Writer Avier delves into K-pop’s ever-evolving soundscape, exploring how genre experimentation has redefined the industry while questioning what truly makes K-pop, K-pop What comes to mind when one mentions the term “K-pop”? For those old souls who witnessed the genre’s global birth back in the 2010s, bubblegum pop hits (think Girls Generation’s Gee (2010) and TWICE’s Cheer Up (2016)) may come to mind. Or it could perhaps be peppy electronic dance tunes like BIGBANG’s Fantastic Baby (2012)...

A Brit who out-studies the locals, an American golden retriever in a polo shirt, and a Singaporean who's been "on exchange" in her own country for six years. What happens when their worlds collide in an SMU seminar room? Writer Ashley introduces the characters of her unlikely friend group and what they've taught her about belonging. Sam “You’ll Get Used to It” Through the haze I brought upon myself from staying up too late (“I only have one 12pm class tomorrow; the night is young!”), I rub my...

As SMU students navigate an era of rapid change, SMUSA is anchoring its work this year on a simple but ambitious theme: “Thrive Together.” In a joint conversation with The Blue and Gold, SMUSA President Jing Xi and Vice-President Amelia Sim share how they see this theme shaping priorities, initiatives, and leadership on campus. A Year Defined by “Thrive Together” For Jing Xi, “Thrive Together” is SMUSA’s response to a world marked by AI disruption, economic volatility, and geopolitical...