7 Things about “Hallyu”: The Korean Wave
I love creating content but more than that I love consuming it. I watched dozens of movies and TV shows last year. A quick examination revealed that nearly half of the content I watched was Korean, with the remainder divided between Indian and English content. Currently, I am binge-watching a Korean show called Vincenzo, and in the past fortnight, I finished two series in a fortnight (Business Proposal and Twenty-Five-Twenty-One). What started as a simple recommendation from a friend has turned into my lifestyle. I am learning to use chopsticks. I already know some of the keywords in Korean( “saran-ghe” being one of them) and don’t even get me started with Korean skincare.
There is something about Korean culture that is sweeping the entire world — “Hallyu”. Yes, that is what it is called. Hallyu is a Chinese word that describes the spread or popularity of South Korean culture around the globe. Korean culture began to spread its aura in east Asian nations such as China, Japan, and Singapore during the 2000s, and it is now almost universally known throughout the world. If I trace back my memories, I can think of the Gangnam style becoming immensely popular among the Indian audience, and years later, here I am hooked on the Korean culture myself.
The Korean wave is for real. The Korean industry is synonymous with BTS, pop culture, K-Drama, and whatnot! I am confident that at least 70% of Zen Z have heard of BTS. Being an Indian and having a strong-rooted culture already, being equally responsive to another culture is nothing less than a miracle.
I have been watching K-dramas for like the past 5 years. I started watching my first series when I was in high school. I still remember it was so new for me to read the subtitles and watch simultaneously, but eventually I got hooked to Korean series. That’s what Korean series do to you; they have a story, drama, amazing characterization, and diverse genres.
Some reasons for Hallyu can be :
Korean culture has its own style, whether in their dressing or in their music, which may seem strange at first, but believe me, you get used to it and then start enjoying it.
— The males depicted are very different. Korean culture made it more acceptable for men to confidently wear pink, florescent, and even adorn makeup. In short, it broke the barriers. Now, girls prefer males who are cute and gentle as compared to macho males.
— Korean food: Every time I see a Korean series, I always have this urge to try their delicacies, be it Kimchi, Ramen, Soju, or kombucha. If you have watched any series I will assure you there isn’t any that doesn’t mention these delicacies. In short, the Korean series speaks for their culture.
— They are soft-hearted and have a peculiar dressing sense, but somehow you love them.
— the Korean language is good to hear. But the language itself speaks of its own emotions. Every word has its own tone, pitch and sound making it all the more interesting.
— Korean skincare and fashion are being practiced and adopted throughout the world.
— K Drama-the acting skills are amazing. You will fall into emotions and into the character.
Being so involved in a foreign culture is exciting and no doubt makes me write about it as well. The impact of Hallyu is crazy. It has already crash-landed. People are going to Korea to pursue graduation, everyone is obsessing over skincare, and even OTTS are stuffed with K-drama. Let’s see which culture can beat the Korean frenzy. Let me know in the comments if you are also a Korean culture enthusiast. Do share your recent K-Dramas as well.
