Meet Myeisha Selby | Social Worker, Founder of K-Pop For Peace
We had the good fortune of connecting with Myeisha Selby and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Myeisha, how does your business help the community?
At its core, K-Pop For Peace is a non-profit organization built by music fans who believe that our collective experiences can be a catalyst for global change. We aren’t just a fan club; we are a community that applies social work principles and mental health advocacy to address social injustice. We operate on a simple but powerful premise: our voices hold power. By hosting local and virtual fundraisers and providing educational resources, we create a safe harbor for marginalized populations to find their voice and build a foundation of support for those who have been silenced.
When we first launched, we chose the slogan “How Are You?” It was a creative onomatopoeia designed to mirror the “Hallyu” Wave—the historical rise of South Korea’s cultural economy. While we’ve evolved past that specific slogan, its energy remains our North Star. It honors the Hallyu Wave while representing our deepest priority: making sure people feel seen and heard. We want every person who finds us—whether they are a new fan or someone in crisis—to feel welcomed by that same therapeutic, nostalgic warmth.
There is a common saying in our community: “You find K-Pop when you need it the most.” To an outsider, that might sound mundane, but for us, it’s a profound truth. Most fans turned to this music to escape hardships, toxic environments, or isolation. However, we’ve realized that you can’t truly “escape” societal issues like hate crimes, racism, or cyberbullying. At K-Pop For Peace, we take the lessons of resilience we’ve learned from our role models and use them to help others navigating similar traumas.
We’ve also had to be honest about the shifts within the fandom. Since June 2020, we’ve seen a decline in positive social interactions between fanbases. In response, we’ve launched panel discussions and projects that encourage followers to idolize their own morals and beliefs above the artists themselves. We want to empower fans to be leaders in their own lives.
To turn this vision into action, we utilize an Ecological Systems approach and a Trauma-Informed Care mindset to develop initiatives that meet our community’s deepest needs. Our signature “Break The Silence” series serves as a vital mental health platform, documenting the real-life journeys of fans to show how music facilitates healing and empowers them to impact others. We further advocate for holistic wellness through our first-of-their-kind Mental Health Cupsleeve Events, which reimagine traditional fan celebrations as accessible resource hubs for those navigating life’s challenges.
Our brand also extends its support to the professional community through The Chinjeol River, a fun and interactive promotional initiative that boosts exposure and growth for small businesses. To ensure our followers are equipped to use the power of their voices, we provide educational depth through our Conflict Unpacked series and our Letters To Leaders advocacy program. We further explore the intersections of culture and identity on our podcast, “Let’s Talk K.P.O.P.,” where we tackle everything from idol controversies to the unique struggles faced by Korean Americans. Ultimately, our commitment to global outreach—through collaborations like “K-Pop Below The Line” and our Giving Tree Campaign—ensures our impact remains as borderless as the music itself. K-Pop For Peace strives to provide our followers with multiple opportunities to advocate for others and themselves, all while staying true to who they are.
Could you share a bit more about your work and career? We’re big fans, and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In the K-Pop space, I am primarily known as the founder of K-Pop For Peace, which remains my heart and primary business. My background is a tapestry of various creative, clinical, and community roles. I am an active member of a historically Black sorority, a sisterhood that further fuels my dedication to service and leadership. I also previously owned a K-Pop and anime-themed merchandise shop; today, I leverage that past experience as a creator to design and produce the high-quality items our brand uses for its various projects and initiatives.
Beyond the fandom, I recently accepted a ghostwriting position with an emerging media company and am deeply embedded in the mental health sector. Whether I am navigating the music industry or working in a clinical setting, I am always a social worker at heart. I officially reached this career milestone this year after earning my Master’s degree—a journey that took three years of parallel growth alongside K-Pop For Peace. I share this timeline because I want fellow entrepreneurs to understand that building a mission-driven business takes time, and that is perfectly okay.
When I started, I had no formal business training outside of what I’d seen in educational-based clubs. I didn’t know how to create high-level resources, nor did I fully grasp the complex web of industry and fan-mandated restrictions. I had to learn the power of two things: preparation and resilience. First, I made sure I always had a “pitch” ready—a clear mission statement and a roadmap for our initiatives so people knew exactly what we stood for. Second, I learned to view rejection not as an automatic failure, but as an analytical opportunity to process how to move forward. Our idols often share similar stories of their own “trails of breadcrumbs” leading to success; their perseverance became the motivation for my own.
I also had to embrace the vulnerability of asking for help. Support comes in many forms—sometimes it’s a full masterclass on how something works, sometimes it’s a subtle hint to look at a video, and sometimes it’s no help at all. I’ve learned to accept every situation with a clear mind and heart, believing that the energy you put out is eventually what you receive internally. Instead of stewing in negative feelings, I choose to analyze and determine how to grow. You are your own greatest advocate; if you know the worth of your business, let your foundational roots be the anchor that keeps you steady through every obstacle.
I am always transparent about our origins. In late 2019, I experienced a trauma that led to a significant decline in my mental health. While my family and friends were supportive, I struggled to shake the darkness. I turned to K-Pop for comfort, but it was during the height of the Burning Sun scandal. The digital space was flooded with hate toward the industry and its fans.
I remember listening to “Epiphany” by Jin of BTS and feeling a profound sense of conflict. I wondered why there was so much vitriol in the world and wished people could see the true, positive impact idols have on our lives. In that moment, I had an epiphany of my own: I saw flashes of pastel colors and the words “K-Pop For Peace.” A week later, I took a leap of faith. With a dedicated team and a commitment to global harmony, we launched in January 2020 with an initiative addressing human trafficking.
That story was the starting gun for my career. Over the last three years, I’ve had to step back at times to finish my education and restructure the organization, but I never lost sight of that original feeling. We remain committed to being a “voice of power” for those who need someone in their corner. By integrating social work practices into our annual growth analysis, we ensure that K-Pop For Peace remains as dedicated to evolution as it is to the community we serve.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Since I’m still relatively new to the area, I’m in a constant state of exploration—which is a journey in itself! But based on my experiences so far, I would treat them to a day centered entirely on fun and positivity.
One of my favorite discoveries has been the Wreck Rooms found throughout Texas. There is something incredibly therapeutic about 30 minutes of ‘constructive demolition’; it’s a unique space for people to let loose and really process their emotions in a high-energy way. I always encourage people to look closer at what their local neighbors are doing for fun. There are so many ‘hidden treasures’ in our communities that often go overlooked simply because we stop looking.
Of course, no day of positivity is complete without incredible food, and Korean BBQ is always a delicious, high-energy choice. And if you’re feeling especially brave, I recommend finding a karaoke night—specifically one where the crowd knows their 80s and 90s K-pop. The atmosphere is always warm, welcoming, and guaranteed to leave you with the best memories.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
K-Pop For Peace has received so much support since 2019, and we always wish to honor them.
First, I must thank our followers. Thank you for your continued support. Every action of support that you have shown us has been forever categorized in our hearts. You continue to inspire us to keep going in our business. I hope we can continue to make you proud and give you the power and strength you need to overcome every hardship you are facing.
Second, I must express my deepest gratitude to my team. Your love and unwavering dedication to this mission are things I never take for granted. Every year, I am genuinely amazed and inspired by the new heights you achieve in your own lives. You have provided me with the exact same sanctuary we strive to give our followers; you are my safe place whenever I am in need. From those late nights spent meticulously packaging event freebies and the sacrifices you’ve made within your own education, to the resilience it takes to record a sixth attempt of an hour-long podcast—you consistently go above and beyond the call of duty. In the years we’ve worked side-by-side, I’ve realized that I haven’t just found coworkers; I’ve found forever sisters. Please know that I am constantly manifesting your happiness and success in every endeavor. I celebrate every milestone in your lives as if it were my own
Third, to Ajah—my best friend, my soulmate, and my most frequent partner in both business and life. You have been a foundational asset in my growth, not only as a business owner but as an African American woman navigating this country. You have been the shoulder I leaned on when I felt like giving up on myself and my vision. From providing the ‘tough love’ I needed to hear, to the countless ideas you’ve sparked, you’ve spent hours staying awake with me while I balanced the demands of my Master’s degree and the future of K-Pop For Peace. Through years of perseverance, you have remained my fiercest cheerleader, never shying away from the work required to help my brand reach new heights. Thank you for every sacrifice, both spoken and unspoken. 2026 Edition: Thank you for marrying me. Here is to a lifetime of building, dreaming, and growing together!”
To my friends—thank you for your unwavering support. Your feedback and positive motivation have been the fuel I needed to keep this business moving forward. You are a constant reminder of how beautiful the world can be when you find people who are truly wholesome. You represent the very love our idols exude, yet you aren’t afraid to let your own light shine or to call out injustice—whether it comes from a public figure, a loved one, or a politician. Thank you for showing up so authentically for yourselves and for each other.
To my parents, there are simply not enough words to express my gratitude. You shaped the woman I am today, both professionally and personally; every lesson you’ve taught me is a brick in the foundation of where I stand now. To my grandmother—the social worker who started it all—thank you for instilling that ‘social work heart of gold’ in me. It remains my North Star when addressing social injustice across the globe. And to my little brothers, thank you for listening to my business proposals, investing your time in my progress, and reminding me daily of how vital it is to create a safe world for children everywhere.
To Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.: To my Sorors, both known and unknown, past and present—I am forever honored to be a member of this prestigious organization. Our legacy of social action is the wind beneath my wings, and I thank you for instilling in me the core truth that ‘There is Power in Our Voice.’
To Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, Inc.: To my fellow brothers, thank you for providing my first in-depth opportunities to lead through service. Though I have long since graduated, I remain committed to our principles: service to our community, service to our fraternity, and service to our nation and the world.
Finally, to my fellow music lovers and fans who are just now discovering K-Pop For Peace: thank you for taking the time to learn about our mission. We hope you are doing well and are sending you nothing but positive vibes. We welcome anyone who uses music as a tool for positive expression. Whether your heart lies in K-Pop, Western music, something in between, or something outside of the box, we believe that music transcends language and speaks directly to the soul. We welcome anyone who wishes to use the power in their voice to help marginalized populations and who wants to do something bigger altogether to make the world a safer place for all.
Thank you, ShoutOut DFW, for this opportunity. I am forever grateful!
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Image Credits
Headshot: True Esseence Photography K-Pop For Peace Event Images: Mya Selby
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