English as Korean Pop Culture

There are definite political, economic, and historic reasons that are making English such an important and widespread language in Korea, and the rest of Asia. However, I think there is also another factor that is equally as important and persuasive– popularity, trendiness, and the power of pop culture. Trends are perpetuated and made popular through many different avenues. Whether through word of mouth or monetary success, certain things become popular and other things don’t. I think that these days English is one of these things that has become popular; and through this popularity, has entered the world of pop culture in Korea and Asia. This trend of speaking English, or the “English Craze,” not only gained popularity and momentum through politics, the economy, and the current power of the US and Britain, but also through its role in pop culture. Right now, English has a certain “stickiness” to it that grabs attention and draws people in. In Korea, English connotes a specific perceived image. I think it is this image that is driving English through all aspects of Korean life. This perception of English evokes not only money and power, but also this idea of westernized culture, like celebrities, fashions, and notoriety. Also part of this image is this impression of “coolness” and of the cutting edge. This ultra modern aura makes English desirable and in fact trendy to learn and speak. Like in the movie “Teach me English,” English is perceived as something that will enable you to get the gorgeous English-speaking teacher or enable you to say “I love you” in the right way or to be “cooler” in school. Whether learning and speaking English can actually make these things a reality, I think it is this perception and image that fuels the “English Craze.” --- (JAS)