Sunday, July 31, 2011

An analysis on the Hallyu Wave and the emergence of SNSD


Well, i doubt anyone will read this anyway. But it's just for the fun of it.. I think it's too long. HAHA. The crazy mind of mine. I wonder how i did this also O_O. After all most of the literature review is reused from my assignment..

An analysis on the Hallyu Wave and the emergence of SNSD

I have always wondered how the Korean wave started and how the economy is affected. Thus, I have started a little research on it. Well, it seems that Korean pop idols are in fact helping Korea’s economy by serving as a form of export to other countries. To be more specific, and to satisfy my curiosity, I have an urge to do a mini analysis on leading Korean idol groups like Girls’ Generation. Through this mini analysis, it will serve as a case study for me. Thinking about how the behavioral concepts of superstar theory affects the emergence of a group like this and how a group like Girls’ Generation behave. Since Girls’ Generation have somehow caught my attention, i would like to further look into a successful and strong bonding group like this. To me, i think it is unusual to find a group that is so synchronized and has strong cohesiveness, especially in an entertainment industry where it is a winner-takes-all market.

This analysis is based my own opinions and research. It's not to be taken too seriously, especially the part on SNSD as it's more of my opinions.

Here's a PDF version for easier reading:

  •  Korean Hallyu Wave
The recent surge of popularity of South Korean popular culture in other countries, especially in Asian countries can be known as the “Korean Wave”. It is a phenomenon that is manufactured by the South Korean state itself, especially by the culture industry. The Korean culture industries like the film-, TV drama- and other media industries noticed the positive effect of Korean cultural export, not only on the economy, but also on the nation’s Image ( Tyas Huybrechts).

In recent years, Korean pop idols have become the key elements in attracting international attention to other commercial sectors in Korea. It has brought tremendous influence on the Korean tourism sector. Korean pop music (Kpop) has been steadily gaining influence in foreign markets with its uniquely-Korean beats and sounds. It consists of a perfect blend of various genres like electronic, hip hop, pop, R&B, as well as rock. Its catchy tunes and fun choreographies have taken the world by storm, and YouTube houses several videos of flash mobs dancing to their favorite kpop songs in cities worldwide.