Korean Wave
Seoul's cultural export
Korean Wave refers to the global spread of South Korean popular culture since the late 1990s—K-pop music, television dramas, films, fashion, and cuisine.
The term translates the Korean *hallyu*.
What began as regional popularity in East Asia has become worldwide cultural influence: BTS rode the Korean Wave to international stardom.
The phenomenon encompasses everything from K-dramas on streaming platforms to Korean skincare routines.
Korean popular music genre
- K-dramaTelevision from Korea
- K-beautyEast Asian cosmetics regimen
- soft powerInfluence through appeal
- BTSKorean pop supergroup
Netflix · streaming · Spotify · Billboard · Grammy · Oscar · viral · trending
Object of worship
- comebackRecovery after decline
- choreographyDesigning performance movement sequences
- music videoVisual companion to songs
- debutFirst public appearance
trainee · Big Three · girl group · boy band · soloist · subunit · title track · mini album
Organized land military force
- lightstickPortable chemical light source
- biasUnfair inclination or prejudice
- stanObsessive celebrity follower
- fan camIndividual performer footage
voting · album sales · fan service · photocard · merch · shipping · fan fiction · fan art
Contest of lasting longest
- music showLive performance event
- world tourJourney visiting many countries
- endorsement dealPaid promotional partnership contract
- variety showProgram mixing different performances
Sensational, emotionally overwrought drama
- romcomHumorous love story genre
- historical dramaFiction set in past
- OSTOfficial media music release
- episodesDistinct parts of a series
subtitles · cliffhanger · finale · ratings · plot twist · binge-watching · Netflix original · screenwriter
K-pop
Korean popular music genre
- K-dramaTelevision from Korea
- K-beautyEast Asian cosmetics regimen
- soft powerInfluence through appeal
BTS · Netflix · streaming · Spotify · Billboard · Grammy · Oscar · viral · trending · influence
idol
Object of worship
- comebackRecovery after decline
- choreographyDesigning performance movement sequences
- music videoVisual companion to songs
debut · trainee · Big Three · girl group · boy band · soloist · subunit · title track · mini album · visual
ARMY
Organized land military force
- lightstickPortable chemical light source
- biasUnfair inclination or prejudice
- stanObsessive celebrity follower
fan cam · voting · album sales · fan service · photocard · merch · shipping · fan fiction · fan art · online community
survival show
Contest of lasting longest
- music showLive performance event
- world tourJourney visiting many countries
- endorsement dealPaid promotional partnership contract
variety show · behind-the-scenes · vlog · content creation · algorithm
melodrama
Sensational, emotionally overwrought drama
- romcomHumorous love story genre
- historical dramaFiction set in past
- OSTOfficial media music release
episodes · subtitles · cliffhanger · finale · ratings · plot twist · binge-watching · Netflix original · screenwriter · ensemble cast
Korean WaveAmericanization
Adopting US cultural norms
Westernization · British Invasion · Bollywood · Nollywood · French cinema