The “Korean Wave” and the Expansion of South Korean Culture
The “Korean Wave” and the Expansion of South Korean Culture

Author(s): Oskar Pietrewicz
Subject(s): Culture and social structure , Social development, Sociology of Culture, Globalization
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: South Korean culture; “Korean Wave”; pop culture; cultural policy; globalization; mass culture;
Summary/Abstract: In the last decade, the attractiveness of South Korean everyday and pop culture has increased around the world. The popularity of this Korean cultural wave (hallyu) is largely the result of state cultural policy. Through globalisation, new technologies and cooperation between the public and private sectors, mass culture has become an important driver of South Korea’s economic development. Hallyu also strengthens South Korean soft power, building a positive image of the state. The global popularity of hallyu will grow, and its elements will increasingly penetrate the pop culture of other countries.

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