Why I Like Korean Pop Culture
A word from me before you start reading:
I LOVE K-POP. Well, not just k-pop, I love South Korea’s culture and entertainment industry in general. That is no surprise to the people who are constantly around me but when a stranger asks me what type of music I listen to, or what my favorite TV show is and I say the Korean words for a show before I remember to translate I always get a funny look. Even my family doesn’t understand it, and I’ve been trying to get my mom to watch a drama with me for years.
I am always asked why I listen to music I can’t understand and watch television shows so different from the ones I am used to seeing on American TV. I still don’t know for sure what’s kept me so entertained for years, but I think one of the reasons why is the energy and the dedication actors and artists have for their craft that gets me. I don’t think there is a group of people as hardworking in the entertainment industry as those in Korean entertainment. I’m not saying other stars are lazy, maybe it’s just that Korean actors and artists are more transparent with their work and are so connected to their fans. Whatever it is, I’m drawn to them and I appreciate them more when they post a video talking about how tired and busy they’ve been, or update us fans on what they’re doing when they’re not in the spotlight.
In the last 10 years South Korean pop culture has made a wave internationally. It is not strange now to find teenagers and young adults streaming Korean television shows and performances on their computers in their downtime. Every year more and more K-pop groups travel out of Asia to do international tours to reach their European fanbases. The Hallyu Wave is only getting bigger as more variety is being introduced and I want you to know why. I hope that by the time you’ve read the last page, you’ll understand Korean pop culture and my love for it just a little bit more.