The Korean Craze among Thai Urban Youth Thai

The Korean Craze among Thai Urban Youth: Thai Culture in Transition By Piyathida Sereebenjapol Northern Illinois University 1

Kimchi to Kim Chic In the past, South Korea’s best known export was Kimchi, spicy cabbage dish. Now, this country is exporting the spicy pop culture or Kim Chic. 2

Korean Wave (Hallyu) • It was coined in China in mid-1999 by Beijing journalists. • Taiwanese media sources argue that Taiwan is the original center of the Korean wave phenomenon. 4

Korean Wave (Hallyu) • The dissemination of Korean popular culture, primarily through the mass media, and its broad popularity outside of Korea (Sang-Yeon Sung, Indiana University, 2006). • A wave of enthusiasm for South Korean pop culture that’s sweeping Asia (Louisa Lim, NPR, 2006). 5

Korean Wave in Asia Korean wave spread to East Asia like Japan, Taiwan and China before coming to Southeast Asia. 6

Korean Wave in Southeast Asia Then, the Korean wave hit Southeast Asian countries including Thailand. 7

Thailand-Korea Relations • 1389 – 1392 King Kongyang & King Ramesuan (Ayuthaya Kingdom) • 1950 Korean war 8

Thailand-Korea Relations • October 1, 1958 Thailand established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea. • October, 2008 Thailand Korea celebrated 50 years of relationship. 9

Aridang (1980) Video clip of a Thai film called ‘Aridang’ (http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=6 l 4 di. PFTl. UA&feature=related) 10

Korean wave in Thailand • TV series • movies • music • games • food • fashion • tourism 11

Autumn in my heart Video clip of a Korean drama called ‘Autumn in my heart’ http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=7 KQo 5 a. Am. Xe 0&feature=related 12

Dae Jung Geum (Jewel in the Palace) Video clip of a Korean drama called ‘Dae Jung Geum’ http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=VVW 6 wiaagv. I 13

Korean pop songs/singers Video clip of a Korean singer called ‘Rain’ http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Oy. Lo. NTrqfa. A&feature=related 14

Influences of Korean wave Original version http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=z 2 z. Wr. Yts. GFY Covered version http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=031 N 31 B 4 Ev. M 15

Influences of Korean wave Video clip of a Thai singer called ‘Bie’ http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=881 Vwcvt. Jtc 16

Thai singers in Korea Video clip of a Thai singer called ‘Ice’ http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Vlu 8 vh. Kyi. E 0&feature=related 17

Korean drama filmed in Thailand Video clip of a Korean drama called ‘Full House’ http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=VOm. V_FK 3 Hs. A&feature=related 18

Korean Language Curriculum Courses University Elective Minor Major Prince of Songkla University (Pattani) 1986 1997 2001 Chulalongkorn University 1991 1996 Burapha University 1995 Ramkhamhaeng University 1995 Mahasarakham University 1998 Naresuan University 1998 Srinakharinwirot University 1999 Prince of Songkla University (Phuket/Hadyai) 2000 Silpakorn Univesity 2000 Thammasat University 2002 Khon Kaen University 2003 Rajapat Chiangmai University 1995 2000 2005 2001 2005 2002 2003 2001 Source: Burapha University, Thailand 19

Center for Korean Studies • Institute of Asian Studies of Chulalongkorn University • Institute of East Asian Studies of Thammasat University • Center for Korean Studies of Ramkhamhaeng University • Center for Korean Studies of Burapha University • Center for Korean Studies of Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus 20

Tourism Industry The Korean Tourism Organization has promoted Dae Jung Geum-oriented tourism in Asia, and the U. S. The main outdoor sets built by MBC for shooting of the drama were purchased by the South Korean government and opened as the Dae Jung Geum Theme Park in 2004. 21

Tourism Industry “Over the last three years, there’s been a 30 -percent increase in foreigners coming to have plastic surgery. It’s all because of Korean wave. ” Dr. Chung Jong Pil, Cinderella Plastic Surgery Clinic, Seoul, Korea, 2006 22

Plastic surgery tour Thai people, particularly young people, started to fly to Seoul to improve their looks with a surgical makeover. Surgery costs started from $6, 000. 23

Future of Korean wave “There never was a Korean wave. Rather, what we are seeing is globalization in its latest iteration and Korea was the first country in Asia to fully embrace the idea. ” Mark James Russell, 2008 24

Future of Korean wave “Singapore is following Korea's footsteps in making the country an entertainment hub and so, in the next 10 years, Thais may become hooked on Singaporean series instead. ” Source: Bangkok Post Attaphon Na Bangxang, True Visions' chief program and content officer, Thailand 25