In recent years, Korean popular
culture, also known as Korean Wave or Hallyu has been spread throughout the
world and especially in Asia. (Huang, 2009) stated that the term “Korean Wave”
is referring to the trendiness or popularity of South Korean popular culture in
other Asian countries. Malaysia is one of the countries in Asia that is being
influenced by the Korean culture, since the year of 2002 (Cho, 2010). This
Korean wave has been a trendy “phenomenon” in Malaysia for years. It eventually
brought Malaysian to a greater interest on Koreans’ culture. Korean culture is
considered one of the cultures which is globalizing in today’s world.
Therefore, we are seen to be surrounded by a lot of crazy fans who are addicted
with Korean culture, especially K-pop idols and songs and K-drama artists.
In this modern era where
technology had reached the advancement, information can be transmitted or
spread out swiftly actually had some impact on influencing the values,
behaviours and ways of life of the societies in the world. According to the
study of Nor Hashimah and Zaharani (2011), South Korean focuses more in
exporting and commercializing Korean culture through language, dramas and
popular music. Korean popular culture such as movies, dramas on TV, and pop
music are very powerful and dramas are one of the most remarkable
popular cultures from there (Huang, 2009). For those who are willing to know
more about Koreans’ culture would possibly pay a visit to Korea themselves. According
to (Jang and Paik, 2012), the examples of Korean popular culture products are Korean
dramas, movies, popular music also known as K-pop, dance (B-boys), videos
games, food, fashion, tourism and also Korean language (Hangul). In fact,
Korean culture had eventually brought impact among Malaysians on fashion
(clothing and cosmetics), food and entertainment such as music, dances, games,
dramas and movies. This is supported by the research of Nor Hasimah and
Zaharani (2011), where they stated that Korean dramas, k-pop music, language and skin
care products brands are getting popular in Malaysia. Various styles and fashions from
South Korea were followed by Malaysians especially among adolescents.
Fashion is known as one of the
types of popular culture (Zailin 2010, 2012). Teenagers in today’s world want
to be trendy in terms of fashion; they want to follow up the trend so that they
would not be left out by the groups. K-pop fashion was first probably
introduced by South Korean girl group, 2NE1, who were first debuted with a
unique kind of style which was different from the usual cute style compared to
other female groups such as SNSD, 4 Minutes, and Wonder Girls. People were
surprised by their “new” concept and they gained huge following instantly.
Thus, fashion can actually be influenced by the idols or artists especially
through music videos, magazines, Korean dramas and social media. Now, we can
see that most K-pop fans around the world, even in Malaysia are imitating the
way their bias idols dressed up with few examples to be supported: G-dragon,
CL, Jessica Jung. Dressed up as in the
same style of shirts and pants, dying the same hair colours (colour-ed hair) inspired by the idols, even cutting the same hairstyles like the celebrities, and also owning the same
accessories as their idols do.
Figure 1: G-dragon
G-dragon is known as one of the top “fashionista” among celebrities in Korea. He is always voted on the top list of “Korean BEST fashionista”. The results were being selected by netizens on the Internet. He had been the models of fashion magazine for years such as VOGUE and ELLE.
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Figure 2: CL
Figure 3: Jessica Jung
In my opinion, the stylish and quality of the
product made in Korea also has an impact which brings influence to fashion
among Malaysian. Idiom “The grass is
always greener on the other side” shows that people in Malaysia are never
satisfied with the products made in local, they think that products from other
countries are always have a better look and quality than Malaysian-made. I
don’t deny with this statement, some of us were thought by our ancestors that
Japan-made products, Korean-made products are better than Malaysia’s. It’s true,
for me. Most consumers would like to buy products that are worth the price.
Clothing (shirts, dresses, skirts, jeans) made in Korea is so stylish compared
to Malaysia’s. Even a plain sweater or plain T-shirts can be so trendy, or just
simple design layout can be that trendy as well if they are Korean-made.
Next, the cosmetics product made
from Korea had influenced the “beauty” way of Malaysians. Most Malaysians,
especially female tends to buy cosmetics products made in Korea. They were
being influenced to buy the products by the products endorsers, especially
those endorsers who are pretty in terms of physical appearance and those having
fair skin as well. One of the examples of the popular Korean-made cosmetics
products in Malaysia is Laneige. Laneige is being endorsed by one of the top
natural beauties among celebrities in Korea, Song Hye Kyo. Besides the
endorsers, the quality of the product also influences consumers to consume the
product. Thus, the Korean culture had influenced fashion among Malaysians
through k-pop celebrities, Korean dramas as well as the style and quality of
the products.
Song Hye Kyo (Laneige Endorser)
Korean culture influenced on “Entertainment”
among Malaysians
Korean dramas, movies, K-pop lies
in the area of entertainment.
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PSY released a music video, namely “Gangnam Style” which eventually became a trendy music video around the globe in year 2012. PSY had gained a lot of popularity instantly. This music video had reached 3 billion views on YouTube in year 2018. The main focus in the video was the dance steps, “horse dance”. It is easy to learn and the lyrics of the song are addictive as well. There were many cover dance videos as well as dance tutorial videos uploaded on social media (Facebook, YouTube). This video had opened up the barriers where people tend to seek more information, as well as exploring the world of culture of Korean music - “K-pop”.
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Korean music plays an important
part in influencing the lifestyles as well as the behaviours of fans in
Malaysia. Although we might not know what are the Korean artists are singing,
we still listen to the songs maybe just because the rhythm are nice, or because
it is a natural “phenomenon” now. Some people are willing to learn Korean
language in order to know about what the lyrics of the song means. Some of the
“hardcore fans” willing spend their money to buy the song albums and going to
the concert as well. The idols are like their “moral pillars”, they will be
happy just by looking to the picture of their idols.
Korean dramas actually influenced
the lifestyles and behaviours of Malaysians as well. Julina et al. (2018)
stated that people would be interested to watch dramas which are closely
related to their own cultures, and language is not a barrier. Malaysians watch
Korean dramas because k-dramas able to satisfy the emotional needs through
assimilating to similar lifestyle, cultural proximity and expressiveness.
Korean dramas help to fill the “emptiness” feeling where western dramas could
not (Julina et al., 2018). They are able to reflect Asian beliefs, way of life
and value system, some are based on Confucius’ teachings (family ties, romance
or love, respect for elders, loyalty, sibling love, education). Most Korean
dramas’ story lines are similar to Malaysian life story, regarding to the way of
acting and thinking. Thus, it is proven
that Korean dramas are getting more popular among Malaysians in recent years.
There are a few examples of popular K-dramas in the past decades which are
Winter Sonata (2002), Jewel in the Palace (2003), Descendants of the Sun
(2016), Goblin (2016) and more.
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| Goblin (2016) |
 |
| Descendants of the Sun (2016) |
 |
| Winter Sonata (2002) |
 |
| Jewel in the Palace (2003) |
Korean
culture influenced on “Food” among Malaysians
According
to (Betty, n.d.), Korean Lifestyle Road Show 2016 and K-Food Fair had given
exposure to Malaysians about Korean culture, lifestyles and beauty trends as
well. Traditional Korean delicacies can now be found commonly as there are many
Korean restaurants opening their franchises in Malaysia. Korean foods are healthy
as Koreans are mostly consuming vegetables and fruits. Malaysians can actually
learn from TV shows or online Korean shows that how Koreans cook the meal and
what kind of ingredients they are using (mostly vegetables and fruits). They
even consume kimchi in every meal, as
well as soup (seaweed, carrot). This
has been their culture since long time ago.
Toppoki
 |
| Kimchi |
Samgyupsal
Toppoki
Korean
foods that have been all-time-favourite by Malaysians are as such: kimchi,
ramyun and samgyupsal, toppoki and so forth. There are many Korean restaurants being operated
since the development of Korean Wave in Malaysia. Examples of Korean
restaurants that can be found in Malaysia are Seoul Garden, Mr Dakgalbi,
Ssambap and Daorae. The more the
food is spicier the better it is, as most Malaysians love spicy food. Besides
that, Korean’s instant noodles are actually trendy and being adored by
Malaysians. For example, Shin Ramyun and Samyang Ramyun. Samyang Ramyun had been
produced different types of flavours’ ramen and most flavours are actually
“Hot-sellers” in Malaysia. The level of spiciness can be known as the
“specialty” of the ramen. This is because most Malaysians love to eat spicy, so
they are willing to try out the Samyang Ramyun. The noodles are actually quite
addictive in my opinion.
In
conclusion, Korean culture is considered one of the cultures which is
globalizing in today’s world where it has already invaded into Malaysia and
influenced Malaysians in terms of fashion, entertainment and food.
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| Different flavours of samyang ramyun |
References
Cho, C. H.
(2010). Korean Wave in Malaysia and changes of the Korea-Malaysia Relations. Retrieved
from http://umepublication.um.edu.my/filebank/published_article/620/JPMM%202010_1 %20Cho,%20Chul%20Ho.pdf
Huang, X. W.
(2009). “Korean Wave”- The popular culture, comes as both cultural and economic imperialism in the
East Asia. Retrieved from http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ass/article/view/3449
Jang, G. J.
& Paik, W. K. (2012). Korean wave as tool for Korea’s new cultural diplomacy. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Won_Paik/publication/267160972_Korean_Wave_as_Tool_for_Korea's_New_Cultural_Diplomacy/links/563a316108ae405111a57ee1.pdf
Zailin, Z.
A., Khalifah, O., Ridhuan, T. A., Wan Nor Aini, WMA. (2013). Analyzing the dimension of Korean popular culture among
Malaysian adolescent. Retrieved from
http://fs.libarts.psu.ac.th/research/conference/proceedings5/1.2-Analyzing%20the%20Dimension%20of%20Korean%20Popular%20Culture%20Among%20Malaysian%20Adolescent.pdf
Nor
Hashimah, J., Zaharani, A. (2011). Hallyu in malaysia: a social-cultural study.
Malaysian
Journal of Communication, 27(2), pp. 203-219. Retrieved from http://www.ukm.my/jkom/journal/pdf_files/2011/V27_2_11.pdf
Julina, T.
A., Hassan, A. B., Nor Hafezah, Y. (2018). Culture in Korean drama towards influencing Malaysian audiences. International Journal of Innovative Research in Engineering and Management (IJIREM),
Volume 5. Retrieved from http://www.ijirem.org/DOC/3_IREM499.pdf
can i ask..what is the relationship of your title and your main idea which is the influence of korean culture in Malaysia? can you describe details??
ReplyDeletecan i have your email cause i want to know more about this article
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