Lee Gyu-lee is a business writer at The Korea Times, focusing primarily on IT & telecommunications, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and KOTRA. Prior to this, she has covered a wide range of cultural news, from film, television and K-pop to lifestyle and fashion.
Bringing K-culture to life: TikTok creator bridges Singapore, Korea
Eric Youn, known as Esyfilms, prepares to record content for TikTok. Courtesy of Eric Youn
By Lee Gyu-lee
When the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and TikTok joined forces to host the K-Vibe Global Creator Festa last month, the mission was to showcase Korea through the fresh lenses of international creators. Over six days, 31 influencers explored Seoul, creating short-form content to highlight both the timeless traditions and modern lifestyle of the capital.
Among them was Eric Youn, also known as Esyfilms, a Singapore-based Korean TikTok creator. Youn has carved out a unique niche as a cultural bridge between Singapore and his home country, sharing everything from comforting batches of seaweed soup to the thrill of live K-pop performances.
TikTok creator Eric Youn / Courtesy of Eric Youn
Youn’s journey as a creator began unexpectedly in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he recorded and shared on TikTok the meals provided for his two-week quarantine after returning from Korea.
“The video series went viral. People seemed genuinely curious about what food was served during quarantine,” he told The Korea Times in a recent written interview.
“After I was released from quarantine, a follower even told me they would unfollow me now that my quarantine was over. That made me think about what content I should create next.”
What began as a casual pastime quickly developed into a dedicated creative pursuit, leading him to share Korean cuisine through recipe hacks, family-inspired dishes and local restaurant recommendations in Seoul and Singapore, all while balancing his day job in the technology sector.
His TikTok feed today is filled with visually stunning short films that highlight K-culture’s many sides, from viral ramen recipes to traditional dishes tied to folklore. His commitment to storytelling, whether explaining the cultural roots of birthday seaweed soup or unpacking the symbolic value of kimchi, resonates with a growing international audience.
“Korean history spans thousands of years, so there is a deep and rich cultural background connected to its cuisine,” he said. “Whenever I create content, I try to weave in these storytelling elements because context can completely change the way people see and appreciate a dish.”
During the K-Vibe event, creators were guided through a wide-ranging itinerary from heritage sites like Changdeokgung Palace to contemporary cultural hotspots, such as Myeong-dong's shopping and Seongsu-dong's youth culture.
For Youn, the program was another step in building cultural connectivity. “During the trip, I had the chance to witness the (global) creators’ reaction to Korean culture right there in Korea,” he said.
“By the end of the trip, I felt a deep sense of pride seeing how people enjoyed Korean culture and experiencing firsthand just how valuable a cultural asset it is. It made me proud to see how Korea has risen from the rubble to become a global cultural influence.”
A screen capture of Esyfilm's TikTok page / Captured from TikTok
That pride extends beyond personal moments, as he is deeply aware of how short-form videos spread K-culture worldwide. From fiery Buldak instant noodles becoming a global challenge to K-dramas sparking Korean traditional games abroad, he sees TikTok as a cultural catalyst.
“(TikTok) is a global platform where trends can cross borders instantly, connecting people from all over the world without speaking their language. I believe TikTok has played a big role in expanding K-culture to audiences everywhere,” he said.
From viral quarantine meals to leading food tours for global TikTokers, Youn has come a long way. Looking ahead, his ambitions are clear: He hopes to deepen his culinary expertise by studying Korean cuisine from masters and even pursuing formal training.
For now, he continues to study independently, burying himself in historical cookbooks and culinary guides. His goal isn’t only to cook but to preserve stories, ensuring that traditions carry forward in a digital-first era.
“I see it as a constant learning process, especially when engaging with a global audience that’s curious about Korean culture. It’s not just about sharing my culture with others, it also pushes me to look deeper into my own roots, to study and research,” he said.
“The Korean diaspora, including people like me, can serve as a valuable indicator of how global audiences are engaging with Korean culture … With that comes a responsibility to share our culture with both accuracy and openness, which also centers around self-study, research and acting upon feedback.”