The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will run K-pop academies at its cultural centers overseas.
 
The ministry made the announcement on Saturday, saying 20 cultural centers in 18 countries including the U.S., China and France will set up learning programs focused on K-pop. 
 
The program will kick off as early as later this month at some of the centers.
 
Through the beginners' program, the participants will learn overall knowledge on Korean dramas, films, cuisine and receive basic vocal and dance training.
 
The four-week intermediate program will provide the participants with advanced singing and dancing lessons. 
 
The classes will be taught by teaching staff at the applied music departments of Sejong University and Howon University.
 
A ministry official said the ministry will improve this pilot program based on feedback from this year's participants and expand the operation next year.