A Guide to K-Pop Mythology References

Over 20 characters who are referenced in and/or inspired K-pop artists’ songs, videos, and more!

Check Out More (Continuously Updated!) K-Pop Guides Here!

TV and movie references

References to famous artists and works of art

Literary references

#1: Adonis

Overview: Mortal with “godlike” beauty who represents a life-and-death cycle

K-pop references: BF’s ADONIS era; FIFTY FIFTY’s song “ADONIS” & reference in the “Pookie” MV

#2: Ajax

Overview: One of the most powerful and successful warriors who uses a ship’s mast as his sphere

K-pop reference: The boy band A-JAX

#3: Aphrodite (aka Venus, in Roman mythology)

Overview: Goddess of Beauty who is made of sea foam and has no parents; created for the sole purpose of provoking feelings of love; her abduction is what triggers the Trojan War

K-pop references: B.I.G’s APHRODITE era; the girl group HELLO VENUS; ONF’s song “Aphrodite;” plus, modern apple symbolism often replicates the apple symbolism in the “Apple of Discord” story, a story in which Aphrodite plays a key role

#4: Apollo

Overview: God of the Sun, Music, and Healing; builds temples in his sacred space, Caves of Delphi (where nine muses hang out); plans to kill Python with golden arrow; the one who popularizes leaf crowns

K-pop references: PITTA’s “Apollon” (the name means “strength or father light” and derives from the name of the god Apollo); the girl group named 9MUSES; plus the countless times artists have used python symbolism

#5: Artemis

Overview: Goddess of Hunting, Nature, Childbirth; rides a silver chariot; treats wild animals as sacred; controls the tides; associated with deer symbolism; in some tellings, she helps young lovers’ rendezvous stay hidden and secret!

K-pop reference: The girl group ARTMS

#6: Athena

Overview: Goddess of Wisdom, Craft, Warfare; protector of many cities

K-pop references: JAURIM’s “ATHENA;” QUEENDOM PUZZLE team named Athena