Is Korea a conqueror of the world?
2011-07-05 02:18 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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omonatheydidWe should be more discrete and modest when it comes to evaluating the popularity of Korean culture overseas.
With the rise in popularity of Korean television dramas and movies across Asian countries, the headlines of our newspapers invariably proclaim, “Hallyu (the Korean Wave) has conquered Asia.” When our K-pop group singers succeeded in attracting a huge crowd in Paris and London, our media once again declared, “K-pop has conquered Europe.” In fact, a K-pop entertainment agency representative rather audaciously announced at a press conference that, “We did what even Genghis Kahn couldn’t do.” Alas! He should have exercised discretion not to utter such an inconsiderate remark in public, which could provoke even supportive Europeans who favor Korean culture.
A few days ago, one of our television programs featured the popularity of Korean television dramas in Hawaii. The closing remark of the announcer was quite embarrassing, if not appalling: “We have conquered Europe already. Now it is the time for us to conquer the United States.” Granted he was referring to cultural, not military and territorial conquest, but his grandiose statement still sounded egregious. Our reporters tend to vastly exaggerate news that involves Korea’s popularity overseas. Contrary to their audacious declaration, the popularity of K-pop overseas has nothing to do with conquering a nation. Besides, our pop singers have performed only in two European countries so far.
Nevertheless, Korean newspapers these days seem to be determined to run a “Korea has conquered . . .” series. A few days ago, for example, a newspaper carried an article entitled, “Korean food has conquered the United Kingdom,” and another newspaper declared, “K-pop has recently conquered Europe, and Korean classical music has also conquered the world at the International Tchaikovsky Competition.” Reporters should be neutral, reporting only the objective truth. But our reporters always try to trigger nationalism and patriotism to draw readers’ attention.
Of course, we should acknowledge the enormous popularity of our pop culture in other countries. Korean television dramas are now widespread even in Middle Eastern countries, and Korean movies have won several major awards in international film festivals including the Berlin, Cannes and Venice film festivals. In addition, Korean pop singers are superb performers who can sing and dance simultaneously with amazing charm and elegance. And all of them are quite good-looking too.
Traditionally, the Korean people are talented in singing and dancing. They say that it runs in our blood. Today, we impress people around the world with our God-given musical skills. Moreover, Korea has a strong tradition of oral storytelling. It is no wonder that Korean television dramas have a strange charming effect that ensnares viewers. Once you begin to watch a show, you will become addicted and cannot walk away until the last episode. The storytelling skills of Korean scriptwriters are so exquisite that viewers cannot help but anxiously wait for the next episode to air. It is common for the streets of Korea to be nearly empty in the evenings when a popular television drama is on air. Amazingly, the same thing happens in some foreign countries, such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Through such phenomena, one can see the strong appeal and irresistible charm of Korean television dramas. When you turn on the TV these days, you are likely to find Western crime dramas occupying virtually all channels: “CSI,” “Criminal Minds,” “Missing,” “Law and Order,” “Closer to Home,” “NCIS,” “Identity,” “Leverage” and “Numbers,” to name but a few. Those who are fed up with the inundation of crime dramas may find Korean television dramas to be more humane and refreshing.
These days, Korean actors often appear in Hollywood movies as well. For example, Lee Byeong-heon appeared in “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra,” Rain in “Speed Racer,” Shim Hyung-rae in “The Last Godfather,” and Jang Dong-gun in “The Warrior’s Way.” But that does not necessarily mean that Korean actors are conquering Hollywood. Chinese stars such as Jackie Chan, Zhang Ziyi and Chow Yun-fat have appeared in many major Hollywood movies, but we do not say that Chinese actors are conquering Hollywood.
A few weeks ago, a newspaper reporter called me to hear my opinion on the unexpected success of the Korean novelist Shin Kyung-sook’s “Please Look after Mom” in the States. While explaining the possible reasons for the success of the novel in the American book market, I mentioned that perhaps it did particularly well because many Korean-American readers purchased the book, or because Amy Chua’s recent bestseller, “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother” contributed to rising interest in Asian literature. But that was not the answer the reporter had expected me to say; she seemed to expect me to announce that Korean literature had now conquered the United States.
We should be more discrete and modest when it comes to evaluating the popularity of Korean culture overseas. Conquering a nation is an imperialistic act. Koreans are known to be hostile to cultural imperialism. How, then, can we try to conquer other countries, even if we mean cultural and metaphoric conquer? We should perceive the success of our cultural media as a type of cultural exchange or cross-cultural interaction instead.
By Kim Seong-kon
Kim Seong-kon, a professor of English at Seoul National University, is editor of the literary quarterly “21st Century Literature.” ―Ed.
Source: The Korea Herald
With the rise in popularity of Korean television dramas and movies across Asian countries, the headlines of our newspapers invariably proclaim, “Hallyu (the Korean Wave) has conquered Asia.” When our K-pop group singers succeeded in attracting a huge crowd in Paris and London, our media once again declared, “K-pop has conquered Europe.” In fact, a K-pop entertainment agency representative rather audaciously announced at a press conference that, “We did what even Genghis Kahn couldn’t do.” Alas! He should have exercised discretion not to utter such an inconsiderate remark in public, which could provoke even supportive Europeans who favor Korean culture.
A few days ago, one of our television programs featured the popularity of Korean television dramas in Hawaii. The closing remark of the announcer was quite embarrassing, if not appalling: “We have conquered Europe already. Now it is the time for us to conquer the United States.” Granted he was referring to cultural, not military and territorial conquest, but his grandiose statement still sounded egregious. Our reporters tend to vastly exaggerate news that involves Korea’s popularity overseas. Contrary to their audacious declaration, the popularity of K-pop overseas has nothing to do with conquering a nation. Besides, our pop singers have performed only in two European countries so far.
Nevertheless, Korean newspapers these days seem to be determined to run a “Korea has conquered . . .” series. A few days ago, for example, a newspaper carried an article entitled, “Korean food has conquered the United Kingdom,” and another newspaper declared, “K-pop has recently conquered Europe, and Korean classical music has also conquered the world at the International Tchaikovsky Competition.” Reporters should be neutral, reporting only the objective truth. But our reporters always try to trigger nationalism and patriotism to draw readers’ attention.
Of course, we should acknowledge the enormous popularity of our pop culture in other countries. Korean television dramas are now widespread even in Middle Eastern countries, and Korean movies have won several major awards in international film festivals including the Berlin, Cannes and Venice film festivals. In addition, Korean pop singers are superb performers who can sing and dance simultaneously with amazing charm and elegance. And all of them are quite good-looking too.
Traditionally, the Korean people are talented in singing and dancing. They say that it runs in our blood. Today, we impress people around the world with our God-given musical skills. Moreover, Korea has a strong tradition of oral storytelling. It is no wonder that Korean television dramas have a strange charming effect that ensnares viewers. Once you begin to watch a show, you will become addicted and cannot walk away until the last episode. The storytelling skills of Korean scriptwriters are so exquisite that viewers cannot help but anxiously wait for the next episode to air. It is common for the streets of Korea to be nearly empty in the evenings when a popular television drama is on air. Amazingly, the same thing happens in some foreign countries, such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Through such phenomena, one can see the strong appeal and irresistible charm of Korean television dramas. When you turn on the TV these days, you are likely to find Western crime dramas occupying virtually all channels: “CSI,” “Criminal Minds,” “Missing,” “Law and Order,” “Closer to Home,” “NCIS,” “Identity,” “Leverage” and “Numbers,” to name but a few. Those who are fed up with the inundation of crime dramas may find Korean television dramas to be more humane and refreshing.
These days, Korean actors often appear in Hollywood movies as well. For example, Lee Byeong-heon appeared in “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra,” Rain in “Speed Racer,” Shim Hyung-rae in “The Last Godfather,” and Jang Dong-gun in “The Warrior’s Way.” But that does not necessarily mean that Korean actors are conquering Hollywood. Chinese stars such as Jackie Chan, Zhang Ziyi and Chow Yun-fat have appeared in many major Hollywood movies, but we do not say that Chinese actors are conquering Hollywood.
A few weeks ago, a newspaper reporter called me to hear my opinion on the unexpected success of the Korean novelist Shin Kyung-sook’s “Please Look after Mom” in the States. While explaining the possible reasons for the success of the novel in the American book market, I mentioned that perhaps it did particularly well because many Korean-American readers purchased the book, or because Amy Chua’s recent bestseller, “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother” contributed to rising interest in Asian literature. But that was not the answer the reporter had expected me to say; she seemed to expect me to announce that Korean literature had now conquered the United States.
We should be more discrete and modest when it comes to evaluating the popularity of Korean culture overseas. Conquering a nation is an imperialistic act. Koreans are known to be hostile to cultural imperialism. How, then, can we try to conquer other countries, even if we mean cultural and metaphoric conquer? We should perceive the success of our cultural media as a type of cultural exchange or cross-cultural interaction instead.
By Kim Seong-kon
Kim Seong-kon, a professor of English at Seoul National University, is editor of the literary quarterly “21st Century Literature.” ―Ed.
Source: The Korea Herald
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no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 12:58 pm (UTC)and Traditionally, the Korean people are talented in singing and dancing. They say that it runs in our blood. o_o
lol so korea wants to conquer the world, ok.
no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 01:01 pm (UTC)But that was not the answer the reporter had expected me to say; she seemed to expect me to announce that Korean literature had now conquered the United States.
lol dying at this.
no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 01:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 01:08 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 03:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 03:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 01:20 pm (UTC)LOL. Not sleeping and training until you master choreography might be, yeah.
I approve of this man's realistic views on things, though.
no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 01:56 pm (UTC)It's true that k-pop is doing very well abroad but it's way too early to be stating that the culture is 'conquering' anything and to be honest, I don't particularly like that idiom.
The word 'conquer' is too militaristic for my liking and suggests that there was some struggle of sorts. Maybe I'm just being too sensitive though.
I also like kpop as it is. It's created a substantial fanbase by which all these countries are connected but it's still sort of, underground which still keeps it quite exclusive.
Traditionally, the Korean people are talented in singing and dancing. They say that it runs in our blood.
Yeah...no
no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 02:12 pm (UTC)I kind of like this too, tbh. I sometimes get burnt-out on American pop stars, even ones I like, if they're too overexposed. This is not to say K-Pop stars can't be overexposed, but I have to make an effort to keep up on Korean pop culture as opposed to it being something I'm bombarded with whether I like it or not.
And finding a K-pop fan irl is sort of exciting, like sighting a leprechaun or something. I found another Shinee fan at work once and I think our fangirling kind of scared the other people who were with us.
At the same time, though, I do grow kind of weary of getting mocked/side-eyed or having people think k-pop guys are women :/
double-edged sword
no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 03:31 pm (UTC)Whether it's in finding another kpopper irl (which always gets me squealing) or digging up information on my bias.
The amount of idiotic comments and downright slack I get for liking what I like is quite discouraging but it's still sort of worth it.
I also like the sub-culture that this had become for us. Think of the golmine of memes, macros and gifs we have that some people will die not knowing. It makes me feel like a part of something spiffy.
no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 03:32 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 02:58 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 02:04 pm (UTC)I wish we had less nationalism.
no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 02:07 pm (UTC)LOL no kidding, the popularity of them is ridic here. They actually sell k-drama DVD box sets at Long's.
I would be completely fine with k-pop taking over the world, but to declare it as such at this point in time is a tad bit premature, to say the least. I like this guy's perspective.
no subject
Date: 2011-07-06 12:32 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 02:19 pm (UTC)I found this article quite amusing, as it really puts the hyperbolic raptures of the Korean news media out there. Presence =/= Master and Commander, lol.
no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 02:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 02:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 02:50 pm (UTC)I would say this guy has conquered sanity in Korea
no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 03:06 pm (UTC)I'm really turned off by Kmedia that tends to exaggerate and boasting Halyu stars' success. Even fans of the artists also tend to report the same way in their blogs etc. It won't hurt to be more humble, sheesh.
no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 03:42 pm (UTC)I mean, I know that's true for many people, but not for everyone, bro. Personally I have never been able to get through a single kdrama, despite giving plenty of them a go. They're just not for me.
no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 03:45 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 04:33 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 05:42 pm (UTC)However, I do like Evasive Inquiry Agency (http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Evasive_Inquiry_Agency). Perhaps you can give it a try?
no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 05:57 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 06:22 pm (UTC)Arahan is a fun comedy with action.
no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 04:22 pm (UTC)C'mon son, that's not even a little bit true.
no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 04:35 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 06:40 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 04:29 pm (UTC)My korean book says how the goal of South Korea is to make the korean language as english, one of the international languages most used in the world. LOL (I found this the only reason why korean classes in my city are totally free) ..
Maybe is just my imagination, but who knows :O
no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 04:33 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 04:32 pm (UTC)In my opinion it's more tiring to read the same outrage every single time a newspaper comes out saying that 'KPOP is taking over the world', than the actual articles, because common sense tells me that the articles have been badly researched, and that the people who matter i.e. Idols/Company, want to become more famous in Europe/America etc, but are aware that they aren't even halve way there yet.
no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 04:39 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 04:56 pm (UTC)I'm not sure if you get what I'm trying to say...
no subject
Date: 2011-07-06 12:12 am (UTC)It always seems like the arguments becomes 'Korea this', or 'Korea that' as though the media exaggerating and telling lies is just a Korean thing. I just find it annoying
MTE! i totally agree so hard. seriously! there are so many badly researched or sensationalised pieces out there that, really, people should realise this issue has got nothing to do with nationality or race or even which language is used - the media is the media is the media and there will be exaggerations and word-twisting and all sorts of things that are just plain WRONG because the media is a BUSINESS and so their interests are not in factual reporting as such (very very disappointing but true) but in publishing whatever sells.
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Date: 2011-07-05 07:02 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 07:28 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-06 12:20 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 10:07 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 10:19 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-05 11:27 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-06 03:23 am (UTC)The storytelling skills of Korean scriptwriters are so exquisite that viewers cannot help but anxiously wait for the next episode to air.
Well, not ALL Korean scriptwriters are that good, but I admit some of their drama are awesome. Some are just....cliche.
and although I love Jang Dong Gun and Rain (in Ninja Assasin), but comparing them to Jacky Chan and Chow Yun Fat is just...not quite right imo, considering that those Chinese actors have been in the Hollywood game much longer and more popular. But yeah, looking for a comparison (with the same level of seniority) with Korean Actors is kinda difficult, I understand.
and btw, do all of that nationalism and patriotism really works? Is it upgrading sales record or what? Is it improving the artists welfare? Or is it just for show?