50 Researchers from 10 Countries to Gather at Jeonbuk National University for BTS Conference

Coinciding with the resumption of BTS activities, The 5th BTS: A Global Interdisciplinary Conference will be held at Jeonbuk National University. The event will take place from July 2 to 3, 2026, at the Jeonbuk National University International Convention Center.

The official name of this conference is 'The 5th BTS: A Global Interdisciplinary Conference'. It is hosted by the International Society for BTS Studies (ISBS) and co-organized by the Jeonbuk National University Namwon Glocal Campus Administration Headquarters, the Glocal University Project Group, the K-Entertainment Department, and Big Movement. The theme is 'The Next Generation Hallyu & BTS'.

50 Researchers from 10 Countries Participate

Fifty researchers from 10 countries, including Korea, the United States, Canada, Australia, the Czech Republic, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Japan, will participate in the conference. Major sessions will cover the Glocalization of K-pop, generative AI and fandom culture, cultural translation, and the social activities of global fandoms.

Taking the resumption of BTS activities as an opportunity, the conference will discuss the socio-cultural impact of fandom, digital technology, and global communication. A key aspect of this schedule is that it serves as a venue to reopen international academic discussions that were temporarily suspended due to military service.

Dialogue with Director Bao Nguyen

Director Bao Nguyen, who directed the Netflix documentary 'BTS: The Return' (2026), will also participate and lead a dialogue. Director Bao Nguyen compared the journey of BTS to Greek mythology.

He explained, "I felt that this journey is much like the Odyssey," adding, "BTS is like Odysseus, preparing to depart for the battlefield of the military, and ARMY is like Penelope, waiting for their return." He further stated that the value of BTS encompasses various themes including globalization, masculinity, and fandom, going beyond achievements in the music industry.

Keynote Speech and Wanju ARMY Tour

Professor Lee Ji-haeng of Jeonbuk National University will deliver the keynote speech for this conference. Professor Robin Fidler of Palm Beach State College in the United States is conducting activities in class where students research the connection between BTS lyrics and mythology and philosophy.

A program combining academic discussion with local cultural experiences has also been prepared. The K-Entertainment Department of Jeonbuk National University Namwon Glocal Campus will present related research achievements. After the conclusion of the event, an 'ARMY Tour' to experience the culture of the Wanju region will be conducted for participants, including programs to experience the traditions of Wanju, such as making Hanji fans.