The “Hallyu Wave” (Korean Wave) has been traveling all over the world and has been gaining popularity in the past few years, especially with music and K-dramas (Korean TV shows/Melodramas). Some people have even taken up learning the language and the culture because they are interested about Korean culture as well as Korean influence in music, fashion, dance, and all things entertainment.

However, it’s not really Korean culture that many people are interested in. Yes, there are some that are genuinely interested in learning about Korea and the country’s customs, but most are more interested and influenced by their media and entertainment industry. Many foreigners are fooled, for lack of a better word, that all of Korea has the high beauty standards that the celebrities are required to uphold in the entertainment industry. Many, just in like every country, the actual people in the country don’t have the time, patience, or willingness to try to fit the high beauty standards.

“I think it is a good thing that the “Hallyu wave” was so well-received by many individuals across the world. As a Korean, it makes me proud to know that my country’s influences in entertainment and media has become global,” said senior Yunseo Lee.

Everything from clothes and makeup, to food and TV shows have been exploding around the world, even if a lot of the people who listen or watch Korean entertainment may not understand it.

“There is definitely the power of K-Pop at play: catchy pop tunes directed at the masses by idol groups, and tunes that incorporate elements of Hip-Hop, EDM and rap,” said Lee when explaining the interest in K-Pop idols. The music isn’t the only reason why a lot of people are liking K-Pop, even though it’s supposed to be about the music. ‘There’s a power of K-Pop’ as Lee said not only in its music, but in how the idols are suppose to show themselves in the public eye.

Big companies like SM, YG, and JYP put their idols through difficult diets, training, workouts, dance practices all to have the perfect image for the public. A lot of people who take interest in Korea, but have never been to Korea, think the country is just like what the Korean dramas are like, with attractive people everywhere and that it is a great country to live in. Korea is a great country to live in, but it is not any different to other countries and takes some time to adjust.

Of course Korea isn’t what it is like in the movies. Reality rarely lives up to the fantasies that are in media. However there are so many great things about Korean media that interests so many people.

“I got into K-pop mainly because of the dancing. I’ve danced all my life and it’s the first thing about K-pop that stuck with me,” senior Mitha Senthilkumar said. Powerful performances and dance routines are just as important as the music and vocals of the song. Many people have been inspired to learn how to dance, sing, or join some part of the entertainment industry because of the influence of Korean media.

Not only have many people been inspired by Korean entertainment or learned about K-Pop through their passions, but some have also tried learning the language. “I got into K-pop/Dramas after I decided to learn the language in an effort to be able to communicate more effectively with a very close friend of mine whose family had moved from Seoul only a few years ago,” senior Karina Hull said.

She was looking for as much of an immersion into the language without having to go to Korea. Hull was instantly interested in K-pop and dramas because of her passion for singing, dancing, and acting. She thought that it would help her pronunciation and understanding of the language because watching dramas or listening to music is more casual than the textbook versions.

Some people may not understand why people like K-pop when they don’t understand the language. While that is true, it happens the other way around too. Many people look at American/Western celebrities and idolize them. There’s something about the entertainment industry that breaks language barriers and everybody can enjoy despite not understanding the language.

Korean media has had a huge influence on many aspects of the entertainment industry and is becoming very powerful. Even if it’s in another language that some people can’t understand, great music, shows, and many other things that are being created for everyone to enjoy.