Korean Wave Theory

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The Korean wave is regarded by the author as a regionally specific phenomenon that does not have many modern comparisons other than the American culture spread. It is bringing on new global transformations and has the effect of blurring the boundaries between cultures, which could be considered very effective cultural globalization. A South Korean student is quoted as saying, "we feel like we can live like them in a few years,” which is in reference to the American’s and their rather unique, consumer oriented lifestyle. However, it seems that South Korea has turned the cultural desires in a different direction. Surrounding countries now want a taste of the South Korean lifestyle and it is often easier for neighboring Asian countries to quickly …show more content…

Ryoo portrays the Korean wave as an occurrence that South Korea is promoting while other countries are either attempting to slow it’s effects on their media intake or are totally embracing it. The Korean wave is explained in the paper as having such success in neighboring countries due to South Korea’s income levels and the “close cultural proximity and affinity they share with neighboring Asian countries”. However, he also explains that there is a growing sentiment against the Korean Wave with some countries even going as far as considering it cultural imperialism. What is interesting is that South Korea also deals with cultural influx which can be seen in their policy that “limits the number of days per year non-domestic movies can be shown on any one movie screen”. Based on the information provided in the article, it does not seem that South Korea is trying to forcefully enter the cultures of neighboring countries. Rather, the natural popularity of the wave is what has made it a successful phenomenon. In reply to the wave, some surrounding countries have taken action such as China cutting the quota of South Korean dramas by half with intentions to diversify the cultural intake of their citizens. While other countries and many people see this wave as toxic, I cannot help but see the positive side it has for

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