Hallyu wave :

‘The Korean Wave’ catches on

by Charmila Gunasekara

Hallyu Wave or “The Korean Wave”, literally means today’s most trending “South Korean Culture” which was officially recognised in the late 1990s. The Korean War which affected Korean Culture ended in 1953 as Korea signed “The Korean Armistice Agreement”. Since then the Korean economy commenced its rapid growth. This was named “Miracle on the Han River.”

During the time when former President Kim Young-sam was in power the government paid attention to expand the Korean culture.

The Hollywood’s taking over of the local movie market was the major reason for this.

By 1995 a proper foundation to develop and expand the Korean culture was already set.

Kim Gu, Leader of the Korean Independence Movement and former President of the Provisional Government of the Republic Korea wrote in his autobiography.

“...I want our nation to be the most beautiful in the world. By this I do not mean the most powerful nation, because I have felt the pain of being invaded by another nation.

I do not want my nation to invade others countries. It is sufficient that our wealth makes our lives abundant; it is sufficient that our strength is able to prevent foreign invasions.

The only thing that I desire in infinite quantity is the power of a noble culture. This is because the power of culture both makes us happy and gives happiness to others...”

Music

Korean music has revolutionised the music industry in the globe which has won millions of youth as K-POP. Its fashion, composition, dancing, vocals, glamorous and charismatic idols make it flow more into the globe without restrictions. With the largely rising of newly produced groups K-POP are simply overtaking the world’s music industry.

There are many agencies and record labels which are doing the endless production of K-POP and its unique, full-time active and dedicated fan base worldwide are the greatest motivation and back-up that the K-POP idols have and Idols too get closer to their fans with various activities. Many variety programs revealing their real life and daily activities and concerts held worldwide are great examples.

World famous PSY has got more than one million copies of his album “Gangnam Style” sold out solely in Europe and got the most viewed music video ever in you-tube which is nearly 1.7 billion, confirms the global success of Korean music industry.

Other than that TVXQ, SS501, SHINee, 2NE1, Beast, EXO are few of the other idol groups which have got a daily growing fan base globally.

Dramas and movies

Korean dramas (more popular as K-DRAMA) and Korean movies are gaining global attention towards Korean culture tremendously. Their amazing storylines starting from real life stories to fiction, emotional casting, attractive fashion and good looking actors and enchanting music makes the number of global audience rise day by day.

Even in Sri Lanka Korean dramas and movies have received a considerable attention. “Full House” starring Song Hye-kyo, Rain, Han Eun-jung and Kim Sung-soo which is also a global hit can be stated as one drama which is still remembered and loved. “Jewel of the Palace” telecast very recently became equally famous all over the country.

Apart from them “Boys over Flowers”, “Love Rain”, “Heart Strings”, “Winter Sonata” are some of other dramas which became global hits. The drama “Winter Sonata” earned over US$ 3.5 million with DVD and novel sales in Japan. “The male protagonist in the drama is more popular than I am”, said by the former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

Other than those, Prime Minister and I, my daughter Seo-Young, Goddess of Fire, My love from the star, Mimi are few of the famous recent drama series aired in South Korean Channels. And, My Sassy Girl, A Tale of two sisters, 100 days with Mr. Arrogant, A moment to remember, Windstruck are some of famous movies which had touched audience hearts to the core.

Animated comics

Korean animation is also known as Han-guk Manhwa Aenimeisyeon has reached more dynamic status with having about 120 animation studios in South Korea.

From Pororo the Little Penguin and Origami Warriors to Hey Arnold, The Simpsons, The family Guy Korean Animation Episodes have attracted many fans Art.

Calligraphy, music, painting and pottery are the major characters of South Korean art.

The history of South Korean art starts even before 3000 BCE. The Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) is one of the brightest period in various art subjects especially in pottery.

Related to Korean art market, in the Insadong district of Seoul there are about 50 galleries where exhibitions and auctions are held at.

Visual arts, calligraphy and printing, painting, photography, architecture and interior design, performing arts, musicals, theatre, storytelling, comedy, dancing, literature and poetry are various other subjects which the South Korean art is focussing on.

Language

Korean is one of the most popular languages nowadays. Even in Sri Lanka a lot of people team Korean for different purposes and a number of training institutes come up recently.

Over 80 million people worldwide speak Korean. The national writing system called Hangul was commissioned by Sejong the Great. Although until 1960 there was no development shown in the Korean economy due to division of Korea and the Korean war, there has been a rapid growth from industrialisation and the Chaebol corporations (Family-controlled Korean Business) such as Samsung and LG.

Today, Seoul is ranked as the world's “leading digital city” and a “tech capital of the world”.

Most broadband internet users among the OECD countries in the world, South Korea is one of the world’s most technologically advanced and digitally connected countries.

As at August, 2013 Korea is the nation with the second highest smartphone penetration level of 73% of the population.

Cuisine

Korean cuisine originated from ancient agricultural and nomadic traditions in southern Manchuria and the Korean Peninsula. Evolved through centuries of social and political changes it has a complex interaction with the natural environment and various cultural trends.

Korean Cuisine is mainly based on rice, vegetables and meat. When it comes to traditional Korean meals a number of side dishes (banchan) accompany the steamed rice.

Kimchi, which is fermented cabbage or radish is served often and is a unique Korean dish. Sesame oil, fermented bean paste (Doenjang), soy sauce, salt, garlic, ginger, pepper flakes and fermented chili paste (Gochujang) are some of the commonly used ingredients in their dishes. However ingredients and dishes can vary from province to province.

Hallyu Wave has its own colours which make it flow into other parts of the world attracting people easily.