ASIA POP Exhibition at NRW-Forum Düsseldorf

Comics, films, food, music and games – East Asian pop culture has had a powerful influence on global mainstream culture. With the exhibition ASIA POP, the NRW-Forum Düsseldorf presents the first comprehensive exhibition in Germany dedicated to this phenomenon and its cultural, political, economic and aesthetic impact.

From kawaii icons such as Hello Kitty to the animated films of Studio Ghibli, from global K-pop stars like BTS to modern games such as Black Myth: Wukong, the exhibition brings the diversity of East Asian pop culture to life. Spread across 1,200 square metres and featuring around 400 works, the exhibition creates a visual, auditory and even culinary panorama of this vibrant cultural landscape.

The presentation focuses on China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, exploring how these regions use popular culture as a form of soft power. By exporting cultural products such as music, films, fashion and games, they influence global markets and cultural trends.

The exhibition also explores important questions about authenticity, identity and cultural exchange, highlighting how Asian pop culture is interpreted and adopted around the world.

The exhibition is organized into thematic areas reflecting everyday life and cultural expression, including beauty, fashion, film and television, gaming, and music, where the distinctive aesthetics and creative energy of Asian pop culture become visible.