The Korean Wave

The rise in popularity of South Korean entertainment and culture, known as the Korean Wave, began and has been promoted as an official policy of the Korean government to revive the country's economy. As such, popular culture products such as K-pop and K-drama are tailored to appeal to the widest possible audience beyond national and regional boundaries. This study of the appeal of Korean popular culture examines cultural production and consumption, hybrid culture, the West versus. Asia, global race consciousness, and changing views of masculinity and femininity, among other topics.