WE all have that one person that is known to love the K-culture. Some of them are seen collecting merchandise of their favorite oppa while others are known to save up for their allowance so that they can see their favorite artists perform live.
In this current day and age, consumption of K-Drama shows has also been a hit amongst Filipinos–topping the genre on streaming platforms such as Netflix.
Aside from pop-culture, exploring foods also became a custom for these K-lovers. Examples of these are the side by side samgyupsal restos that can satisfy anyone’s savory cravings, kimchi that serves as a perfect side dish, and the potato-covered corn dogs that you can enjoy in different flavors.
With its large fondness amongst the Filipinos, it makes you question why such a completely different culture makes it connected to the hearts of many. But before we jump into finding the answers, let us first understand how it became mainstream in the first place.
Going mainstream
In the mid-late 1990s, Hallyu (also known as Korean Wave) gained its popularity around the world due to its products, music, series, and food.
The first ever trace of Kpop can be traced back in 1992 when a group called Seo Taiji and Boys performed “Nan Arayo (I Know) ” on South Korea’s Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation.
One of the notable things that made K-pop significant was their sound and synchronized choreography that were a very American mix of dance music, hip-hop, rap, and rock. During this time, this type of genre was very new to South Korea and even got to the point that their socially conscious song lyrics were challenged by the country’s censorship law.
Meanwhile, in the Philippines— it wasn’t until the early 2000s when Koreanovelas began showing in the televisions of Filipinos–sparking its first ever admiration amongst Filipino audiences.
Staying in the topic on the K-pop genre, one summer in 2012 changed after a song titled “Gangnam Style” by South Korean solo artist PSY went viral.
With the digital era coming to age, the video quickly went viral–surpassing 5 Billion streams on YouTube as of writing.
The success of the K-pop industry further unveils when South Korean boyband BTS (also known as Bangtan Boys) grew its popularity outside South Korea and Japan. This is later followed by the growing popularity of girl groups such as Twice and BLACKPINK that took the hearts of many Filipinos back in 2019.
In 2019, due to its never-ending success–the K-pop industry’s estimated worth reached $5 billion.
Filipinos fondness over K-culture
republicasia reached out to three zoomers to explain their fondness behind the fad of Filipino’s love for K-culture.
Answering the question on why Filipinos are fond of Korean culture, for 19-year-old Tom Torrico–is it all about respecting one another. “Respect by their gestures, their behaviors, and the way they talk even to strangers like bowing.” He said.
Torrico has always been fond of Korean culture due to their music, series, and T.V. shows that they make. “I appreciate them because they give me entertainment and most importantly, knowledge about their culture and society. Korea is also my dream country.”
19-year-old Aj has been fond of Korean culture for 8 years now and one thing that made them love them was their talent.
Courtesy: @eyjae_
“I actually first liked their kpop groups because of how they dance and sing at the same time.” they said.
“You might see them in western or local groups but it’s usually just hand gestures or little choreos, and that made me interested in them. Then as I watched the groups I like I saw how different the cultures were from ours and intrigued me.” they added.
Aj also noted how they are not judgemental about men wearing makeup or getting face surgery.
“Maybe it’s how different the cultures are when it comes to mindset although they don’t care about men wearing makeup or that doesn’t make men any less human from them but they are still sophisticated or they don’t like sexy contents and all that stuff.”
For 20-year-old Deanna Cariaga, one thing that made her fond of Korean culture is through the quality of their content.
“The K-pop industry since it emphasizes the cultivation of idols who are not only talented but also project a specific image and lifestyle,” she said.
“The culture influences many young Filipinos, who admire kpop artists. also the curiosity of Filipinos in their language and lifestyle.” she added.
Cariaga also noted that she came to appreciate the culture due to how they act in front of the audience and how they love what they are doing.
Whether you’re a fan or not, the K-culture will always have its way on the hearts of many Filipino. In the end, Filipinos’ love for Korean culture isn’t just a passing craze–but a testament to the significance of cultural connectivity in globalized society.
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