HALL-YU

Hall-yu (pronounced hi-yu)

This is a very popular growing term in South Korea and it refers to the Korean Wave. The Korean Wave represents the growing popularity of Korean pop music (also known as K-pop) and drama. This phenomenon began in 1996 in Taiwan and Hong Kong and has now continued to spread throughout the whole world (WAHS, 2017). It has emerged in becoming a international image of Korean popular culture.

Does anyone happen to remember what went viral in 2012?

Well, let me answer for you with these three words….. Oppa, Gangnam Style!

This international hit song from artist Psy has made him a winner of numerous awards. Such as ‘World’s Best Song’ at the World Music Awards and ‘New Media Award’ at the American Music Awards. The result of this becoming such a viral hit has allowed Psy to become a representation of Hallyu and move it on into the western world where K-pop was not very well known as of yet. The video below is a cover of Gangnam Style by the popular acapella group Pentatonix. This is an example of how individuals in the western world have made themselves involved in cultures they previously didn’t know.

The Korean wave has attracted individuals from all over the world which has resulted in a worldwide demand and support towards South Korea’s cultural economy of pop culture, entertainment, music, TV dramas and movies. (Source, 2017). Since the early 1990’s, it has considered to be up to the level of Hollywood in Asia due to its established qualities of production. Globalisation has entirely help this Korean Wave to reach the world.

South Korea’s is highly successful in reaching a large Asian audience as they utilise concepts that are very relatable to their audience compared to themes used by the western cultures. Additionally, the Korean Wave is highly successful in neighbouring countries due to similar cultural presence and comparable topics.

“The Korean wave has undoubtedly had many positive implications for Korea, such as improving foreign relations, increasing tourism and an overall enhancement of Korea’s image on the international stage”. (Lee, 2011, p. 89).

With the Korean Wave being recognised in western countries, it has provided opportunities for many individuals to be recognised within the Hall-yu wave. One of the top entertainment companies ‘YG Entertainment’, recently last year debuted a girl group name ‘BlackPink’. There are four female members who each come from different parts of the world in hope to become known to a large, international audience. It is composed with members from Korea, Australia, Thailand and New Zealand.

As this collaboration continues to spread between Korean and Western cultures, these two vastly different industries will continue to grow and embrace each other’s significant aspects and influences.

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