What is the Korean Wave?
The Korean wave, by definition, is the sweeping popularity of South Korean popular culture mainly in other Asian countries. "Korean Wave" is the translation of the Korean word "Hallyu," and Chinese journalists were the first to use this term in mid 1999. It has since been used to describe the recent surge of popular South Korean culture. This phenomenon intensified following the 2002 FIFA World Cup that highlighted Korea's national image.
Korean Drama
After the popularity of Winter Sonata, Korean dramas immediately started to gain airtime on television channels in Asian countries. Following this trend, a number of Korean actors and actresses made their debut in neighboring countries and gained recognition not only in Asia but also in Europe. Lee Young-Ae, who starred in the most popular Korean drama of all time, Daejanggeum (Jewel in the Palace) is now an international figure, dominating the Korean drama market in Asia. 
Korean Movies
Following the massive hit of the movie Old Boy by Park Chan-Wook, there has been growing interest in Korean movies, and film studios from all around the world began to buy the copyrights of South Korean films to produce remakes of them. Hollywood studios have bought over 10 copyrights for Korean movies, including My Sassy Girl, A Tale of Two Sisters, Old Boy, Phone, and My Wife Is a Gangster. Recently, a major Hollywood studio has bought the remake rights to the Korean hit-film, The Chaser. 
Korean Pop (K-pop)
Korean pop music became a significant model for youth culture throughout Asia over the last decade. There are many artists and groups, such as BoA, Rain, TVXQ, Wondergirls, Girls Generation, Super Junior and Big Bang that have become popular in most Asian countries. The popularity of Korean pop stars has led to widespread imitation of Korean styles and fashions.
Korean dramas and movies have been able to penetrate Asian markets as they represent common sentiments, and the actors express emotions with great candor. In addition, they are saturated with East Asia's traditional culture, such as a clear respect for those above them and a lifestyle with several generations living under the same roof.
Korean dramas and movies have been able to penetrate Asian markets as they represent common sentiments, and the actors express emotions with great candor. In addition, they are saturated with East Asia's traditional culture, such as a clear respect for those above them and a lifestyle with several generations living under the same roof.
Korean Wave Specification
< Changes in Cultural Content Export >
(in US$1,000)
| 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcasting Programs | 11,660 (7.6) | 12,356 (5.9) | 12,356 (5.9) | 12,356 (5.9) |
| Films | 7,053 (39.1) | 7,053 (39.1) | 14,952 (32.9) | 30,979 (107.2) |
| Recording Albums | 134,750 (48.5) | 196,340 (45.7) | 174,868 (-10.9) | 165,975 (-5.1) |
| Total | 153,463 (24.5) | 219,945 (43.3) | 211,162 (-4.0) | 230,030 (8.9) |
Note: ( ) are the percentages of year-on-year increases or decreases
Source: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Source: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
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