In a groundbreaking nod to Korean pop music, the Grammy Museum is about to roll out its first full-floor K-pop exhibit, shining a spotlight on the lively music, culture, tech, and fandom that fuel K-pop’s global rise. Partnering with Hybe, the South Korean entertainment giant behind BTS and other global hits, this exhibit dives deep into the company’s influence on the music scene.
“Hybe: We Believe in Music, A Grammy Museum Exhibit” will take place from August 2 to September 15 at the museum in downtown Los Angeles. Spanning a hefty 4,000 square feet, this display is a landmark for the museum, being the largest exhibit ever curated.
“This will be one of the most extensive exhibits we’ve ever curated,” said Grammy Museum President and CEO Michael Sticka. “Hybe’s impact on music worldwide is undeniable, and this exhibit celebrates their contributions to K-pop and beyond.”
A Treasure Trove of Artifacts
For the first time, the exhibit will showcase artifacts never before displayed in a museum, including items from 78 K-pop idols. Attendees can expect to see iconic outfits from music videos and concept photos, such as BTS’s “Yet to Come (The Most Beautiful Moment),” SEVENTEEN’s “Maestro,” TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s “Sugar Rush Ride,” and LE SSERAFIM’s “Easy.”
The exhibit also features memorabilia from Hybe’s rookie teams, including BOYNEXTDOOR, TWS, &TEAM, and ILLIT. Additionally, three influential books from Big Hit Entertainment founder Hitman Bang’s personal collection will be displayed, highlighting their inspiration behind BTS’s albums. These include Hermann Hesse’s “Demian: The Story of Boyhood,” Erich Fromm’s “The Art of Loving,” and Murray Stein’s “Jung’s Map of the Soul.”
Interactive Experiences and Technological Innovations
Beyond the artifacts, the exhibit offers several interactive experiences designed to engage fans and newcomers alike. A “random dance play” in the museum’s rotunda will allow visitors to sing and dance along to Hybe artists’ music. There will also be a Photoism booth for fans to pose with images of their favorite acts.
“We’re even going to have a little fan area where fans can express what K-pop means to them and leave their mark on the exhibit,” said Grammy Museum curator Kelsey Goelz. “This is the biggest and most in-depth K-pop exhibit we have ever done.”
A permanent interactive feature, “Mono to Immersive,” will demonstrate the evolution of recording technology using BTS’s 2022 Grammy performance of “Butter.” Visitors can experience how the performance would sound through different eras of technology, from the 1920s to the present day.
Hybe’s Vision and Global Reach
Hybe’s COO, Tae-Ho Kim, expressed his hopes that the exhibit will appeal to both K-pop and Hybe superfans as well as those curious about the genre. “We aim to introduce Hybe to visitors and showcase the journey we have taken in the global music industry,” he said. “I hope this exhibit will be a great chance for our rookie teams to be introduced to American music fans. This can be a significant momentum for their entrance into the American music market.”
Expanding the Narrative of Music History
This exhibit stands as a testament to the Grammy Museum’s dedication to exploring a wide array of music genres and their cultural significance. With K-pop growing worldwide, this exhibit offers a rare chance for both fans and newcomers to dive into the genre’s complexities and its impact on the global music scene.
“Hybe: We Believe in Music, A Grammy Museum Exhibit” doesn’t just celebrate K-pop’s artistic feats; it also bridges cultural divides, inviting visitors to connect with the lively, dynamic realm of Korean pop music.
