The Hallyu Effect
The Hallyu Effect
The Hallyu Effect
When I spoke to a Korean audience last week, the subject of "Hallyu", or the "Korean Wave," came up. "Hallyu" is a buzzword that describes the spread of Korean media and culture worldwide, primarily through Korean films and television shows (especially dramas). The person who introduced me noted that I had done a study on the economic impact of the Korean Wave and mentioned that audience members who had questions about it could ask me questions on the subject. The irony in that offer is that he was inviting Koreans to ask me, a foreigner, about a Korean phenomenon that most Koreans already know well. What they dont know is just how significant an economic impact Hallyu has had on the Korean economy. I did my study on the effects of Hallyu in 2004. My study is a bit dated but still relevant. In 2004, "Winter Sonata," a 20-episode drama series by Korean broadcasting company KBS, rocked the Asian world. The drama made Korean stars Bae Yong Jun and Choi Ji Woo household names in Asia. The euphoria over "Winter Sonata" has since subsided, but Korean Wave is still rolling. Korean films and dramas tend to become popular overseas about a year after they are initially released in Korea. During the past two years, three notable Korean dramas have been extremely popular here and have the potential to become Koreas next runaway global hit"Lovers in Paris," "Lovers in Prague," and "My Lovely Samsoon." Like their American counterparts, Korean producers and directors are keen to build lucrative franchises ala James Bond and the "Lord of the Rings." For example, "Winter Sonata" is one of four dramas in the "Seasons" series. The other three lesser-known dramas in the series are "Summer Scent," "Autumn Tales," and the upcoming "Spring Waltz." Dramas with variations of the "Lovers" theme also form a quasi-franchise. I sometimes remark that "Lovers" dramas, which are set in various amorous locations ranging from Harvard to Prague, is a bit like the U.S. show "Survivor," which moves around from destination to destination. Im still waiting for "Lovers in Guatamala." Probably wont happen. Here is a summary of my 2004 report on the effects of "Hallyu" on the Korean economy. What is "Hallyu," or the "Korean Wave"? The term Hallyu, or "Korean Wave," was created by the Chinese media to describe a new Korean media phenomenon. "Hallyu" is especially popular in East and Southeast Asia and in overseas Asian communities. Countries that have embraced "Hallyu" include Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. "Hallyu" is a buzzword for the rising worldwide interest in Korean culture, including: o Dramas (soap operas)Movies Popular music o o Traditional culture Tourism o Cosmetic surgery "Hallyu" is not just a teen phenomenon. In fact, in many places such as Japan, older women are its biggest fans. It has been actively promoted by the Korean Government through organizations such as the Korean National Tourism Organization. Korean actors such as Bae Yong Jun, Choi Ji Woo, and Won Bin, singers such as BoA and Bi, and artists and designers such as Andre Kim have helped promote "Hallyu" worldwide. Food and drink
Benefits of "Hallyu" "Hallyu" significantly benefits Korea and its economy, including: o o Increasing awareness of Korean culture worldwide
Promoting a positive image of Korean culture o o Depicting Korea as a post-modern center of Confucianism o Improving relations between Koreans and other nations, particularly between Korea and Japan o o Promoting Korean tourism (2004 tourism increased by 47% over 2003) Providing a new Japanese mania with a Korean (foreign) flavor
Earning more currency from tourists who spend boatloads of money to relive their favorite "Hallyu" money o o Generating increased revenue and exports for Korean companies