By Honorary Reporter Irán Tavera from México
Photo= Irán Tavera
Hallyu or the Korean Wave, has spread throughout the world through new forms of communication used by the younger generation. Such expansion has contributed to and improved Korea's global image and economy.
The scope of Hallyu has expanded to include traditional culture, gastronomy, literature and learning of the Korean language, attracting an ever-increasing number of fans. According to the government-run news website Korea.net, the vast majority of Hallyu-related organizations are K-pop fan clubs but other groups are dedicated to Korean dramas, food and tourism. As of December 2017, 73.12 million people in 92 countries were members of these organizations.
The influence of Korean pop culture in select countries has remarkably increased over the years. K-pop and K-dramas have served as an important bridge to countries seeking to learn more about Korean culture. This movement has helped build a positive and more modern perspective of Korea through trendy entertainers, dramas, music and movies.
But how did this phenomenon grow? It did so through Korea's successful creation of unique content with flavors from both sides of the Pacific Ocean. By interpreting Western or American culture in a uniquely Asian way, Hallyu greatly appeals to the younger generation worldwide. Asian audiences relate to Korean TV shows and movies more easily than those from the West.
Since the dawn of the 21st century, the Korean Wave has fundamentally changed the global perception and image of Korea. As one of the most highly discussed topics worldwide, Hallyu and its global rise offer lessons for other countries in showing the potential of East Asia's culture industry. This is why more attention is needed to cultural transformation in the internet and social media, as Korea always stays a step ahead in the consumption of digital cultural content.
Source: www.korea.net
