This week on In Confidence, Lisa sits down with Dr. Grace Kao, IBM Professor of Sociology at Yale University and K-pop expert, to explore why Korean idol groups have taken the world by storm and what their global rise reveals about identity, belonging, and the forces that shape confidence.    This episode unpacks: The rigorous training system that gives idols unshakable confidence How fandom creates deep belonging and challenges stereotypes Why K-pop may be shifting how the world sees Asian identity Stay with us because this isn’t just about K-pop. It’s about the power of being seen.   *This episode contains discussion of mental health, suicide, and body image. If those topics are sensitive for you, please take care in choosing how and when to listen.   Listen to Dr. Grace Kao's YouTube Playlists: 10-Song Intro to K-Pop 40 Song Intro to K-Pop   00:00 Intro 02:01 Meet Professor Dr. Grace Kao 10:48 How Grace Got Into K-pop 13:07 Lisa’s Story: Reclaiming Identity Through K-pop 16:41 What Makes K-pop Fandom Different 21:50 How Fandom Shapes Identity and Belonging 27:14 How East Asian Men Are Viewed in Media and Dating 31:49 Why K-pop Crossed Over While Other Asian Music Hasn’t 37:33 Biases, Archetypes, and the “Someone for Everyone” Formula 40:52 Idol Romance Rules, Western Collabs, and K-pop’s Film Takeover 45:16 Unrealistic Beauty Standards in K-pop 48:31 Confidence Through Preparation: The Idol Training System 50:08 Mental Health Pressures in the Industry 53:13 The Global Rise of Asian Desirability 56:08 Quick-Fire Round: Music Videos, Bias Picks, and Billboard Highlights 01:01:44 Outro 01:03:32 Disclaimer   Connect With Us So You Never Miss a Moment of Inspiration:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit Our Website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Our Best-Selling Book in Paperback⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Follow Gravitas on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Follow Lisa on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Suggestions or Questions? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email Us at inconfidence@gravitasnewyork.com⁠