Western sanctions on Russia have made it challenging for young people to access Western entertainment, leading them to embrace Asian culture, including anime and K-pop music, increasingly.
In November, over 1000 individuals in Moscow participated in an anime festival, donning attire and accessories to embody their favorite characters. Concurrently, Russian interest in K-pop dance has surged, exemplified by the GSS Studio school. Established in 2016 with just two student groups, it has since expanded to accommodate thousands of students across its three leading studios in the capital and additional branches in smaller cities.
K-pop, originating from South Korea, blends elements of pop, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music. Sales exceeded four billion euros in 2020.
According to the Russian newspaper Kommersant, sales of K-pop albums and books surged as Western artists’ concerts were canceled at the onset of the war. Beyond Russia, K-pop music has reached unprecedented popularity worldwide, with groups like BTS, Blackpink, EXO, and Red Velvet selling out stadiums and captivating audiences of thousands across the globe.
