I began to research about my presentation topic, and I learned about a concept called the "Hallyu Wave." I had heard about it before, but I did not really know what it meant or why it was happening. Through researching, I realized why it was characterized as a wave.
The Hallyu Wave is considered to be an inundation (hence the term, wave) of Korean culture being spread around the world. From countries in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, aspects of Korean culture are being adopted and practiced. These aspects include music, food, TV shows, films, and more.
While researching about this for my project, I was blown away with how much about South Korea I didn't know about. South Korea has been influencing and impacting people all around the world with their culture, giving hope to people who need it the most.
I remember reading one article that discussed how aspects of South Korean culture are used for escapism. People in Peru, for example, watch Korean TV shows with the hopes that what was happening to the main characters would be happening to them. When I read this, I felt uneasy because of the duality of what South Korean culture represented.
I was happy to hear that it was a source of hope to many people in Peru, but I was also sad to think about how these events in TV shows don't happen in reality. I think that it is something I have to think about more to decide how to perceive it.
I think I am very proud of how quickly South Korea rose up from being a very poor country to being a country that influences various cultures around the world. However, I wonder if the Hallyu wave will ever reach a point where it has a bigger impact than bringing hope.
I wonder if there could be a way that the Hallyu Wave impacts peoples' lives for the better by shedding light on social issues or advocating for the change of how people in certain countries are treated.
Maybe it is idealistic for me think this way, but I think with the accumulating amount of world spotlight South Korea is being put in, it is a good idea to use that spotlight for the good of all humanity.
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