The Sam Sanders Show Would K-Pop Exist Without Black Culture?
Feb 24, 2026
Dr. Sarah Olutola, novelist and Lakehead University English professor who studies pop culture, Black culture, and K-pop, explores K-pop’s roots in Cold War US influence and early Black R&B sounds. She traces how a polished industry method globalized those influences, examines examples of cultural borrowing and misuse of AAVE, and highlights how Black creators and fans are marginalized.
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K-pop Originated Through Cold War Cultural Influence
- K-pop's roots trace to Cold War American soft power sending Black American music to South Korea via troops and radio.
- Sarah Olutola links US military presence and cultural infrastructure in the 1950s–70s to early Korean exposure to R&B, disco, and soul.
Early K-pop Sound Directly Echoed New Jack Swing
- Early K-pop borrowed heavily from late 80s–90s Black R&B and New Jack Swing, producing groups like So Taeji and Boys who emulated the sound and style.
- Olutola plays So Taeji and Boys as a direct sonic echo of Teddy Riley–era R&B and Michael Jackson influence.
K-pop Is A Production System Not Just A Genre
- K-pop functions less as a single sound and more as a production method: a fast, factory-like idol system that continuously mines global trends.
- Olutola explains trainees are molded for years and companies rapidly replicate current Black-led musical trends for new concepts.