SURFING THE KOREAN WAVE

K-Drama. K-Pop. And learning Hangul.

I’ll admit it. I have become fairly obsessed with K-Drama, K-Pop, and Korean culture as a whole. The Korean wave, also known as Hallyu, has worked its magic on me, and I am far from alone. Let me share some quick background for those unfamiliar.

Illustration by Jane Lee

Hallyu refers to the global popularity of South Korean pop culture, entertainment, and media. What began in the late 1990s has become a global phenomenon. The Korean government has been working toward this crest for decades. In 2023, it's not difficult to see why these cultural exports from South Korea continue to resonate with fans around the world. South Korean drama and K-pop bands offer a window into Korean culture and allow us to experience the country's unique perspective on the world.

K-DRAMA

One reason for the popularity of Korean dramas is the quality of their storytelling. They introduce us to Korean culture and customs and are adept at creating deep emotional connections with viewers by exploring themes centered around family, love, loss, revenge, and redemption. There is something about the long arc with characters and the storytelling structure that makes me feel like I actually know the characters and care about their happiness. Like all good stories, I never want the story to end. The combination of these elements makes K-dramas both entertaining as well as compelling storytelling. With the help of streaming services like Netflix and Viki, K-dramas are now accessible to a wider international audience with subtitles in their native language.

You aren’t yet a K-Drama true blue fan until you watch this series. Or it will make you one!

K-POP

In addition to Korean drama, K-pop bands have also captured the hearts of fans around the world. (Fangirl alert.) International sensation BTS is a South Korean boy band that has gained immense popularity and global influence since their debut in 2013. I recently attended a screening at my local theatre of YET TO COME- a filmed version of the latest BTS concert. The fans ranged from age 14 to 76 years and shared small trinkets with each other like BTS stickers, photo cards of the band, and Korean candy. The Army Experience ( BTS Fan Club) is an entire topic of its own. Kindness and generosity abound. And the 17-year-old who sat next to me -and half the theatre joined her, screamed with desire like girls in decades past did for the Beatles or Elvis. They are a phenomenon.

Yet To Come concert

Their music and message have resonated with people of all ages and backgrounds, transcending language and cultural barriers, and promoting positivity and self-love while also highlighting mental health and social justice issues. Their impact on the economy is significant, with the "BTS effect" contributing to the growth of the Korean economy. And this isn’t just the result of great marketing. They are incredible artists and entertainers. Their harmonies and dance moves make my jaw drop. I talked my daughter Meg into using one of their songs in her Hip Hop Fitness class I take and I’ll be grinning like a pre-teen.

BTS Courtesy of BIGHIT

Here’s to Hangul!

I am now completely smitten with the language. What began for me as an interest in the stories coming from Korea, led to an appreciation of Korean culture and K-pop music. Obviously, my next step would be learning the language, right?

This month, I began taking a class in Hangul. My class is held in the basement of a small Korean church in Fort Collins.

On Saturday mornings we gather for two hours to learn the language and history of Korea. I’m the oldest in my class by a few decades as most of the other students are in their late twenties. Some hope to move to Korea to teach English. One of the perks of being the eldest in the class is that we all get to practice Honorifics - speaking to elders versus speaking to someone younger or a close friend. Elders are revered in Korean culture. I could get used to this.

Thus far I have learned the basics of Hangul. I can write the alphabet and I know the sounds of all the vowels and consonants. Can I read it? Yes, but likely about as well as your average kindergartener or first grader. “Sa… ja….. lion! “ (Claps hands internally)

However just because I can now sound out most words does not correlate to knowing what all those words actually mean. We are slowly building vocabulary. I am having so much fun and it only elevates my enjoyment of K-Dramas and K-Pop as I begin to pick up on words, expressions, and common phrases.

Who knows where it will lead? It doesn’t really matter. The pleasure is in the process. But since my bestie currently lives in Japan, I’m fairly sure that it will eventually lead to a trip to visit her and a side trip together to spend time in South Korea. I’ve been to Seoul once when her family was stationed there, but a return trip with my newfound passion is in definitely in order. Kaja! Let’s go!

The entire Hallyu experience is a surprising new adventure for me. I didn’t see the Wave coming. But I came up out of the water laughing and smiling.

xo Mary

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5+ HALLYU HIGHLIGHTS WORTH SHARING:

1. These K-Dramas will get you started:

   Modern Suspense: Reborn Rich

   Historical Drama: Under The Queen’s Umbrella

   Must See Classic Rom Com: Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, Another Miss Oh!, Descendants of the Sun, Hotel Del Luna, Crash Landing On You, …and so many more! Currently watching Crash Course In Romance on Netflix

   For me it all started with this show: Extraordinary Attorney Woo

2. A BTS Playlist. But can they dance?

3. Apparently K-Reality might be the hottest new import coming from Korea. Check this article from the BBC. I haven’t seen it yet, but Power 100 is ranking phenomenally high on Netflix.

4. Want to learn Hangul? I recommend the Pimsleur app or Pimsleur on Audible to supplement live in-person classes if you can find them in your area.

5. This documentary on J-HOPE, one of the members of BTS just came out on Disney +. I plan to watch it this week.

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