From BTS’s greatly hailed comeback to the dominance of Korean BBQ, South Korean culture has been showing up in aspects of our everyday lives. However, the presence of South Korean culture is not random. This cultural phenomenon has a name: hallyu—or, in English, the ‘Korean Wave.’ The word is derived from two Korean and Chinese root words: “Han,” meaning Korean, and “Ryu,” meaning wave, flow, or trend. Hallyu refers to the global, rapid popularity of South Korean culture since the late 1990s, which has evolved from a regional sensation in China into a major global movement, influencing fashion, beauty standards, and even language learning, as fans throughout the world seek to engage more deeply with Korean culture. Furthermore, hallyu has allowed for the showcasing of Korean culture on the global stage, fostering greater appreciation and understanding.
The spread of hallyu is evidenced now through the rising popularity of Korean media and culture across the globe. Korean dramas (K-dramas) have captivated audiences not only on Korean television programs but also on major streaming platforms like Netflix. Korean pop music—or K-pop—is among the most popular genres of music in the world and is appreciated for its catchy, upbeat, and eclectic beats. Finally, Korean dishes are enjoyed throughout the U.S., as Korean barbecue (KBBQ) has become popular on social media, and restaurants like Jangwon are well known for dishes such as jajangmyeon and jjamppong.
At BASIS, two South Korean students, Richard Park and Brandon Kim, have created the Korean Student Association in order to invite students to celebrate the impact of hallyu on our school and broader global community. “The KSA is full of opportunities not only for Korean students but also for students of different ethnicities and backgrounds who are interested in Korean culture,” says co-founder Richard Park. Richard and Brandon are very passionate about sharing this part of their identity with their peers at BIM.
Richard and Brandon plan to balance hosting activities that reflect the unique, fun aspect of Korean media—like K-drama watch parties or K-pop karaoke—with discussions about the history and cultural significance of these trends. In addition to talking about Korea, we will teach the Korean alphabet and some common lingo, practice Korean games, and observe real-life performances by our K-pop-loving peers,” says Brandon.
Therefore, the KSA wishes to share their culture with the BIM community and show how even a country that is so small, like Korea, can have a big influence on the world.
