BY Kang Seo-Eun
Myeongsun Elementary School
Critics of the Korean Wave have forgotten that it has helped Korea become recognized as a world power. Before the Wave, many other countries did not give a single thought to Korea. It is important to remember how much we have profited from it.
Through international exportation of our dramas and music, Korea has become a much more globalized country, and globalization inevitably leads to further development. Very few people argue against the fact that Korea has created some of the most unique television formats. However, since Korea is a small country, it can never stand out among the larger ones unless it extends its reach outside its borders. Korea’s astonishing skills are rendered essentially useless when other countries cannot recognize and appreciate them. To become more globalized and to better promote our country, we need to export our best content to other nations, namely China. Exporting our media to China will prove advantageous to Korea.
When Chinese television networks picked up the popular Korean show “Dae Jang Geum,” also known as “The Jewel in the Palace,” it experienced great success. In fact, it was soon after exported to about 80 different countries. China’s immense population and resources helped the show gain fame and innumerous viewers; China was the bridge linking Korean culture to the rest of the world.
China has also helped attract many tourists to Korea. When the Korean drama “You Who Came from the Stars” gained popularity in China, it is estimated that 5,700 Chinese tourists came to Korea to see Song-do Suksan. In recent years, Japanese tourists have increased 38%, Hong Kong tourists have increased 75%, and mainland Chinese tourists have increased an incredible 90%. It goes without saying that Korea’s tourism industry has undoubtedly benefited from these increases.
Through exportation of Korean dramas and music to China and other countries, we can strengthen our link to the rest of the world. Korea has the skills to impress other nations and it is time to let the world know about Korea.
fluteplus@naver.com
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