Final Thoughts on Hallyu

Final Thoughts on Hallyu

Introduction :
Throughout this semester I had thought that I knew almost all there was to know about Korean pop culture and the Korean wave. I was already engrossed with the music and immersed in many Korean dramas. Little did I know that there was so much more to learn, especially when it came down to the deep analysis of Korean pop culture. I knew nothing about post-modernism, Marxism, the use of gender roles and globalization. I used to watch Korean dramas with a grain of salt and never really thought about the elements that are used for production. I am still a little confused on the differences between nationalism, regionalism and globalization, but I do understand that every culture deals with all three.

Music :
Ever since I was young I have always listened to Korean music. It has been my favorite genre and while I never understood the lyrics till college, I was always able to follow along the tunes and beats. Korean music has gone through many processes throughout its history and has adopted many new genres and styles. Starting with Seo Taiji, who is known as the father and founder of Korean hip-hop and dance music, Korean music has adapted in so many ways. This poses a tough question. Has Korean music developed throughout the years on its own accord, or has is been the influence of other cultures that has helped to stimulate the growth and changes? From what I have learned in this class, it seems that globalization combined with the lifting of certain restrictions has helped in opening the ears of Korean listeners. As people start to listen to these new genres, they develop their own creation by mimicking the elements they enjoy and adding it with a unique twist of their own. Many genres such as hip-hop, punk, techno, and ballads have all been created through this way.

Dramas :
Korean dramas are very hard to analyze since there are many different types of dramas, including historical dramas that are exclusive to Korean culture. It seems that although all Korean dramas display some cultural background that only pertains to Korea, through the process of globalization many of these dramas have become a hybrid of Korean culture and Western influence. It is very similar to Korean music in the sense that many of these dramas mainly have a Western theme but also carry a sense that lets the watcher know that the drama was produced in Korea.
Dramas are regionalized in the sense that they appeal to many regional viewers and in the sense that viewers other then Koreans can capture a sense of coevalness with these dramas. I believe this is the cause of foreign popularity with these dramas. The fact that foreign housewives and students receive the same feelings as Koreans while watching these dramas definitely is a major factor for success.
I personally had an affinity for the historical dramas such as Yi Sun-Shin and a Jewel in the Palace. These historical dramas definitely produce a sense of Korean culture that is its own. I had never really ventured into historical dramas, but enjoyed them very much nonetheless.


Poetry :
Throughout the course we have read and discussed a few Korean poems in class. Most of these poems were about love and sounded as if they could be the lyrics for many Korean ballad love songs. Indeed it seems that these poems may have been in the past, but they still contribute a great deal of culture to the present and future. They retell part of Korean history while also using the same lyrics as modern songwriters.

Conclusion :
Overall this class was a very enjoyable and educating experience. Coming into the class with some previous knowledge about Korean pop culture, I am very shocked to find out there are so many fields that I have not cared to venture in before. I was particularly interested with seeing the way Korean culture has adapted foreign themes and genres to produce music and dramas, but has still been able to maintain the Korean atmosphere. I am glad I was able to hear the in depth analysis from fellow peers. As a previous viewer I never cared to venture into the meaning that a lot of these dramas and music carry, but after this class will definitely be watching them with a new pair of glasses. =)