Korean wave

What is the Korean Wave?

The Korean wave, by definition, is the sweeping popularity of South Korean popular culture mainly in other Asian countries. "Korean Wave" is the translation of the Korean word "Hallyu," and Chinese journalists were the first to use this term in mid 1999. It has since been used to describe the recent surge of popular South Korean culture. This phenomenon intensified following the 2002 FIFA World Cup that highlighted Korea's national image.

Korean Drama & Movies

Drama

After the popularity of Winter Sonata, Korean dramas immediately started to gain airtime on television channels in Asian countries. Following this trend, a number of Korean actors and actresses made their debut in neighboring countries and gained recognition not only in Asia but also in Europe. Lee Young-Ae, who starred in the most popular Korean drama of all time, Daejanggeum (Jewel in the Palace) is now an international figure, dominating the Korean drama market in Asia.

Movies

Following the massive hit of the movie Old Boy by Park Chan-Wook, there has been growing interest in Korean movies, and film studios from all around the world began to buy the copyrights of South Korean films to produce remakes of them. Hollywood studios have bought over 10 copyrights for Korean movies, including My Sassy Girl, A Tale of Two Sisters, Old Boy, Phone, and My Wife Is a Gangster. Recently, a major Hollywood studio has bought the remake rights to the Korean hit-film, The Chaser.

Korean Pop (K-pop)

Korean pop music became a significant model for youth culture throughout Asia over the last decade. There are many artists and groups, such as BoA, Rain, TVXQ, Wondergirls, Girls Generation, Super Junior and Big Bang that have become popular in most Asian countries. The popularity of Korean pop stars has led to widespread imitation of Korean styles and fashions.

Korean News

Who is your most favorite? ''Korean Star: Entertainment Now!'' brings you the latest news in entertainment and music. You can check upcoming Korean dramas starring famous Korean stars along with the latest Korean singers and their dynamite concerts. You can also get information about well-known Korean stars as well as up and coming new Korean stars. Check this news out to know all about Korean stars.