The Power Of Hallyu - But At What Price? | Deciphering South Korea - Ep 1 | CNA Documentary

[@CNAInsider]

Is Korean masculinity being challenged? And what does it take to be happy in South Korea? Watch more as we continue Deciphering South Korea: kzbin.info/aero/PLkMf14VQEvTavKsFL0I-pLCmelDO4WG6-

[@davidpark2990]

Thanks for this nicely balanced and objective documentary with no one side or any form of bias. A Korean who has been living in Singapore for 20 years now, I feel that Korean culture is indeed popular among Singaporeans but unfortunately I have also come across some negative stereotypes and discrimination from the anti-Korean people. Of course not everyone will like Kpop, Kdrama, variety shows but at least they should respect. Some prefer Japanese culture or Western culture which is totally fine. There's no competition or comparison between countries but more of respecting and appreciating different countries' successes and cultural exports. 🇸🇬🇰🇷💕

[@murderofcrows2179]

happy in korea starts with appreciating not living in china.

[@murderofcrows2179]

not challenged but banned by the central committee on brainwashing every chinese person and erasing the rest. why do you ask questions that ignore the obvious issue of why china's culture will forever be suppressed by a group of creepy old men.

[@TheDavidlloydjones]

@@murderofcrows2179 Xi Jin Ping went and lived in the small-town Midwest of the US -- quite apart from putting in his years being rusticated under one of Mao's back to the land or back to the people nonsenses. Creepy? That looks like a sensible education for a political leaders, doncha think? And happy in Korea? Um, isn't Seoul is more fun than Pyongyang the mainstay of that?

[@SeikoSKO]

Great documentary

[@lalakuma9]

Ok everyone is saying that Korean pop culture is the greatest power Korea has right now. But I think the most influential, powerful thing that has ever come out of Korea is Samsung. They literally create everything, and the best phones in the market. Samsung is everywhere that people forget that it's a Korean brand.

[@toughcookie6144]

Agreed!! I didn't even know Samsung and LG were korean until I started watching kdrama

[@perry6660]

@Hot coke remove SK Hynix and you’re 100% right

[@perry6660]

@Hot coke yeah but not many people know about SK Hynix, ask any ordinary people you see about what they think about it and they’d ask what is that.

[@isaacyingzhouteh]

well, they are not called republic of samsung for no reason. XD

[@HKim0072]

They are 20% of the entire GDP of Korea. And, this doesn't count the companies that were spun off.

[@나람-t2o]

As Korean I feel sorry for immigrants feeling they don't actually belong to the country. Korea has lived with their own people for 5,000 years and it was only 30 years ago when foreigners actually started to show interest and come to this place. No matter your skin is white or black, Korea society is not fully ready to accept others as their member yet since we lived too long by ourselves. You might be welcomed as a foreigner, but you might have some difficulty to be actual member of this society. Korea is just another country and we also have tons of problems, so I hope you don't romanticize my country just by watching dramas or movies.

[@Goldenah]

Can't say I blame them. I don't watch Korean dramas to see the diversity of the world in their shows. I want to see Korean culture with Korean people.

[@sarang757]

But there are great virtues of Korean culture though. We think that everyday normal life like respect old and venerable and follows good virtue even we gets taught the important subject called ethic and moral. Lots of foreigners love it. I am very appreciated strong Korean culture

[@ThatTriniGirl]

Thank you for this comment!! It speaks truth

[@tuduki5545]

It was less than 50 years ago when korea had democracy and by then too it was influenced by foreign politics. Torn over again and again.

[@sarang757]

@@tuduki5545 the most important thing is Korean made it their own themselves. There are still going on but kept improving to people right which I am very proud of it.

[@eszeezee6967]

As a Jonghyun fan, I wish people would just stop using him as "posterboy" of depression and suicide. He's more than that.

[@weldon29]

Mainly that though

[@elangbam3115]

So true

[@eszeezee6967]

@@weldon29 NO! I hv been his fan since he debuted. He's very open about his depression and admitted that he suffered seasonal depression. He has it even before he debuted as part of Shinee. To say that his suicide is due to the pressure of him being an idol is inaccurate. Above all, he is a super talented artist - singer, songwriter, composer, producer, radio dj and author. Very kind and considerate of others. Not afraid to speak up about some of the ills of Korean culture which includes how mental wellness was played down and not taken seriously. These were his qualities that should be celebrated instead. He did all he could until he could do no more.

[@lalakuma9]

Yeah it's really weird for people who listened to SHINee before he died 😟 He's a real person, not just a character from some tragic tale

[@eszeezee6967]

@@lalakuma9 exactly!

[@karapposain9479]

I'm a comic geek, and truth to be told, manhwas are so appealing. Their complexity and art style in general, can get you hooked and engaged in the story in short amount of time. Kudos to whoever get involved in the making, you are one of the reason I'm still living now, breathing and waiting for another chapter.

[@bmona7550]

I agree and the story usually ends way better than most mangas nowadays

[@alexa_depphil7542]

I love Manhwa 🥰

[@borneowisnu2404]

Can i get recommendation best manhwas you have read so far? I read Tower of God but get boring, Solo Leveling is very good but i finish the novel earlier, The Beginning After the End kinda slow, Second Coming Gluttony manhwa art isn't good enough, Overgeared is on going..😆

[@danone9076]

@@borneowisnu2404 Lookism, Random Chatting, Gosu, Bastard, Sweet Home, Shotgun Boy, Girls of the Wilds

[@alanietakaitani8090]

Wow I'm also obsessed with manhwas. The stories are so nice to read. I like manhuas and mangas to but manhwas are my favorite.

[@twilahdarkrose4256]

I want to say that I have an entirely different view of this new interest in S. Korea and learning about the culture and the people and the language. I too became interested because I was introduced to KPop, specifically the band BTS. But I am a 76 y/o gramma and this interest is one I share with my daughter who is 55 and my granddaughter who is 22. I was struck by the dedication of the young men in the group and went on, because of the pandemic.....to exploring the whole Korean culture, including wanting to learn the language, and also the history. It has opened my mind to exploring even more and has given me a new purpose in life. It gave me hope for the future of youth all over the world. I hope others come to have respect for the real worth of the Korean culture and country. I hope the good from this outweighs the bad. It certainly has for me. I was fortunate enough to attend my very first concert, BTS's Permission to Dance in LA, California. Totally Epic and worth expanding my mind even at age 76.

[@na3vah917]

❤❤ I wish u all the best

[@gabbysoto6976]

I can totally relate my daughter got interested in BTS when she was goin trough depression, she loves the boys and when the boys visited our town my daughter and her best friend attended the concert they got hooked and she slowly introduced me to BTS, I went to their first concert at the Rose Bowl back in 2019 and I was blown by their performance and how they are loved by many, I was hooked! we flew to NYC a few weeks later and she got to see them again. My daughter, niece and her best friend flew to Los Angeles last year to see them again two days in a row. Just happy to see her bloom in the young lady that she is today and no more gloomy days..no matter how people prescribe Korea or get interested in their culture its one way of opening doors to something new and exciting to learn from. Age is just a number what counts its how you live it and learn from it. our ages range from 54, 26,27,20 It was worth the experience. and it wont be the last.

[@na3vah917]

@Musa low life

[@gabbysoto6976]

@Musa age is just a number, you have so much to learn. when EXO visited Verizon Theater back in 2016, so many people from different ages, music brings people together no matter the age. Same thing when I went to the Rose Bowl to see BTS, seen grandmothers of all ages..

[@murderofcrows2179]

We love you and are so happy when people approach our very different culture from a sense of curiosity and sometimes wonder, when most foreigners for the past forever just assumed we were Chinese or Japanese.

[@silvernomiko7617]

I just discovered this documentary series and I look forward to watching more. It especially hits home as a Korean American myself. As an adoptee I have a very mixed relationship with Korea so watching reports like these hit differently. I really hope ya'll cover an esports episode as well. Thank you for creating a comprehensive and enjoyable documentary series.

[@robertabrams8562]

This was a VERY GOOD video showing what this cool Korean Wave is all about. This video could’ve easily been 2hrs long, with much more details, but for only 47mins long, it did an excellent job!

[@sonymishra7404]

I think people still cannot fathom what BTS has done for Korea..... The impact of Kpop is so strong it cannot be explained

[@meagain7669]

How is it different from what big bang & spy has achieved??

[@tatiana-bi5fq]

Go to army

[@HKim0072]

They never touched on the benefits of soft power. It help builds bridges with other countries to build political and economic ties.

[@Rachel-ux9zk]

I moved to Korea because I love the culture (and especially the food) but there is NO WAY I'd tolerate being called a Koreaboo. It's an extremely negative term for someone so obsessed with Korean culture, they think they ARE Korean - other foreigners see Koreaboos as embarrassing and some could be seen as culturally appropriating Korean culture. Makes me sad that the journalist described all foreigners who love Korea and move here as Koreaboos.

[@koreanmarco]

She was just asking him .. ~ are you koreaboo ? Would u describe as one . She didn't label him as one .

[@zadokthestoryteller6590]

But may I know whether is life hard over there? According to report, many Koreans are suffering from difficulties to make ends meet.

[@koreanmarco]

@@zadokthestoryteller6590 Korea , like japan are small country , with 0 natural resourses . Over 70 % mountain . Too hot n too cold weather . It's different . If ur lazy , it's not good here . The competition is stiff . If ur young n competitive , but with skills ! N wants to stand in front competition in tems of technology , it's good . If ur middle age with some money n wants take it easy .. traveling here is good . If u want farm work .. texas or argentina is much better . U could teach english here n experience whats like in here , there are many foreigners here . In general life has gotten much better , but since corona .. many businesses are having hard times .

[@jesusonatortilla624]

I didn't interpret her as describing all foreigners who love Korea and move there as being Koreaboos... Although I find it strange that someone would go to the length of changing their English name to a Korean one. I personally LOVE Korean food and find the culture fascinating, but I wouldn't change my name or somehow make it my life's mission to assimilate myself into their community. But many Asian people take on English names when they move to the English-speaking world, so I suppose it's a human thing to want to fit in.

[@zadokthestoryteller6590]

@@jesusonatortilla624 it is ok as long as you don't disown your own ethnic or view your ethnicity as more inferior than the Koreans

[@teesong6801]

The reporter is so good explaining her background as a Korean American. Although I am many many years older my thoughts are the same in terms of not being “cool” to be Korean in America going up. It’s a good thing that many non-Koreans are embracing the culture. I both proud and protective just as the reporter but very happy for Korea and the success of tourism for the economy. Great video!

[@Laura-Yu]

I remember being embarrassed of my kimbap lunch in elementary school and the music in high school😂

[@joycetreulieb3195]

Me too

[@Anonymous-cn6zl]

It's amazing how South Korea used to be one of the poorest countries to becoming one of the most influencial countries in terms of music, movies, drama and technology

[@janemuses3031]

Hallyu is the best marketing campaign - ever!! As a marketer, I am in awe of how such a small Asian, non-English speaking country has conquered the world with their culture. But of course, like all marketing campaigns, those of us in the business know the reality can be quite different from the marketing hype LOL. Trends come and trends go but hopefully in that time, there is some genuine exchange of understanding between cultures so we become more tolerant of each other's differences - and even come to embrace them.

[@Btl-Work]

I do respect the production team how they try to show every aspect of the K-entertainment!

[@JustMe-12345]

Why is it that most of these documentaries sound so.... critical/biased/against it? Wannabe-everything...how about aspiring trainee (And about foreign trainees...thats not new, many groups have foreign members, and not only rookie groups. (Take Girls Generation for example) The "korean dream".... well, isnt that hollywood? Noone talks about it that way. The "dark side" shown in pretty much every single documentary. But its just as visible in the american music industry, from eating disorders, drug problems and depression, social anxiety etc. (I wont name single people because fans already know about it, not-fans dont need to know or can look it up). Take disney for example... many of these postergirls/posterboys dont really follow that image anymore, and often did not either back then.

[@MiSSK2078]

Exactly, that is the hypocrisy. Ppl focus so much on the negatives IN Korea they fail to realise these problems exist in America too. We even have a name like "starving artists". Tons of ppl go to LA specifically Hollywood to become famous and struggle alot. Ppl view America as a land of opportunities where u can fulfill the American dream but it is also really dark. But all of a sudden wanting to be a K-pop star makes u a phony aka a "wannabe" and not an aspiring artist. They talk about how companies treat idols as products yet they dehumanise these people to "wannabes". The fact that a Korean person is doing this is even more bewildering. Y is it that America can have ppl compete like crazy w/ little chance to succeed by going to LA or NY get the commendation but others have to be insulted for wanting to become a K-pop idol? In reality they r the ones looking down on these individuals. America pumps out artists that either succeed or fail every year but somehow only Korea gets flack for it. Someone even made a video called K-pop is Capitalist... like no duh Sherlock every entertainment industry is Capitalist it's not unique to Korea nor is it new or shocking info. As if fans r too dumb and brainwashed to know lol. But whether I listen to K-pop or Pop in the West I will encounter the same issue. Also calling ppl Koreaboos for liking Korean culture is like calling Koreans Americaboos for being interested in American culture like with K-hip hop. "Show me the Money" a Korean rapping show exists but I don't see the same energy when they try hard to imitate other cultures lol. I'm in no way enabling the problems in K-pop and saying it's okay cause they NEED to be fixed; and the system in KOREA also needs to change but it's not a K-pop problem alone but a national AND global one. We can never solve these problems globally if we view it as other ppl's probs specifically K-pop.

[@visualbeauty3427]

Especially in fashion industry too.

[@visualbeauty3427]

@@MiSSK2078 😓 uh oh

[@ksy7348]

I understand. Every society of culture has its own problems need to be treated

[@allergictohumansnotanimals5671]

she said wannabe because that's what they're called in korea

[@davidpark2990]

Korean Wave has its ups and downs. Yes in one way, I'm proud of my homeland's success but on the other hand, I sometimes feel annoyed because I always face typical stereotypes...I get compared to Korean celebrities or asked if I do makeup or skincare or hair perm JUST because I'm Korean. I'm just an ordinary Korean guy, not an idol, not an actor...just living my life 🙂 Don't fully trust what the media portrays Korea and Koreans as...what you see on dramas and variety shows are true yet doesn't portray the 100% reality of Korea.

[@allergictohumansnotanimals5671]

this was what I was thinking and I'm surprised the documentary didn't bring up this point at all.

[@성이름-g6b7m]

自의식이 굉장히 ㅂ1대하신듯...

[@lasvegasnevada7514]

Same in America. I’ve met someone from Australia and thinks American high school were like from the movies.

[@peachesmontclaire]

Do you know BTS?? (so joking, but I’ve heard Koreans get asked this a lot, sadly)

[@davidpark2990]

@@peachesmontclaire HAHA yup of course~ BTS is like one of the key representatives i guess of Korea and K-culture globally now 😄 and yeah no problem for asking this question. I'm used to it 😁 as long as there's no racism or negative stereotype, it's all cool 👍

[@Camelepiz]

Thank you for shining a truthful light on the K-pop industry. Turning human beings into "idols" is going to distort what it means to be a human being - both for the "idols" and the people who revere them to such an extreme extent. What worries me about the children in the pipeline is the hyper-sexualization of the dance moves and some of the outfits. Will they learn their only value is how much they are admired/desired for their physical appearance? Their bodies? How does that prepare them for healthy adulthood? Just asking the questions...

[@wanr5701]

Get education, finish the school, and pass the exam first! The probability to succeed in entertainment and sports is only 0.001 percent or 1 out of 100,000. The risk is just too high. So before even dreaming of being an idol, they should prepare themselves to be the 99.999 percent that fail.

[@YouYou-sm8tf]

True...... the competition is harder. I know that among 100 group that debut in one year, half of them will disband after 1 year, then 20% disband after 2 years..and after 5 years only 10% of those who debuted can reach the 7 mark.

[@visualbeauty3427]

The standard is too high until now.

[@pikachuthunderbolt3919]

true that's why it's recommended to have backup plan if your plan about your career is different than usual. Specially in case of entertainment industry where your fate depends on others too

[@zakeernalir2871]

The kpop industry is sadly over saturated nowadays. Too many idol groups exist now

[@eekay3646]

I agree, but let them chase their fantasy. A lot of people come to Los Angeles thinking they may be picked up by some top acting agent, but they never get anywhere. So these people just live in L.A. barely getting by, and "enjoy" the struggle of making ends meet while enjoying the ambiance of this calloused, fake, merciless and glitzy city....Then they cry about L.A. being too expensive to live.

[@honbonque]

imagine doing an innocent interview with a reporter and being labelled a koreaboo lmaooo

[@jesusonatortilla624]

Lol... But he gave a description of a Koreaboo... and considering he even changed his name to a Korean one, uses make-up, etc., it was a little funny that he had to wonder whether he was Koreaboo. He seems like a nice guy, though.

[@koreanmarco]

The reporter was just asking if he described himself as koreaboo . Because as Asians including myself , growing up in america , our korean names were often made fun of ! N it hurt our feeling more so often .. n now he the american guy , had a full korean name , which is awkward .. that's when she asked him .. Do u consider to be a koreaboo ? N he said , , not really bla bla .

[@rainbows5232]

@@jesusonatortilla624 changing your name is not a koreaboo things, its happens in manty countries. its to make it easier for people to call your name. every chinese or korean person for example has an english name to use when abroad. in israel, in the past it was forced upon to change your name to a more hebrew sounding name. now in israel its not forced, but i know many people who parents immigrated and gave them like the most old fashion sounding hebrew name to fit in. thats not weird, thats just adapting

[@jesusonatortilla624]

@@rainbows5232 I agree, it's not weird, and it's totally fine. I was just saying that it is the common perception of "Koreaboos" to do that, and he flatly denied it, with the reporter seemingly unconvinced. It was just an awkward moment in the interview. I think the label is derogatory, and it's fine to choose whatever name you wish for whatever purpose.

[@rainbows5232]

@@jesusonatortilla624 he denied it in the deragatory sense, wich is up to him really, she doesnt know him. but basing it on picking a name, nah. many foriegn idols have korean name, and some korean idols have chinese names. its not acting pretending to be a korean, wich the terms refers to pretending to be

[@theodora_pilates]

I feel like this documentary is the initial reaction most of us foreigners have when we first come across the South Korean entertainment industry phenomenon. A combination of irony, perplexion and a bit of sarcasm, while looking for the dark side. I was like that too. But if we move past that, here are some things that weren't mentioned in this video, and I think they're worth mentioning since they are related to the industry and this phenomenon overall: 1. Kpop isn't just the pretty faces (and the talent that goes with it). K music production, as much as it has been influenced (some say copied) by western music, it has managed to differentiate itself, and create a genre that in my opinion is far superior than current western music. To be specific, I had given up on modern music until I found Kpop, even though before that the only music I listened to was western. So. Props to the writers and composers. 2. Kdramas. Even though they share similar themes to western ones, there are so many differences that they make them appealing to people fed up with western series/movies. Korean humor was an insanely pleasant surprise to me, it was so random that I was laughing so much at jokes I was never used to seeing in movies. And of course the lack of sex/drugs/nudity etc was also a pleasant surprise, these are so overused in Western movies you'd think that a movie wouldn't be able to exist without them. Kdramas prove otherwise. So again major props to the writers/producers. 3. Hangul. The Hallyu got the rest of the world to learn a bit about the Korean language. The Korean alphabet is a magnificent invention that's worth knowing about. Most Americans never even try learning a second language, so if BTS can do that, I personally find that incredible. For every positive I could post a negative. But this comment is focused on the former.

[@NativeDestroyer]

Agree I am tired of American movies with all that nudity ,Kdramas just shows you don't need all that nudity to enjoy a movie.

[@visualbeauty3427]

@@NativeDestroyer Most Asian BLs are nudity rarely

[@baphithi]

@@NativeDestroyer they make watching dramas such a pleasant experience.

[@davidpark2990]

Thanks for a nice post. As a Korean, I agree with you. On one hand, I'm proud as a Korean for this whole Korean Wave but on other hand, I'm sick of facing and hearing stereotypes from almost everyone I meet whether in university or now in the workplace...asked about Kpop, Kimchi, plastic surgery, skincare. Yes, I can understand that people can feel triggered and curious when they meet a Korean especially outside of Korea BUT I hope people don't associate me with what they see in dramas or Kpop. I'm just an ordinary Korean guy among the 51-ish million Korean population 🙂

[@zakeernalir2871]

@@visualbeauty3427 thai bls focus on nc scenes than acting but not korea lmao even the shortest bl had way better plot and story to tell

[@arlenelittlestory9740]

Every country or culture wants to sell fantasy, ie Hollywood movies, Korean dramas, etc. but it is up to each and individual if he/she is going to buy on that. How you live your everyday life depends on how you let yourself be influenced with that you saw and heard. I watched KDrama and sometimes listen to Korean songs but I don't go out of my way to buy whatever I saw and heard. Anyway, to each his own.

[@scrs5857]

It's Marketing with Emotions 😑

[@daudkhan4218]

Lol been watching korean movies from 2012 there was nothing called korean wave at that time but I still know korea isnt perfect no country is lol !!! I just hate some koreaboo who say shitty things like "My country is this and that I will forever go to korea and live there" lol 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@daudkhan4218]

@Musa nope

[@daudkhan4218]

@Musa nah am bangladeshi haha its common bangladesh has khan afridi too but not that much

[@PerfecttCircle]

woo.... i feel like someone just slapped me so hard... and the saying " all that glitters is not gold " started resonating across my auditory hallucinated senses....... indeed a beautiful perspective was woven through this documentary .. it restores ones perspective thinking ...

[@anakirola9204]

I think a lot of Kpop fans are Koreaboos because they are into the image rather than the actual culture of Korea. Korea like other countries suffer from social ills like depression, weight issues, age denial, gender identity, LGBTQ, feminism, etc It is sad. Korea is a complex country. It is very steeped in history which a lot of fans do not really understand.

[@visualbeauty3427]

Beauty Standard too in SK.

[@daudkhan4218]

I mean suicide is all time high in korea and japan

[@Moss_piglets]

I really like this documentary. It's well balanced. I got into Korean culture in 2006 when I was 11. We lived in the Philippines, I attended an international school. Most of my classmates were Koreans and learned about the culture through them. I began to appreciate the culture more when I was old enough to travel to Korea and live there for a short time. Although, I'm not a kpop fan, I do love K-dramas, the food and how well they take care of themselves. I appreciate their effort to to spread Korean culture. I wish more countries would do that because there is so much to learn from others. Even if we just know a little bit, I think it breaks barriers and misconceptions. But one thing for sure, mental illness is a taboo subject in many countries not just Korea. Although, my Korean American friends did feel weird seeing foreigners flock to Korea when hallyu just exploded. Some just have this unrealistic fantasies about a certain culture only be be shocked when they actually decide to visit the country.

[@Honest_cheater]

The most powerful thing in Korea is their knowledge and education. Look how they did with the covid-19. So smart.

[@sunnyh7009]

I'm a Korean American in my mid-forties. I completely relate to this Correspondent.. I found this documentary so interesting, thank you! Edited to add: I've recently got into K-dramas lately, after watching parasite...and it's so good! I've seen Kingdom and Sweet Home so far. I heard Squid Game is good, can't wait to watch it!

[@COYS-o2i]

I'm South Korean and I'm learning about South Korea watching this video.

[@COYS-o2i]

which means this series make small things look big

[@fastrackisaidiot5581]

@@COYS-o2i or show unknown world

[@murderofcrows2179]

you will remain ignorant.

[@jannewlove725]

I found it interesting that when she was at the drama filming she didn't arrange to speak with Danny Ahn, 1st generation idol in g.o.d. turned actor. He would have had a very interesting story to input. I caught the korean wave 19 years ago! Still going strong 😊

[@anusha_m]

i think it's important to also add that most idols in korea pass as _east_ asian (not just asian in general) regardless if they're chinese or thai or japanese, since i've never seen a south asian ever succeed in kpop either. it's not just on the basis on whether or not the idol is foreign, but also if they have fair skin and facial features accepted/praised by the korean general public. also white people are more readily accepted as idols because they are seen as an acceptable type of foreigner. a lot of bias and racism still exists in east asian countries against people with darker skin and different features, and that was dismissed entirely in this video

[@bmona7550]

Yeah. South East Asians have it hard. Not really accepted anywhere in East Asia (usually China, Korea and Japan) because they’re “not Asian enough” or don’t fit that pale Asian dream look

[@dukkyfuzzfuzzydukk3594]

Lalalalisa

[@lajo142]

There is no white kpop idol and won't any time soon. Does not fit Korean beauty standard

[@justmike1753]

Things are slowly changing as the younger generation gets older and start taking over different industries

[@pikachuthunderbolt3919]

South Asians face difficulty in any international media Due to conservative and different cultural things Their values more match to mid eastern Asian rather than other Asia More men , absolute masculanity is must ( beard , large bodies ) For female Absolute tolerant , quiet , submissive characteristics are needed Which are hard core different than world . South asian would be even after Africans ( for Korean they are not preferred much , I have no intention to put racial statements here ) to make things in Korea . Don't go just on color I have seen many South Asians even whiter than Koreans but they can't make there due to such huge cultural difference.

[@Starlight-sc4bp]

I actually stumbled across kdramas in 2015 because I was mindlessly scrolling for something to watch. The first drama I watched was School 2015 with Kim Soo Hyun. Then, I moved onto kpop and became a BTS Army.

[@NoRushpk]

Pokémon Korea banned foreigners from playing in the tournament 3-4 years ago. Japanese HQ said they were not allowed to do that. Racism is high, even in international childrens games.

[@奈唹]

The lady who runs the BTS restaurant is so wholesome

[@leilaleila4874]

OMG! The host’s hair is so beautiful! 😯

[@linneaboyev3798]

Very interesting. Since COVID started I began watching more and more online content and I've been exposed to S Korea through K Dramas; as a result I have sought to learn more about Korean culture, language and history. I hope that doesn't make me a "Koreaboo" but I do get excited to learn more about this fascinating country. Also, historically speaking, in any country where one race or culture is dominant, the minorities almost always get trampled on in some way. The host obviously experienced that misery here in America, and white Americans shouldn't be surprised to be discriminated against as. minorities in S. Korea. Tribalism is difficult to overcome. I hope the host of the program can find pride instead of resentment in the wave of interest and love for South Korea by people of every race in the world.

[@Lifewright]

If there is race discrimination in America, then which country is tolerant? Both America and Europe are on completely different scale of discrimination, compared to Asian countries

[@qqeevee]

@@Lifewright talking about Korea above but seeing what you say about racism in “Asia” gives a rough idea of what you think about “racism”.

[@aladyknight1314]

Love the honesty and vulnerability of this journalist.

[@김복주-c4f]

I’ve been in that restaurant because of BTS 🤧

[@alley96791]

I love korea...started with watching kdramas with my grandma since we were little to learning about the culture. Learned to read and write hangul, leaned to speak korean (not alot but enough to get me by a quick convo) and then visiting korea. Korea is so beautiful. I love the food and culture. I want to make another visit and explore more.

[@lu5423]

Nice country to visit, bad country to live

[@Titbitist]

cool story

[@JYasmina]

I know it's off topic, but she's absolutely gorgeous.

[@Hitori15]

I totally understand her sentiment and initial bitterness over the 'Koreaboo' phenomenon. It is the same for many other Asian countries on a smaller scale. As a Chinese American immigrant who grew up being berated and sneered upon by my fellow peers for my 'Chineseness' only to then rave over very shallow aspects of what Chinese culture is about, it's quite jarring. I often felt protective and indignant over the thought of 'my' culture and history being overrun by 'foreigners' who don't even know the significance and background behind the cultural norms and aspects they are idolizing. To balance this out though, I'm also distraught at a parallel phenomenon happening among the Chinese themselves with the 'Hanfu Movement'; they shallow acceptance, romanticization, and using of Chinese culture without fully understanding or accepting it's significance and history as a whole....

[@ReapTheWhirlwind]

Ahhhh! The Japanese trainee is doing the choreography from Dreamcatcher's Odd Eye and it's a really difficult choreography to learn. Odd Eye has a lot of precise movements with the hands and requires good timing because Dreamcatcher not only has to be careful of themselves but also of dancers, which are used to emphasize the theme of the song and create more complex pictures. Props to her! There are a lot of foreign members these days and Japanese members are very common.

[@somyasingh8193]

Anything which comes up against western culture and media, will always have its dark side highlighted more than anything else. When theses issues exist with every culture or trend. That “dark side of kpop” narrative is never gonna be left behind by western media, as soon as kpop became a wave, the dark side, the reality,the capitalism, the evil corporates, factory made music was the things being highlighted by every piece. Yes problems should be recognised but it is the pigeonholing and stereotyping of whole industry and complete disregard shown to the talent of ppl who are part of it. As if other industry don’t have the same issues, fashion, sport training system, western music industries labels and their contract. But nobody cares abt them. Cuz the origins are not the same. Western system is what everybody should adhere by, anything unfamiliar is not right cuz western culture is leader of perfect society.

[@benkim2016]

Foreigners who came to Korea before 2000 were genuinely interested in the culture but now many come to Korea because of the soft power and their interest in working and making money!!

[@ericsohn5084]

Good stuff

[@jkim356]

Loved this episode will be watching the series, keep them coming!

[@soojn0072]

I LOVE MANHWAS SO MUCH 😭😭😭

[@mayballug4557]

This so-called Hallyu wave had never taken a firm hold until BTS entered the picture. BTS made people around the world aware of k-pop. BTS has paved the way.

[@johnmarston5600]

I feel bad and sorry for the reporter especially when she said she was ashamed of being Korean growing up in the US. Keep your head up girl. Have some self-esteem. Like BTS said: love yourself.

[@NoctLightCloud]

I also feel bad for her for not having learned Korean from her parents better. Not sure how the environment is in the US, but here in Europe, every kid gets passed down the parent's language, no matter where you are living and where you're from.

[@tulipsandpeaches1834]

Not surprising. Asian hate among the Western countries, where people of our colour are just assumed to be "slit eyed" and constantly told "go back to China", is very common and you can't blame her as an Asian American to feel ridiculed or embarrassed growing up. It's only in very recent years that these Western counterparts are starting to try to learn more about Asians (or so I hope)

[@NoctLightCloud]

@@tulipsandpeaches1834 No country is perfect. There's also stigmatising of foreign people living in Asia. I have seen it with my own eyes how dark-skinned Southeast Asians are treated in South Korea. And it was not nice.

[@mazzy_vc]

@@NoctLightCloud Not necessarily, my mother never taught me Polish and I to this day unable to communicate with her side of the family.

[@NoctLightCloud]

@@mazzy_vc No way! What a shame, honestly. I have spent years learning multiple foreign languages and some parents just decide that their kids aren't gonna have that skill passed down FOR FREE and in perfect learning conditions. What a shame. It also usually happens to less spoken languages (like Polish).

[@wandawolfe8665]

It is really nice to hear these ladies speak so highly of BTS. I very much enjoyed hearing how humble they are. The fact that they are the greatest K-pop group in the world and earn big dollars is because they have worked very, very hard to attain their position in the world entertainment field. They deserve what they have. What people don’t understand is that there is much that they give up to be where they are. It isn’t all a bed of roses, because with the roses come the thorns!! These beautiful young men are superb role models to the young people of the world. I don’t know them, I only know of them, but if if I were Korean, I would be very proud of them.

[@tatiana-bi5fq]

The Best 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🖕🖕🖕

[@peachesmontclaire]

@@tatiana-bi5fq Shoo, troll.

[@angelicaocon1461]

I used to fangirl kdrama and kpop long before I was diagnosed with BD..but after several sessions with Pdoc, I realized something and it was like waking up from my old self..

[@theBallisticMystic]

Found this to be a bit heavy on the negative for me. For instance, I get that it's natural to be worried for kids to be put through the rigorous regime of kpop training, but is it much different for any kids pursuing a serious career in say dance or competitive sport anywhere else in the world? Is anybody worrying about them as much? What would an elite school ballet teacher say about this? It's just that negative-leaning views are so popular with people, online and in real life, that to me it feels like people are just echoing each other, like parrots mimicking sounds that they've heard. It's like you have to turn a blind eye to the positive and neutral aspects of things to sustain the more socially acceptable 'it's useless to even try' type of attitude.

[@becca475]

I think its often people worry about their young entering such competitive fields as this. The same happens with Rusia's olympic champions who train since kids, people find that training torturous.

[@theshushubird]

Like how she reports!

[@MikailUBD]

An informative episode. It is a bit old news already but nice documentary

[@murderofcrows2179]

do repressive and oppressive south korea is, not like the freedoms provided in china and north korea. america has such a civilized political discourse and japan is a bastion of protection to the dissenting voice, no pressure to conform in japan. south korea provides a protected space for content creators, that is why their product is so popular, because it is creative. your hit piece is so retarded.

[@ely4062]

Watching this documentary has made me realize that it's time for us humans to redefine the meaning of the word "Dream" - is it really worth it for us to pursue our "dream" when in the process of pursuing that dream we are actually destroying ourselves instead? I actually agree with that girl who decided to get out of the K-pop group because of the diet restriction... Sacrificing her own physical and mental health only to get that specific body figure, to me is really not worth it.. because at the end of the day, we are responsible to our own well being.. so making decisions for our own good is really important.. ❤ always take care of yourself guys

[@elangbam3115]

Look gys Korea boo is a term originated from western media. Before K-pop took hold in the western market it was already super popular in Japan through SM first K-pop girl solo idol Boa. In china in particular and Asia in general love K-pop since the first K-pop generation like tvxq, 2pm, snsd, super junior, shinee, etc. Back than the word Korea boo never existed. We only term K-pop fans as fans of kpop. Korea boo is a word engineer by the western media when K-pop started gaining ground in western markets to dehumanise or to mock K-pop fans as weird or fetishizing Korean cultures. So it came from bad intention from the western media because they were not happy to see competition in their home music markets. Just like how Japanese animes like Dragon Ballz and Pokémon and manga in the late 90s out manouver or overwhelmed Americans boring family friendly cartoons like Disney and DC comics not only in the western markets but all over the world. Western media were actively criticizing Japanese anime as doing harms to kid's for depicting violence in anime also stated mocking anime fans as weiboo. Ask any Koreans in Korea if they understand the word Korea boo. You will find that out of 100 people you meet(K-pop fans) only like 1 might know the word. I am an Indian K-pop fan and I am not ashamed of being BTS army. I also watch Hollywood movies and talk show like Jimmy Fallon tonight show thus that make me English boo?? Just because I like K-pop doesn't meant I want to be Korean just like how I watch and enjoy Hollywood movies doesn't meant I want to be white. Be real and stop using this Korea boo. Western media really lacks moral issues. Just because you can't compete with foreign entertainment agency don't make up weird names like Korea boo to mock K-pop fans.

[@KookiesNolly]

this is blatant misinformation. koreaboo comes from the world Weeaboo which is a slang word that origanlly came from "Wapanese", another slang invented on 4chan. 4chan is pretty unkind and famously toxic social media platform that isn't at all mainstream and barely on tradional media companies's radar. So no it's not a term originated from "western media". Weeaboo is a derigatory way to refer to huge anime fans who view anime as a superior media, degrade everything else and low key have a fetish for japan. Koreaboo is simply the korean version of that. The problem you seem to have is that this word is used to mock anyone who has the slightest interest in korean culture even tho it's originally meant to mock a very psecific type of toxic people that make even korean people uncomfortable. But the internet has a habit of using and misusing terms till they mean nothing anymore. It doesn't mean that those terms were invented by powerful media with an inferiority complex, just that they are being misused.

[@fairuzazli6468]

You hate Bollywood?

[@lasvegasnevada7514]

Well said, I used to watch ‘ghost fighter or Yu Yu hakuso. The anime also portrayed loyalty and friendship.

[@ericsohn5084]

He means to say that the specific term only exists in the Western World. You might get pointed out for unusual for liking kpop in places like Japan or China but there is no derogatory term like koreaboo.

[@isabeldambrosia751]

Could make a similar documentary about football wannabes in the US. Also, I feel like this judges K pop through a western value system -- as if western values are the only legitimate values. (Western values being rights and supremacy of the individual, comfort, etc.) Could also make a zillion documentaries about how the American/western music business eats it young -- RIP Curt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, Chris Cornell, etc, etc, etc, etc.

[@thebestlife1174]

What is a football wannabe? I think everyone knows that fame can destroy lives. It's not a secret

[@praj1636]

Avicii too. ☹️

[@exstazius]

They exist all over internet

[@sasquatchanbearhunter]

Yea you could, don't really see how that's relevant to this video though, the focus is on Korean culture not US culture. Also the doc showed both the positives and negatives of Hallyu, this stuff in this doc has some valid criticism but also highlights how great the industry has been for Korea and people in general. I also am very confused by your dismissal of the criticism of the doc stating that it only evaluates it based on western values. Do you think starving yourself by eating 6 almonds a day and celebrities committing suicide is only a problem by western standards?

[@isabeldambrosia751]

@@thebestlife1174 If you've ever raised kids in the US suburbs, you'll know what a "football wannabe" is.... NFL dreams!

[@vivianleenet]

I love BTS as much as the next person, but I hate that they are constantly used as the only example of Kpop success in the west. Plenty of others have been successful in some shape or form in other countries. I mean, can we stop and remember Wonder Girls, one of the first Kpop groups to make it to American radio and TV shows? The immense success of T-ara in China? The 2nd generation did SO much work for K-pop and their contributions have been consistently swept under the rug by mass media. For that matter, J-pop was the first country to really develop the idol concept. Without them, K-pop would never exist. Some of the oldest K-pop idols made names for themselves in Japan (BoA, Younha, TVXQ) and cross-pollination between the two countries really helped develop K-pop. There is so much history in K-pop and to reduce it to BTS is simplistic and irritating.

[@Sanatansister5623]

As an experienced K Drama viewer, I can say that they have a lot of creativity and ideas to dish out new and original stories. The production value of their Dramas is very high and they are very good at Marketing their product. But, this Korean Culture thing is something I dont agree to, what Koreans have retained in the name of Culture is only their Language and Food, otherwise they are totally Westernised. Their lifestyles, the way they dress, their music and style of film/ drama making is totally influenced by the West.

[@davidpark2990]

As a Korean, I agree with your comment. I'm proud but I'm sick of hearing stereotypes...everyone I meet ask me if I know or listen to Kpop, watch drama, do skincare, men's makeup, perm hair etc. And yes, many Koreans in fact think Kpop and Kdramas are losing its "Korean-ness" with more English lyrics, K-dramas being more targeted towards Western audiences especially those on Netflix. Just 5-10 years ago, everything was so authentically Korean but nowadays, even i feel Kpop and dramas have become a bit too Westernized and sadly lost that Korean authenticity. The old Kpop was the true Kpop...BTS is no longer really a Kpop group, it's a globalized group.

[@koreanmarco]

Bts is still kpop . Made produced sang performed all by koreans .

[@a.a.6789]

@@koreanmarco It's international, they have many foreign writers and famous choreographies like for fire and on were made by americans, and that's fine art has always been global, look how many swedes there are in american music industry, they practically formed modern pop. Edit: I'd also disagree that Koreans only retained the food and language part of the culture as they have the whole hierarchy by age thing and different traditions.

[@TamBeauProductions]

This is excellent reporting!!!

[@Pogawa341]

LMAO!!! With the WebToons, All you do is scroll down????? LOLOL That's the revolution??? I've done that on my iKindle since 2010 LOL

[@최래지]

Maybe it's also about time we talk about the toxic culture of fandoms and the negative culture and effects of obsessing over ranking and KZbin views. There was also a recent interview from the senior actor of Squid Game talking about this issue on obsessing with #1. And then there's T.O.P's answer to an interview in 2011. He was feeling disappointed over the obsession with idols going #1 on the charts.

[@magnoliatrue2698]

SAMSUNG is the god father of South Korea. Let’s not forget that. SAMSUNG owns most of South Korea.

[@简澜]

I feel it’s suffocating if every populated place got idols there, as like idol is everything, it makes me feel uneasy

[@Kdramamusings]

Another great report. Thank you!

[@Esromee]

Its a bit crazy to hear the journalist say...so manny foreign people come and she wants so protect the korean life style. So what about al those who come to the west from all country and cange it there? So why want to protect korea and being mad when the west want to protect their lifestyle and people say thats racist? I dont get it.

[@jaychiu1656]

Kong Yoo-jin is prettier now than when she was in the group

[@hlengiwengwenya-lu8vp]

It is as simple as it can be defined, they provide the world with quality work ethics in their craft and that alone will make one more interested in knowing more about the country and people in more particular.

[@jongml3562]

Can anyone tell me the name of the song at 17:17?

[@makeupbyami08]

I feel this documentary is very biased and only focuses on the reporters views. Why say "foreign wannabes?"...very negative and condescending. If people take an interest in your country and want to study the language/become an idol that makes them a wannabe?? why is the tone of this interview so negative?? I thought this interview would highlight the outcomes of the hallyu wave and how it brought ppl of all races together but yet it the video is comprised of a woman who cant even speak her own language who insults others trying to appreciate her culture. ironic isn't it.

[@ziyuchen3112]

You obviously didn't finish the documentary. She didn't just use the term "wannabe" on foreign trainees. When talking about Koreans who wanna become K-pop idols, she also used the term "wannabe." And she does speak Korean. She spoke to some of her interviewees in Korean. She just didn't speak it that well because she's a Korean American who was born and raised in the US. Also, she did acknowledge there are both negative and positive influence of Hallyu on the Korean society and those who are attempting to participate in it.

[@setisuafa-os9tv]

good take. thanks sis.

[@luriescorner]

I struggle with the concept of K-Pop being something "new" taking over the world. Looking at the kids music video all I saw was a copy of 90s RnB boy bands. They reminded me of a New Edition video when the boys were younger 🤷🏽‍♀️ I just can't see myself on the Kpop bandwagon but I'm fully on the K drama one

[@supersagarsagar]

Kpop is the pop music of 2000's repackaged Nsync,backstreet boys etc they are just replicating it

[@ericsohn5084]

If it was that easy, Kpop wouldn't be this big lol

[@LafayetteCCurtis]

Wait when was this even released? I think I recognise the choreography around 15:50 and that looks like Dreamcatcher's Odd Eye. Makes sense for a Japanese fan to want to learn that, though.

[@CaraMarie13]

I find it very strange when people romanticize another culture based on what they see on tv or the music they listen to. Like it's great that you love and bring curious about is a natural progression but for people to get so in their heads about is just not healthy. Underneath it all, the country of someone you idolize is just like any other country. With great things and bad things that affect its people. So if you do decide not move to another country, don't let it because you have a mystical view of what your life will be like.

[@murderofcrows2179]

Every community has individuals that are sick of the BS in their own society, or think things are a bit stale or tired. These adventurous people, neither good or bad, are drawn to different cultures because of the difference, in style, values, and view of things. So normal to have people in love with different things. They probably were the same type of people who agreed to work in navy ships during the British Empire and dreamed of leaving soot covered London to an idealized India or Africa.

[@smonster]

honestly i can understand the journalist. koreans were always made fun off oversees (not that its unique to koreans only) and now everything korean or being korean is considered a "trend". it's cool that there is an interest cos of the culture, media they produced but it just irks me when people only care about the pop, the culture and the glamour and not take a second to look beyond the surface of it; the amount of views this triology-documentary got just proves it. i always got bullied for being biracial and now people stan and simp me when i tell them where my mom is from, it's make me super skeptical.

[@jellybun12]

but turning to guy who has dedicated many years to study korean language and culture and asking whether he's a koreaboo? screams victimhood to me

[@tuananhnguyen4983]

It is all fun to me to listen to KPop songs….till I realized my friends even cut their own eating/clothing budgets just to buy their idols’ limited edition albums…But it is fine to listen to their music while I workout/go running so I know their music truly does something good to my life in long-terms.

[@bethkralco8952]

I remember seeing Mingyu (Karl) on a show, here on youtube. It was a show that had a game where koreans have to hear not see and guess the foreigner in a group by their speaking only

[@GlobalNext]

My wife is Korean and we have enjoyed Korean popular music since the 1990’s. I was curious when I saw how much the government was investing in soft power and in the creation of manufactured Korean pop music. Still, at the beginning there were some interesting things coming out of the creative community. And even a few musicians who began contributing in meaningful ways. But now that it’s been “mainstreamed,” all I am hearing is overproduced music, desperate collaborations and fetishized videos. It makes me feel sad for a Korea that never had to prove anything, was always cool and used to be interesting. Not so much now.

[@murderofcrows2179]

I guess you yearn for south korea decades back, when it was never the subject of western media, was under brutal dictatorship, and people struggled for minimum economic benefits. you long for a south korea that does not exist. south koreans actually developed, based on facts not your misplaced feelings. tell your wife you pity her.

[@jesuisunique336]

I do love to watch this channel. I learn so much about Korean stuff like Kpop, Kdrama, Kbeauty, etc.

[@jesuisunique336]

I know bro, but this topic is about Korean. So, I'm responding to the topic. However, as I said I learn about anything too in this youtube channel with different topics. ✌️🤝🙏 @James Henry Smith

[@jesuisunique336]

@James Henry Smith thx fyi 🤝🙏

[@MrWaterbugdesign]

Video about Korea and Joi Lee making it about her. That's so American.

[@YHelloThereOldSport]

A popular group is not a supergroup. A supergroup is a group of musicians who have been famous in their own right or have been in other groups/bands prior, and then joined together to form another group. BTS is not that

[@YHelloThereOldSport]

And that's not what a koreaboo is either. A koreaboo is someone who literally wants to be a Korean, not someone who appreciates Korea's culture.

[@Reree-gz5bg]

watching people introduce themselves make me happy c:

[@hafizulhanis2418]

Good documentary byJournalist Joi

[@moefinesse9878]

7:34 For this white American to change his name to Korean shouldn't matter. Most Asian immigrants to North America have changed their names to English names. What's the difference? Don't do the double standards BS

[@alexa_depphil7542]

Please do more documentary of korean manhwa artist please ☺️

[@beany1944]

I am glad they touched on the subject of Koreaboos. I am a BTS ARMY, seeing how some people behave and talk on YT, FB and even in comment sections and think they are cute make me cringe deep into my soul. Oli London comes to mind, he is very condescending,

[@justmike1753]

Oli London is an extreme troll. Don't give him attention😆

[@pikachuthunderbolt3919]

Oli gives me brain a good no of dead cells

[@Imold498]

It seems that folks are are not really paying attention on the reason this series was even made. She is a Korean American who is trying to connect to culture she doesn't really know. She is going about the WAY her and her company chose to do it. I absolutely understand where she coming from as immigrant American. It's not going to pretty for some but it's honest.

[@joannejones363]

But she is clearly biased and viewing things from this American point of view which makes no sense. Different countries, different circumstances.

[@rainbows5232]

with certian comments she made, you could tell thats an average american point of view, and i think many people who arent americans are kinda fed up with americans on certain matter and how their views, wspecially when it comes to culture, racism and politics. like the moment i saw her, i already made an assumption on what shes going to say, just on the fact that shes american, i wasnt expecting a different view

[@murderofcrows2179]

It is selective journalism censored and approved by the CCP. Yeah, I appreciate this as much as a tweet characterizing an entire culture.

[@kendicloud]

I remember before when our old Sony TV broke down, we are only able to replace it because of the affordable Goldstar brand of TV. This brand later became LG. Samsung TVs also became popular for Nintendo/Sega rental businesses because of the Sleep timer feature.

[@amaziabakrimem.sangma2444]

Oohoo they mentioned Imitation 😍

[@snapwilson]

"As a high schooler in Wisconsin, Minnesota." Carl is KGB, isn't he?

[@v.a.l.5165]

Right 😄😁😄 Where is Wisconsin, Minnesota? Two different states 😂

[@shlakd]

this documentary proves how the power of Hallyu Thank you CNA

[@Dream-ce6zm]

15:58 they dancing to Odd Eye by Dreamcatcher 😍 my favorite group

[@louannkim]

Not related to the docu but at 15:49 isn't that Dreamcatcher - Odd Eye choreo?

[@tigerlilly9038]

May I ask a question, I am not trying to offend please. Are most Koreans as fair as the dance instructor and BTS member, typically? Their skin is almost milky in shade. Or is it extreme bleaching?

[@anastasiafua9778]

Brilliant reporting - thanks CNA !

[@isha9365]

I never knw Samsung was korea made like seriously? Have been using Samsung for years just thinking to change to another product but now I knw I will stick to it...

[@yumekojabami122]

Changing ur name to Korean doesn’t make u a Koreaboo. It’s means adapting into the culture. A lot of Asians do this when they move to a western country. The reporter does understand this. She took it too personally 🤦‍♂️

[@marta9127]

You confirm what I have long suspected. K-pop is just an industry product with mass production of "idols". You don't have to have talent or be creative - just fit in the mould. This isn't art, this isn't authentic. As many contemporary forms of music, painting, dance and performance K-pop is a craze that will eventually expire with no real legacy. When you see or read the works of artists of old whose legacy lasts today, you will know what I mean. It's not following the pattern and the dream to be and behave as others that made them great. It was their authenticity, their courage of doing something on their own. Real art is not only about the skills but also about this inner spark. You can train people as you train animals to perfom diffent tricks, but...where's the meaning in all of this? And it's not only about K-pop, it's about the culture in general, not only in Korea!

[@daniiii.v]

omg am I the only person when dope came on I was dancing

[@isabeldambrosia751]

No you're not!!

[@fractal2453]

Looking forward to these reports. Fell into Kdrama recently, just gotta say, when was the last time you saw anything in the US with bookstores or libraries or architecture or public spaces or any other part of the 'culture' that is evident in almost e v e r y single kdrama? Where the main character is an artist, a writer, a historian, a translator? I often see more of myself in these K dramas than in lacking US productions. Still wrestling with Idols and appearance and monetary/social inequities, (sorry don't love the food). Gone from only hearing about Moonies and N. Korea/war, to loving the learning of the mythos and nuances of international relations. btw: adjimah ARMY.

[@aoifa_silverDragon]

I find Kdrama and Cdrama better written then american ones. They tell a full story in a set of episode, instead of lets make a mini sotry per episode with little to no connection per episode.....

[@andrelopez2514]

it worries me that the new idols look thinner that the ones before them :S I hope this madness falls and they can eat healthily, I mean I am a fan of a group myself and it do really worries me

[@bizness-as-usual-58]

IMO, Korea's first black idol is Fatou Samba of Blackswan, not Alex of Rania. Alex is multiracial (Swedish, Hungarian and African-American).