Unraveling "Hallyu" - A Wave of Korean Cultural Popularity

January 22, 2021

The other day, I have posted about Bitcoin Cash on my FB timeline to check what will gonna be the reactions of my friends. I also posted on my 'My Day' my BCH trading on Binance. Unfortunately, both got ignored, I received views but no one mind to ask questions about it. That means they prefer watching Kdramas more than learning about Bitcoin Cash and the crypto world.

I, myself was a fan of Kdrama and music too and idolized some Korean celebrities like Lee Min Ho, Park Seu Joon, IU, Hyun Bin, and more.

Korean dramas and music is not only popular among Asian countries but also exploding even in Europe and America and other parts of the world. They are so hot on video streaming sites like Netflix where they can just put subtitles to satisfy their English audience. Besides, access to Netflix and other video streaming sites is so easy that created the urge to explore. Korean entertainment is indeed booming right now.

The phenomenon started when the Kpop music Psy’s Gangnam Style went viral worldwide. I remember during the first release of this song, kids and even adults love singing this with matching dance moves of Psy. We even dance this during our company anniversary celebration at the beach.

But why is there a wave of Kdrama cultural popularity that people from all over the world are so fan of them?

I remember my young lady friend mentioned the word "Hallyu." She is a fan of Korean music too and always tells me the latest Korean songs and any updates about the Korean entertainment industry. I am not actually so interested in it nowadays because I am busier in the crypto world, but I just like listening to Kpop songs every time she played it.

"Hallyu" means Korean waves which show how Korean culture is spreading all over the world. For sure, many readers here are also idolizing Korean celebrities and fans of Kdramas and Kpop music too. There are many reasons why Korean cultural popularity has surged widely that even non-Korean got hooked by them.

Back when I was still a fan of Kdrama, I can’t even wait until the next episode is uploaded. I feel so addicted to them that I was watching Kdrama while working. I even followed Kdrama's Facebook pages to keep updated on the latest gossip and happenings in the world of K-drama.

K-dramas are also known for their universal appeal as they revolve around familiar themes of love, family, and friendship. Korean soaps are short, simple, and are perfect compact mini-series that everyone can binge-watch into the wee hours of the morning. Youth love Kdramas because it explores narratives that deal with them and each drama is creating an emotional connection with the audience.

What I love about Kdrama is because the plots, characters, and settings are different from typical dramas I've watched before. They are not the same old style, predictable plots that have been recycled all over again. Additionally, there is a version of a society that holds onto traditional values, just like "Scarlet Heart: Moon Lovers Ryeo," "Scarlet Heart: Moon Lovers Ryeo," the first traditional Kdrama I have watched, and pacing forward as developed society. Viewers will absorb information about their history, different culture, and learn about different societal norms by watching the daily life of the characters.

Moreover, Korean celebrities are just so attractive. Who is not hooked by the king-like appeal of Lee Min Ho? Girls are screaming while seeing Kim Soo Yun walking on the pathway. And just a smile of Hyun Bin showing his protruding dimples will make your day complete.

The Korean fashion has obvious trend appeal. Their outfits seem to be from the runway and their accessories are just as stunning as their clothes. And for that reason, imitations easily out in the market, and local fans are buying and copying the fashion of their idols. Attractive stars with their fashionable clothes are the reasons why many fans are drooling over Oppas and attached to Kdrama and Kpop groups.

And if you will compare Korean drama to American movies, they are squeaky-clean, that's why they're rated G. You will rarely hear foul language and barely see violence, and the past kissing on love scenes are rarely progressing. That makes it newsworthy to viewers to see a French kiss in a Korean drama. So the other types of scenes give more impact on viewers because the show is not flooded with them. Additionally, there are also lots of meme-worthy moments in K-dramas. They are so funny and cute.

Watching Korean drama will also stretch your vocabulary. I know a friend who learned the Korean language through watching Kdrama and listening to Kpop music. She even knows some Korean movie directors and producers as well as Korean writers. Many devotees know several Korean words and phrases such as saying "Annyeonghaseyo" or "Hi" or "Hello" in English. So fans can easily confess their love to their idol by saying "saranghae Oppa" or "I love you Oppa" in English. And I don't need to translate "Oppa" to you because I am certain that you know what it means.

And who doesn't like to listen to Kpop music? Many Kdrama fan like me is not only after with the story and characters but also with the OST played in every episode. In fact, Kpop easily gets more viral than Korean dramas nowadays because of its catchy beats and fun lyrics. Fans easily understand its popularity and many Kpop now has a sprinkling of English words.
🎶 Fear comes to me
Day and night
Here I'm yelling out
I'm not the queen
You and I can maybe make it out 🎶
Is it familiar to you? It's one of the theme songs of the Kdrama "It's Okay Not To Be Okay" entitled "I'm Your Psycho" by Janet Suhh.

These are the reasons why Korean celebrities, drama, and music are so popular and easily get viral worldwide. There is a different genre of drama to choose from that suits every taste. Romantic comedies are most popular and there are melodramas for people who want to cry a lot. They can be seasoned to taste with historical, fantasy, science fiction, action, horror, romance, and many more. The cliff-hanging ending is also outstanding that leave viewers squirming until the next episode. The plot isn't predictable and the tension is built up so excellently that it is more emotionally resonant. Characters are developed and brought through trials so that the audience can relate to the characters and can feel the same emotions.

Korean dramas successfully created emotional connections with viewers. And because of Korean television, music trends change, fashions go in and out of style, personal tastes evolve. But there is only one thing that never changes, it is the power of a great story that sucks the devotees in. That is something Korean television is good at — delivering a compelling story and giving great entertainment.

I and my group dancing Psy Gangnam Style during our company anniversary celebrated at a beach in Bantayan Island Cebu. Where am I there? 🤣🤣