Korean style and pop culture is a hot commodity these days. Thanks to the popularity of South Korean soap operas and pop stars, Asia is entranced by what is being called the “The Korean Wave,” or hallyu (한류;韓流).
The attraction to things Korean extends farther than pop culture. The term was actually coined by Chinese journalists who reported on the increased popularity of Korean goods. This new phenomenon has now morphed into an all-out craze that includes young women visiting plastic surgery clinics in Korea so they can obtain the look of their favorite pop idol.
Fueled by this same demographic of young Asian women, tourism to the region has increased dramatically. Korean men are now the object of affection for Chinese and Japanese women, spurning the creation of many match-making services that specialize in matches between Korean men and women of other nationalities.
Famous for its markets, South Korea welcomes hoards of shoppers from all over Asia who have come to get a piece of Korean culture. The young Chinese shopper is oblivious to the fact that the item that they may purchase could very well have been manufactured not in South Korea, but in a Chinese factory back home. All they know is that South Korea is now seen as the epicenter of style, and the place that sets the trends for the rest of Asia.
Korea is not only exporting stylish goods and pop culture, but they are exporting religion as well. Korea has a large Christian population and through the efforts of missionaries based throughout China, they are finding religious converts.
Much of this influence goes back to South Korea’s political and economic transition in the 1980’s when the country shed military rule in favor of democracy, and soon became a vibrant economy. The way of life that developed because of this is now influencing its neighbors.
This Korean wave is ushering in some new ideas that challenge traditional Asian culture. This is happening much to the displeasure of some Asian governments like China and Vietnam. South Korea is moving forward with plans to increase the promotion of it’s culture, however because it is rooted in common Asian values, other Asian communities find it easier to accept this new influence.
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