South Korea's transformation from a poor country to first world country happened only within decades. It was incredible and Eung Hong in her book, "The Birth of Korean Cool," was able to observe this change through her unique perspective. Korea's change was indeed drastic, fast, and unprecedented -- Korea is the only country in modern history to achieve such progress in a very short period of time. Korea's transformation was catalyzed by poverty and war. After the Korean War in the 1960's the country became very poor, receiving aid from countries such as United States. However, today's Korea boasts technological industries that create semiconductors, and cars showing that the country has manage to rise from poverty. Koreans have successfully re-branded themselves as a wealthy nation -- far from a poor nation in the 1960s. The country's transformation was due to the huge support from the Korean government -- they wanted change and wanted to increase the nations GDP. Interestingly, the Korean government invested one-third of its national budget to the entertainment industry to create today's Korean popular culture, and at one time, the government bailed the entertainment industry due to piracy. Today, Korea is a rich nation with booming economy. It has manufacturing industries for cars, semiconductors, ships, and has major exporting industries as well. However, when I hear "Korea" what comes up to my mind are groups of women or guys singing; with sexy style on girls while mostly bad boy style for men. In retrospect, Psy's "Gangnam Style," indeed made Korea recognizable. For me, it made me curious about Korea and learning its development is an inspiration for my future endeavors.
Why did the Korean government chose the entertainment industry as a vessel for re-branding South Korea? What did the Koreans sacrifice culturally to achieve such status? What is Korean culture?
Korean popular culture's reach across the globe.
References:
http://www.hancinema.net/photos/fullsizephoto393613.jpg
Hong, Y. Euny. The Birth of Korean Cool: How One Nation Is Conquering the World through Pop Culture. 1-27. Print.
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