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Public Diplomacy Case: The Korean Wave

Public Diplomacy Case: The Korean Wave
Case 4. The Korean Wave

The Korean Wave, or Hallyu, refers to the international popularity of South Korea’s cultural economy exporting pop culture, entertainment, music, TV dramas, and movies. It began in the late 1990s and gained momentum in the 2000s as Korean dramas and pop music spread across Asia and later worldwide.

How It Works:

The success of Hallyu has been driven by South Korea’s strategic investment in cultural industries as a form of soft power that promotes the country’s image abroad. Korean entertainment companies have leveraged digital media to reach global audiences, effectively using platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and social media.

Impact:

Hallyu has significantly boosted South Korea’s visibility and global image, contributing to increased tourist numbers and growing global interest in Korean language and culture. It has also had substantial economic impacts, including increases in exports of Korean products and services aligned with the cultural content being consumed worldwide.

© Aaron Kim, Hanyang University
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Social Innovation in South Korea, Part 2: Lessons from Korea’s Own Development

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