
It's common for K-pop stars to give up university to focus on their careers, considering their hectic schedules and time conflicts.
Some high-achievers, however, went above and beyond, taking the road less traveled. With their efforts to further their studies, they emphasized the importance of education and proved that they could also pursue their studies while working.
Here are 15+ Idols With Master's Degrees:
TVXQ Changmin
TVXQ's Changmin: around 150
— Gee (@suhodorable) July 27, 2021
"According to SBS PopAsia, on the list are a postmodern music degree from Kyung Hee University, a film and arts degree from Konkuk University, and a master’s and PhD from Inha University." pic.twitter.com/cPEvo3zIdU
Changmin of TVXQ is among the idols with impressive educational backgrounds. He not only completed his master's degree at Inha University, but he also has a PhD!
On top of that, he also has a double bachelor's degree. He went to one of Korea's most prestigious schools, Kyunghee University, and majored in post-modern music.
For his second degree, he pursued film and arts at Konkuk University.
BIGBANG
T.O.P has a master's degree in "Theater & Film"
— QUEEN & TTTOP👑❤️ (@QueenVIPam) February 6, 2018
Taeyang has a master's degree in "Producing Perfomances & Images"
G-Dragon has a master's degree in "Retail & Distribution"
So proud of the boys 😀
I am pretty sure Daesung & Seungri will have one as well 👑👑👑👑👑#BIGBANG pic.twitter.com/AFwqf3Qxdr
Among the current members of the "Kings of K-pop" BIGBANG, G-Dragon has a master's degree in content and retail distribution from Sejong University, while Taeyang holds a post-graduate degree from Daejin University in producing performances and images.
SHINee
all of shinee having a masters degree and jinki having a ph.D and a masters ?! THAT IS SUCH A FLEX!! pic.twitter.com/eftVYFjXWV
— taemin day ❄️ (@mjtaemin) February 11, 2021
READ ALSO: 10 K-pop Idols Whose University Courses Aren't Related to Music or Dancing
Among boy groups, SHINee is the only one where all members have post-grad degrees.
Leader Onew is a virtuoso in practical music at Chungwoon University, while the late Jonghyun and the group's youngest member Taemin received their advanced degrees in film and musical studies from Myongji University.
The 91-liner Key has a master's degree in culture and education content development from Woosuk University, while Minho has a master's degree in film acting.
EXO
exo members educational & academic backgrounds
— 飞天 H (@BOXIANx) March 31, 2024
short thread ;
minseok :
- phd (seen in hoseo university & catholic kwandong university)
junmyeon :
- majored in acting
- bachelor degree: culture & arts department of business administration
- master degree : culture management pic.twitter.com/IP5tHG7SOP
In EXO, numerous members are also master's degree holders.
Xiumin has one in music he obtained at Catholic Kwandong University. He's also reported to be currently pursuing his PhD.
Suho earned a master's degree in Culture Management, while Baekhyun and D.O. reportedly completed their MBAs.
Chanyeol, on the other hand, went to Inha University to take up a master's in interior design.
Lastly, Chen has a master's degree in advertisement media.
BTS
In 2017, Jin entered Hanyang Cyber University Graduate School. RM, Suga, J-HOPE, Jimin, & V, entered as a freshman this year's advertising media MBA program at Hanyang Cyber University!!
— Bangtan Scholars (@BangtanScholars) July 7, 2020
BTS members have entered Graduate School!! Congratulations to the @bts_twt members!
Link👇 pic.twitter.com/ruWaPWHtUz
As of 2024, six members of BTS, excluding Jungkook, completed their graduate programs.
Jin earned his full credentials in film, while the rest completed a Master's in business administration (MBA) from Hanyang Cyber University.
TWICE Tzuyu
#TWICE’s Tzuyu has a Master's degree in Applied Psychology, revealed in a post from her elementary school, where she was featured as one of the outstanding graduates. pic.twitter.com/bi2L7QbSLC
— Pop Core (@TheePopCore) December 9, 2024
Just recently, it was revealed that Tzuyu had a master's degree in applied psychology.
It was reported that she completed her graduate degree at Miguel de Cervantes European University through their online course.
She's one of the few, if not the first, female idols to have a graduate program degree.
RELATED ARTICLE: Did You Know? TWICE Tzuyu Has a Master's Degree She Earned From a University in Spain