What is Hallyu? The Korean Wave Phenomenon Shaking the Global Entertainment World

Kapanlagi.com - Hallyu, or more commonly known as the Korean wave, refers to the global phenomenon generated by Korean popular culture, including dramas, films, music (especially Kpop), and other products that have gained worldwide recognition. This phenomenon began in the late 1990s and has continued to expand over time. Hallyu not only influences Asian countries but has also spread across the globe, from Europe to the United States.

On April 7, 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Korea, along with the Korea International Cultural Exchange Promotion Agency and the Promotion Agency, announced the results of a survey regarding the most popular Hallyu actors and actresses abroad until 2025. Hallyu has become a major force in influencing the globalization of the entertainment industry, with Korean actors like Lee Min Ho and Gong Yoo dominating this survey's results.

This Korean wave has a significant impact on the growth of Korea's cultural economy and stimulates exponential growth in various entertainment sectors. Kpop fans, Korean dramas, and other cultural products are now spread all over the world, from Southeast Asia to the American continent.

1. The Birth of Hallyu: From Korean Dramas to the Global Screen

What is meant by the Korean Hallyu? (credit:asianwiki)

The term "Hallyu" first emerged in 1997, after the Korean drama WHAT IS LOVE was aired in China. Initially, this wave was more recognized in East Asian countries such as China, Japan, and Taiwan, but over time, Hallyu expanded to Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam. Korean dramas like AUTUMN IN MY HEART (2000) and WINTER SONATA (2002) became significant achievements that introduced Korea to the international world.

In 1999, the Korean film Shiri also marked the starting point for the penetration of the Korean film industry abroad. This success paved the way for films, dramas, music, and other products from Korea to gain popularity outside of Asia, especially in Western countries. The birth of Hallyu transformed the landscape of the global entertainment industry and positioned Korea as a new cultural hub on a global scale.

2. Factors Triggering the Success of Hallyu Outside Korea

What is meant by the Korean Hallyu? (credit:asianwiki)

The success of Hallyu did not happen by chance. There are several important factors that support the rapid development of the Korean wave, including the lifting of restrictions for Koreans to travel abroad in the early 1990s. The restructuring of large Korean companies and the removal of censorship laws in film and drama works also played a significant role in expanding the global market. In addition, the strengthening of branding for large Korean companies and the development of infrastructure that supports cultural exports have also accelerated this success.

Another important factor is the full support from the Korean government, which pays serious attention to cultural exports, especially in the entertainment sector. The government facilitates the development of cultural content and helps connect the Korean entertainment industry with global markets.

3. Kpop Music as the Main Pillar of Hallyu

What is meant by the Korean Hallyu? (credit:instagram.com/superjunior)

Kpop, or Korean pop music, is an important part of Hallyu that has gained significant global attention. It began in the early 2000s with artists like BoA and Rain, and Kpop started to penetrate the Japanese market and then other Asian countries. This success skyrocketed with the emergence of iconic groups like Super Junior, Big Bang, and Girls' Generation, who actively promoted Korean culture abroad.

The peak of Kpop's success occurred in 2012 when Psy's song Gangnam Style became the first video on YouTube to reach 1 billion views. This phenomenon brought Korea's name to the world, and since then, Kpop has continued to grow with new boybands and girl groups like BTS, Blackpink, EXO, and others dominating the global music market.

4. The Important Role of Fans in the Success of Hallyu

What is meant by the Korean Hallyu? (credit:instagram.com/blackpinkofficial)

One of the keys to the success of Hallyu is the existence of a highly loyal and solid global fanbase. Fan involvement in supporting Korean artists is not limited to concerts or music streaming, but also takes the form of active communities on social media. Kpop fans, for example, play a significant role in promoting their artists' works through various platforms, introducing Korean culture to different countries.

Fans are not just spectators; they also become part of the career journey of Korean artists. The interaction between idols and fans creates a more personal and intense relationship, which is a unique characteristic of the Korean entertainment industry compared to the entertainment industries of other countries.

5. Most Popular Hallyu Actors and Actresses Abroad

What is meant by the Korean Hallyu? (credit:instagram.com/actorleeminho)

In 2025, a survey on the most popular Hallyu actors and actresses abroad revealed the dominance of big names such as Lee Min Ho, Gong Yoo, and Song Hye Kyo. According to the survey results published by the Ministry of Culture of Korea, here are the top actors and actresses:

• Lee Min Ho (7.0%)
• Gong Yoo (2.4%)
• Song Hye Kyo (2.4%)
• Kim Soo Hyun (2.3%)
• Lee Jong Suk (2.0%)
• Hyun Bin (1.8%)
• Jun Ji Hyun (1.5%)
• Ma Dong Seok (1.5%)
• IU (1.5%)
• Cha Eun Woo (1.4%)

This data reflects the growing popularity of Korean stars, who are not only known in Asia but have also achieved great success in Europe and America.

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(kpl/vna)