Chinese Pop Culture's Development in The United States among Generation Z in Comparison with South Korean Pop Culture

Zilun Lin^*

• Westcliff University, Irvine, California, United States

South Korean pop culture (K-pop) has achieved its phenomenal business and cultural success in the United States, marked by numerous hit songs, large-scale concerts, and record-breaking streams and TV show views, particularly among Generation Z (Gen Z). In contrast, Chinese pop culture (C-pop) has experienced slower growth in the same market. While existing literature highlights technological advancement and South Korean management companies' business models as critical to K-pop's success, there is a research gap regarding C-pop's development in the U.S. This qualitative study conducted a comparative analysis between K-pop and C-pop in the U.S., targeting Gen Z consumers. It employed multiple case study methodology and content analysis approach to compare K-pop and C-pop business models through numerical, textual, visual, and conceptual data from secondary sources. This study filled the gap of the existing literature and addressed C-pop's challenges in the U.S. The findings proposed new directions for C-pop's growth by suggesting a creative direction shift for C-pop, emphasizing the need for enhanced marketing strategies tailored to the U.S. market. They indicated the American Gen Z audience prefers romance-themed content in both music and TV works, as well as selfempowering content that establishes personal connections and a sense of community. It was highly recommended that all elements of artist and work development consistently deliver genuine works that build personal connection with members of Gen Z, a group of young individuals who experience loneliness.