There’s a debate show in Tamil called Neeya Naana, which has been running for over a decade. It features discussions on trending and controversial topics, with people invited to share their perspectives. The show airs on Sundays. Yesterday’s episode focused on supporters of South Korean culture and those against it. Many people sent me the promos because I’m a fan of Kdramas and their storylines. This blog won’t be a justification as a fan but rather an unbiased look at both sides of the argument.
Hayllu is also known as Korean wave, referring to the global popularity and spread of South Korean culture. This was coined by Chinese media in the late 1990s to describe the popularity of Korean entertainment.
With the spread of technology, South Korean culture has reached far and wide, with K-Pop and dramas being the most prominent. These forms of entertainment transport us to a fantasy world, thanks to the talented writers. The visuals, themes, and plots are clean and appealing, and the characters are well developed with empathy, loyalty, grace and resilience. Otherwise, it’s too violent and blood shedding. These traits are portrayed well.
Most dramas require 12-16 hours to watch, and while movies are also popular, dramas have a broader reach. They are time consuming yet it keeps you hooked.
Apart from that, language, gestures, colors, fashion, food, skin care and tourism has gained popularity. This wave of popularity isn’t limited to India; it extends across Southeast Asian countries, possibly due to cultural similarities.
There is a historical account of a Tamil princess who married a Korean king, highlighting the cultural connections between the regions. We share similarities in language, sweets and savories, and various functions and festivals. However, there is still debate on whether the princess was from North or South India. I am not sure either.
K-Pop has reached everywhere, attracting the audiences worldwide. The struggles faced by the artists are often highlighted, drawing people in. Their songs focus on themes of self-love, improvement, dreams, and passion, centering around personal growth. These songs are also very sooth.
However, there’s much more to Korean literature that hasn’t yet been fully explored or showcased on the internet. If you watch some non-romantic comedies or dramas, you’ll realize there’s a wealth of content yet to be translated. For instance, there’s a Kdrama called “Midnight Romance in Hagwon,” which revolves around a tutor in a coaching center (though I still don’t understand why it’s named that). In the series, one of the Korean teachers teaches a poem written during the Japanese colonial period.
The poem is about a baby left at home after the parents leave for work. The baby eats chilies and chives and gasps for breath. On the surface, this seems straightforward, but the author uses this scenario to illustrate how children mimic the actions of their elders. The baby eating chilies and chives represents the act of smoking and the subsequent gasps for breath.
I tried searching across various browsers and AI models but couldn’t find any accurate translations or representations. The issue is that none of them depict the actual picture. Some dramas do portray these situations very clearly, and they can be stressful and haunting for weeks. For example, “Silenced“, “Unlocked,” “Sky Castle,” “The World of the Married,” “My Liberation Notes,” “My Mister,” and “Misaeng” vividly illustrate the hierarchy (a major issue in the workplace), patriarchy, discrimination between the rich and poor, education system and beauty standards. There are also documentaries on trafficking that shed light on these serious issues.
I’m not sure if everyone is aware of the 4B movement in South Korea. It’s a protest against patriarchy, where women are choosing not to get married and rising living costs. Check out my post on FOHO for more details. Along with that, the fertility rate in Korea is drastically decreasing.
I’m not for or against South Korean dramas. Everything comes with its own flaws. The fictional men in these shows are often very attractive. Of course, Its my escape mechanism. But it’s important to know the difference between fiction and real life. While I enjoy these dramas, I’m also interested in reading Korean books. I think they might give me a better understanding of Korean culture. I hope, they translate it soon.
As South Korean media continues to explore these themes, it offers both entertainment and a critical lens on the realities faced by many. This cultural phenomenon not only resonates with audiences worldwide but also prompts important conversations about social change and individual empowerment.
Cheers
PS: Views are personal and subjective.
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