Pop Culture's Relation to the Coronavirus

    While it may seem that the coronavirus has had a negatively huge affect on pop culture, ironically, pop culture has mended its way into the pandemic. It has become a part of the pandemic. An example of this is a trend that began on Instagram in the U.S. called the #IStayHomeFor challenge. Many celebrities took part in this challenge trying to raise awareness of the coronavirus and how important it was for people to stay at home so that they were not only protecting themselves, but also those around them. Just a few of the celebrities who participated in this program include Emma Watson, Demi Lovato, and Milly Bobbie Brown.

Emma Watson participating in the #istayhomefor instagram challenge

Millie Bobbie Brown participating in the #istayhomefor challenge

Demi Lovato participating in the #istayathomefor challenge

    

    This trend then became a "thing" and all people (not just fans) jumped aboard the challenge as well, sharing their own personal reasons for staying home. This is clear evidence of the way pop culture has played a part in awareness of the coronavirus in the U.S.. However, we have also seen a how pop culture has become a part of the pandemic in other countries.

    Let's go over seas, and take a look at how Korean Pop (K-pop) has become a part of the pandemic in South Korea. Daegu, one of the largest cities in South Korea, was hit the hardest by the coronavirus. Many were being infected as the virus spreaded quickly. South Korean boy band, BTS, was truly hurt by this and decided to do what they could. Suga, one of the eldest members of BTS, was devastated because he lived and grew up in Daegu. As a result, he donated 100 million won (US $86,00) to Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association, to prevent the spread of the virus. Similarly, 11, 000 BTS fans, also known as A.R.M.Y (Adorable Representative MC for Youth) donated more than half a billion won to the same relief association. Many others used their ticket refunds from BTS' April concert to provide goods for those suffering due to the pandemic. This is just one of the very few ways that BTS has provided help and support during the coronavirus. 

    As is seen, pop culture is somewhat extremely important in relation to global health. It has taken a significant role in the coronavirus pandemic. We have seen this not only in the U.S., but also around the world.