Final Reflection
The term K-Pop has now become a very recognizable form of entertainment.
The music industry in South Korea was forever changed in 2012 when Psy released one of his most acclaimed works, Gangnam Style. The viral music video gained instant fame on the web becoming one of the most viewed videos in YouTube history. This single video is what started the fame for South Korea. The most significant part of Gangnam Style is its release date. In 2012, the internet was on the rise, as the word “viral” was coming into fruition. Because of this, Gangnam Style was easily accessible, and very sharable for anyone in the world. As long as one had access to the internet and YouTube, anyone could watch Gangnam Style. Psy was only the beginning for South Korea’s dominant wave in entertainment.
BTS would soon gain international fame in the following years. The iconic boyband group, also used the power of the internet. Soundcloud became one of their main tools to help market their group. Users could easily listen to their songs from all over the world. Along with Soundcloud, Instagram was another asset that was used. Their constant activity on social media allowed for fans to follow them on their journey getting a more down-to-earth perspective on their idols. Eventually their hard work would pay off when they won back to back awards for Social Artist at the Bill Board Music Awards, as they beat former winner Justin Bieber. This was very significant because it was the first time a music group from Asia had ever won an award at the Bill Board Music Awards. BTS also gained recognition when they were on the front cover of TIME Magazine. From this TIME named them as one of their “Next Generation Leaders”, which is a group of young trailblazers chosen by TIME who influence and change the world.
Not only is South Korea’s music industry dominating the world, but also K-Dramas have had their footprint globally. The main selling point of K-Dramas is their simplistic yet interesting plots. Viewers from any ethnic background can relate to the stories they portray. Because of this format, watchers find themselves enticed into the plot. One of the most famous K-Dramas of all time is Winter Sonata (2002). The easy accessibility of Winter Sonata is what helped increase its popularity. Middle aged Women in South Korea were the primary consumers of K-Dramas, however people from Japan, China, and the US also started watching K-Dramas. Though not as popular as their musical counterpart, K-Dramas have contributed to the incline of soft power for South Korea.
Over the years, South Korea has developed into one of the strongest soft powers in the world. The United States, China and Russia are considered countries that use hard power. Their effect on the world is through their powerful governments, military, and economy. On a global stage, other countries are intimidated by countries that use hard power as the use of force and subjectivity are involved. South Korea however is the opposite. They use their culture, specifically their popular culture such as K-pop and K-dramas to have an effect on the world internationally. Even the simplest of details, such as speaking Korean or eating Korea food, has gained global popularity in the past couple years. Instead of using government or military might, South Korea has found a way to make their voice heard on an international scale.