Many years ago, the Hong Kong film industry became tremendously popular, with artists like Billy Chow, Bruce Lee, and Jackie Chan becoming the toasts of Asia. Soon after, we saw the rise of Japanese culture, with its colorful manga, anime, gadgets, and gaming consoles establishing a cult-following among Japanophiles. These days, the world is experiencing a different kind of Asian cool. As the Korean Wave phenomenon spreads throughout the world, Korean cultural icons are increasingly being seen as cool and trendy by more and more people. In case you need further convincing, here are 5 reasons that make Korea so awesome.
K-Beauty
In the last five years, Korea has risen as a top contender in the beauty industry. The “K-beauty” trend has become very popular because of the Koreans’ use of unconventional methods and ingredients, as well as their focus on skincare rather than just selling makeup products.
Initially, customers tend to be wary of Korean beauty products because of their natural, yet unorthodox ingredients such as snail slime, bee venom, volcanic lava, and pig collagen. For a lot of consumers, however, this skepticism quickly vanishes once they see Korean women on music videos and television dramas who always seem to sport a dewy youthful look, even with minimal make-up on.
In no time at all, K-beauty brands have become global household names. Etude House, for instance, became popular for its wide selection of quality skincare products and innovative make-up that are usually presented in cute, adorable packaging. Nearly 3.2 million people is reported to have used the hashtags #etude and #etudehouse on Instagram, a proof of just how popular this brand is.
K-Pop
Another facet of Korean culture that is slowly taking over the world is Korean pop music. K-pop, as it is popularly known, is characterized by upbeat and catchy songs that are often paired with elaborate music videos showing off perfectly groomed girls and boys dancing to flawless choreographies. This trend has also given birth to a number of fandoms, all of which are passionate and very much involved in their favorite stars’ lives.
Belatedly, K-pop music has also attracted the attention of Americans and Europeans, mainly because of the singer Psy, who was launched to global stardom on the back of his viral hit “Gangnam Style.” As of March 2017, his music video has reached more than 2.79 billion views on YouTube since it was posted in 2012.
K-Drama
Korean dramas or K-dramas have benefited greatly from the fascination of fandoms. Usually, a Korean TV series’ success is hinged on the popularity of its cast. K-dramas draw in viewers with their bevy of scenic settings, handsome guys, quirky damsels in distress, interesting plots, strategic cliff-hangers, , and unique takes on love and relationships. The Korean way of romance has more to do with subtle touches, longing looks, and a peck on the cheek, often doing away with sex and PDA.
People from different parts of the world become interested in watching these TV shows because they give people a glimpse of the colorful Korean culture. Despite the language barrier, a growing number of young Americans, Hispanics, and Middle Easterners are slowly becoming hooked on K-dramas. Netflix even has a series entitled “Dramaworld,” which revolves around the adventures of an American teen who is a huge fan of Korean dramas. The popular streaming site also has a section dedicated to popular Korean TV series and Korean movies.
Korean Technology
Seoul, the capital of Korea, is internationally recognized as a tech hub and a leading global metropolis. Not only is the city home to the world’s most advanced internet infrastructure, it is also the beating heart of the thriving Korean economy, the originator of some of the world’s most prominent electronics and technology companies. The Korean chaebol—the country’s biggest conglomerates—rival other global companies when it comes to manufacturing prowess and technological innovation. These include the likes of Samsung, Hyundai, and LG.
Korean Food
Through relentless marketing and advertising, Korea has managed to introduce and popularize its culinary traditions to other cultures. Today, people flock to Korea towns and Korean restaurants in different parts of the world to sample a taste of the country’s cuisine. Despite its pungent aroma and unique taste, for example, kimchi has become a staple in Asian fusion restaurants.
The popularity of Korean food is not limited to restaurants as Korean food items are also becoming standard in groceries. Some American customers have come to incorporate bulgogi sauce, kimchi, and crispy seaweed snacks into their everyday meals.
Thanks to the efforts of both the Korean government and ordinary Koreans, the country’s influence continues to grow. They are proving that their country has so much to offer in terms of beauty innovations, advances in technology, delectable cuisine, and world-class entertainment. The Korean Wave may have started slowly, but after more than two decades, it has gained momentum and shows no sign of stopping anytime soon.
