composers who incorporate hip-hop culture from the Bay Area in the U.S. into K-pop are also driving this expansion. Paul Thompson is the composer behind hit K-pop songs such as EXO’s “Love Shot,” NCT U’s “The Seventh Sense,” and Taeyeon’s “Fine.” He first became interested in K-pop in 2007 while teaching English to families of Korean students and came across “Nobody” by WONDERS GIRLS. After facing setbacks in his music career in LA, he moved to Korea in 2013 to teach English. There, he reignited his passion for music, submitted demos to K-pop labels, connected with collaborators at JYP Entertainment, and began his full-fledged composing career. He currently runs his own label, MZMC, and is developing a new girl group named VVS. K-pop’s influence is also growing in the Philippines. JL, a Filipino member of the global idol group AHOPE, serves as the Philippine ambassador for the Korean Dairy Association’s “I LIKE IT. KOREA MILK” campaign. This event will take place on June 14 and 15 at Robinsons Magnolia Mall in Manila, Philippines, with five Korean companies—Seoul Milk, Yonsei Dairy, Maeil Dairy, Binggrae, and Lotte World Food—participating to introduce Korean dairy products to local consumers. K-pop’s globalization has now evolved beyond merely spreading a music genre to becoming a major channel for international cultural and economic exchange.