This month I focused more on the cultural factors than my reading, writing, and speaking aspects. While teaching my students, I had a request from Justin that he wanted to learn more about Korean history. During my search for sources he could use to learn more about the history, I found multiple YouTube channels that were not only educational but entertaining and funny. One of the best channels is an entertainment show called “Infinite Challenge” where seven comedians have to go through whatever challenges they are given. The challenge for the video I found was to make a rap song that contains different historical events that happened in Korea. This was a very good idea because it would bring awareness to Korean history while it is still entertaining, easy to listen to, and easy to understand. The video contains a famous history professor teaching Korean history to the Infinite Challenge members as well as famous Korean rappers. The professor gives brief background and information on historical events to be used when creating the songs. When the songs were released, it was a huge hit, dominating the top 100 songs chart.
Another YouTuber that I found is also a comedian who puts on a character as a professor. The theme of the content is teaching students (viewers) while sliding in humor to stop viewers from exiting the videos. The YouTuber 문쌤 also makes other funny videos but I think people like him because they know he is faking to be a professor. While learning about Korean history, I also learn a lot of slang terms and humor codes that Koreans find funny. Through these sources, I noticed that Koreans value comedy and it is a great way to easily reach important and heavy materials in an authentic way.
Other topics that I’ve been focusing on are K-beauty and K-fashion trends. As someone who is highly interested in Korean fashion (specifically Korean street style) and skincare, I always try to keep up with what is trending and what I would like to get during my next trip to Korea. One of my favorite YouTubers who post vlogs and fashion videos is Kim Movie. I remember she was very popular when I was in middle school because of her unique look and style. I recently bought a Korean brand purse that she recommended through the video. Since I am not able to explore Korea at the moment, watching Kim Movie’s videos provide me with a glimpse into life in Korea. She recently also posted a video of her exploring the area that I grew up in. I was able to see how much the area has developed. Because YouTube is the most trending platform in Korea, I think it is a great resource for everyone to learn about Korean culture.
Comments