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Who is the most popular Hallyu star this year? What is the most important issue in the Korean culture boom? An online survey spanning five Asian nations has answers.
The Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange (KOFICE) conducted the survey, “The top ten issues in Hallyu,” with the participation of 3,000 people from Korea, Japan, China, Thailand and Vietnam.
According to the survey results, unveiled by KOFICE on December 1, most respondents picked “the shift from cultural Hallyu to economic Hallyu” as the most important issue this year. According to KOFICE, this is in part due to the overseas popularity of Korean electronic goods like smart phones, cell phones, TVs and other goods.
The second most important issue was Hansik, or Korean food. Thanks to Korean dramas and movies that show Korean foods like kimchi, bibimbap, bulgogi and makgeolli, Hansik has risen in popularity.
The third most important issue selected by the respondents was the rise of Korean girl groups in Japan. Groups like KARA and Girls’ Generation swept Japan’s prestigious Oricon charts right after their debuts, causing a great sensation.
| A Japanese man listens to K-pop girl groups at a record shop in downtown Tokyo. (Yonhap News) |
Korean sports stars came in fourth and fashion fifth in the survey. Other issues on the list included the Hallyu drama boom, ethical problems in Hallyu and medical tourism.
| Choo Shin-Soo of the Cleveland Indians at a match between Korea and Pakistan at the Guangzhou Asian Games on Nov. 16. (Yonhap News) |
Meanwhile, the Korean government has decided to build a “street of Hallyu” in central Seoul. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced the plan at the “Hallyu Forum 2010” on Dec. 1 in Seoul.
According to the plan, the ministry will choose a street in downtown Seoul to display Hallyu star plaques and Hallyu-related media artworks, along with promotional centers and souvenir shops.
The Culture Ministry will also build an online Hallyu information market, where users can receive and purchase key information about music, movies and concerts.
By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
