From K-dramas and K-beauty to K-Fashion and K-Pop, media consumption hasn’t taken us this far for us to turn a blind eye to the wave of influence emerging from the South Korean peninsula—and we have the privilege of immersing ourselves in them. After all, South Korea has been one of the most prominent exporters of pop culture in this day and age.
The Korean Industry and its rise to fame and cultural significance
Ever since the year 1999, Korean media has brought us immense entertainment in various forms, be it music, TV, or films. The Hallyu Phenomenon has birthed so many influences around the world, and it is evident through the hold Dramas and K-pop have on so many people. One prime example of this is the girl group BLACKPINK, whose worldwide influence has reached the West, recently gaining them yet another chance to perform at the annual music festival Coachella.
Music, in its truest form, has a way of making people move and influencing them to feel. It is a medium.
K-pop utilizes this. The industry went to recognize groups like SECHS KIES, a first-generation K-pop Boy Group that was nationally known and loved, who are also the seniors under the same label as BLACKPINK.
The first generation of K-pop groups has paved the way for national relevance, thus enforcing growth to future generations, in becoming international sensations nonetheless. SECHS KIES and BLACKPINK aren’t the only ones doing this.
There are other well-known bands in the field that have provided music and enjoyment to fans all around the world and still do.
The Music Industry in Korea
Without a single doubt, the Korean music industry has been leading in terms of marketing and producing quality music and idols. We know this! We had been allured by its hold—be it how they train and produce idols, seeing these idols brought to the spotlight, or how their craft is a treat in all aspects.
We need to realize how BIG the Korean market is and how it can open up opportunities and influences for many aspiring artists and idols out there.
Similarly, top and upcoming idols such as XG, a global girl group with all Japanese members, are exclusively promoted in Korea. The reason for this is that XG wants to burst into the Korean market and become a popularly known group—not KPOP, but a Global Idol Group.
This helps us to clearly appreciate the extent of the Korean Industry’s influence on modern music and the arts.
You can’t mention the Korean Wave without acknowledging the acting industry!
Have you ever seen My Sassy Girl (2001)? Or have you ever binge-watched Goblin (2016)?
These two are absolutely phenomenal. Portraying two ends of the romance genre spectrum, both being the pinnacle blockbusters too!
These movies include prominent A-list Korean celebrities in their cast, one portraying love in a movie, and the other a real-life god. But why does it affect us so much?
Probably because of the fantastic storytelling along with the eye-catching cinematography, and, of course, the acting and the uniqueness in their quirks and mannerisms, coming from a different culture, it’s all new to us.
In a span of more than 10 years, we have seen a growth in interest in Asian entertainment. And in more recent years, we have seen it skyrocket even more.
It’s interesting to think about how the industry worldwide, will shift gears and lean towards adapting to the new Asian wave—including Hallyu, of course.
Hallyu ready for it?