Timeline of the Hallyu wave
1990:
K-pop and K-dramas become main entertainment in SK
1997:
The first time a K-drama is aired outside of the country
S.E.S., SK's first successful girl group, debuts
2003
First K-drama aired in Japan
Another K-drama that will become one of the most successful K-dramas worldwide begins airing
2002:
First SK music album to top Japanese Oricon Chart
2006:
Stars begin spreading out of Asia and are being recognized for their talents internationally
Late 2000s:
Korean culture which has been popular in Asia starts getting more attention internationally thanks in most parts to social media
1996:
H.O.T., one of the most successful and influential boy bands to date, debuts