Korean Wave in Indonesia
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Did you know this year was proclaimed the year of
friendship between South Korea and Indonesia? In celebration of the 40 years of
diplomatic relations between the two countries, many events and concerts with
K-Pop singers were held this year in Indonesia. With the growing popularity of
Korean pop culture due to Hallyu or ‘Korean Wave’, the interest of Indonesians
in Korean language, culture and food is also on the rise.
Brief
Introduction to Indonesia
Indonesia is
a sovereign state in Southeast Asia and is made up of approximately 17,508
islands. World’s 4th most populous country boasts a whopping population of 238
million.
South Korea and Indonesia are two countries of similar
history. Both countries became independent from colonial rule after the World
War II. Also, most importantly, both countries have developed into a booming
economy in matter of short period.
Start of
Hallyu
Hallyu made
it over to Indonesia in the 1990s with one of the most popular Korean drama
‘Winter Sonata’. It was the first Korean drama to be broadcast on Indonesian
TV. Since then, many of other dramas and films have made it on to the
televisions of Indonesian houses.
Dramas such as ‘Boys over Flowers’, and ‘Minami
Shineyo’ (You’re Handsome) that were filled with cast of good looking Korean
actors/singers was a huge hit. Started with the love of dramas, now it has
escalated into K-pop and just about everything of Korea.
Impact of ‘Korean Wave’
Currently, there are estimated to be about 40,000
Indonesian citizens living in South Korea. And, over 150,000 tourists from
Indonesia visits Korea every year. The increasing number of tourists is majorly
due to the love for K-Pop groups such as JYJ, Eru, EXO, Super Junior, Girl’s
Generation, and Big Bang. Many come with packaged themes that is based on K-pop
and K-drama.
Many students also come to Korea with Exchange student
program. The desire to learn the Korean language and culture starts from
their love for Korean entertainment. Young generations tend to look to
Korea for their lifestyle and fashion as well. The influence of K-Wave is
to be far greater in Indonesia than other neighboring countries.
It seems like the K-wave is not just a fad at
Indonesia. It has become a culture of Indonesia. The love for
Korean language, music, cinematography and culture provides great bridge
between the two countries. The relationship between the two country will
greatly influence the success of 2014 Incheon Asian Games as well. We
hope many take the opportunity to visit Korea and attend the Games.
My Opinion ;
If you read the news
above, I think it
is not a stranger to us. indeed, Indonesia has a
history that is almost not much different from korea.
Both
countries became independent from colonial rule after the World War II. Not only seen from of
diplomatic relations between the two countries. But, indeed the Korean wave or also called hallyu
wave has long been growing
rapidly as the development time in
Indonesia. Nowadays
the Korean wave influences many Indonesian people from children to adults. The
Korean wave spreads through Korean music, Korean drama, and Korean fashion. Like
the news footage
above,” Hallyu made it over to Indonesia in the 1990s with one
of the most popular Korean drama ‘Winter Sonata’. It was the first Korean drama
to be broadcast on Indonesian TV”. And Korean music for K-Pop groups such as
JYJ, Eru, EXO, Super Junior, Girl’s Generation, and Big Bang.
I think Korean wave has positive
impacts and negative
impacts for society Indonesian.
which becomes positive impact is many students also come to Korea
with Exchange student program. The desire to learn the Korean language
and culture starts from their love for Korean entertainment. Young
generations tend to look to Korea for their lifestyle and fashion as well.
The influence of K-Wave is to be far greater in Indonesia than other
neighboring countries. So the relationship between the two country will greatly
influence. While the negative impact is we can see the bad
impact of the Korean wave in the way Indonesian people leave their traditional
cultures and move to learn Korean culture. If they prefer Korean culture rather
than their own I think they may forget their heritage. That situation will make
their culture disappear over time. I think Indonesians should make up their
minds and realize that loving things Korean is their right but loving their own
culture is an obligation. Hence they
should take action to keep their cultures alive in this era of globalization.
In this case, education has an important role in saving our cultures. Educating the younger generation and society
to love their cultures early on can aid people to build their nationalism and
be proud of their cultures.
