By Shim Jae-yun
A noted sociologist said hallyu (the Korean wave) could get a boost thanks to its "hybridity" in terms of time and space.
"Hallyu has managed to spread worldwide beyond Asia due to its space-wise hybridity of combining the culture of western and eastern hemispheres, and time-wise hybridity comprising of pre-modern, modern and post-modern eras," said Prof. Lim Hyun-chin of Seoul National University.
Lim underlined the need to further expand such hybridity so that hallyu can contribute to the formation of a cultural community regardless of differences between each nation.
"Hallyu can see further promotion bridging various cultures should it be able to generate a new sort of hydride version by mingling with respective local cultures," he said.
Lim outlined the theory in a recent thesis titled "Multidimensionality of the Consumption of Hallyu Culture," co-authored with Prof. Jang Won-ho of the University of Seoul.
"Hallyu could spread rapidly, boosted by the fast development of communications through the Internet and social network services. Add to this, we need to exert efforts for hallyu to embrace unique cultures of each country," he said.
Lim cited the case in Malaysia where major broadcasters mobilize K-pop hallyu stars for commercials as part of cultural tools in bids to integrate Malaysian society, which is divided into three main groups — Malaysian, Chinese and Indian.
"An increasing number of people there have begun to have communications via hallyu, which is the course hallyu should take in the future," he said, citing the need to encourage bilateral communications based on a hybrid combining different cultures.
He also cautioned against the possibility of hallyu resorting to cultural nationalism, describing it as the biggest barrier for its sustainability.
"We should never attempt to advertise that our culture is excellent though we may take pride in hallyu," he said.
"Despite the recognition of the growing importance of hallyu alongside the significance of soft power, it is very dangerous to try to use hallyu as part of efforts to increase Korea's influence in the international community," he said.
Lim warned against the possibility of political issues influencing the cultural exchange. He cited a recent survey conducted by the Japanese government which showed a decline of familiarity felt by Japanese toward Koreans from 60 percent early last year to less than 40 percent in November amid a lingering territorial dispute between the two countries.
"Likewise, the political perspective based on nationalism may undermine the possible setup of a cultural community," he added.
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| Lim Hyun-chin |
"Hallyu has managed to spread worldwide beyond Asia due to its space-wise hybridity of combining the culture of western and eastern hemispheres, and time-wise hybridity comprising of pre-modern, modern and post-modern eras," said Prof. Lim Hyun-chin of Seoul National University.
Lim underlined the need to further expand such hybridity so that hallyu can contribute to the formation of a cultural community regardless of differences between each nation.
"Hallyu can see further promotion bridging various cultures should it be able to generate a new sort of hydride version by mingling with respective local cultures," he said.
Lim outlined the theory in a recent thesis titled "Multidimensionality of the Consumption of Hallyu Culture," co-authored with Prof. Jang Won-ho of the University of Seoul.
"Hallyu could spread rapidly, boosted by the fast development of communications through the Internet and social network services. Add to this, we need to exert efforts for hallyu to embrace unique cultures of each country," he said.
Lim cited the case in Malaysia where major broadcasters mobilize K-pop hallyu stars for commercials as part of cultural tools in bids to integrate Malaysian society, which is divided into three main groups — Malaysian, Chinese and Indian.
"An increasing number of people there have begun to have communications via hallyu, which is the course hallyu should take in the future," he said, citing the need to encourage bilateral communications based on a hybrid combining different cultures.
He also cautioned against the possibility of hallyu resorting to cultural nationalism, describing it as the biggest barrier for its sustainability.
"We should never attempt to advertise that our culture is excellent though we may take pride in hallyu," he said.
"Despite the recognition of the growing importance of hallyu alongside the significance of soft power, it is very dangerous to try to use hallyu as part of efforts to increase Korea's influence in the international community," he said.
Lim warned against the possibility of political issues influencing the cultural exchange. He cited a recent survey conducted by the Japanese government which showed a decline of familiarity felt by Japanese toward Koreans from 60 percent early last year to less than 40 percent in November amid a lingering territorial dispute between the two countries.
"Likewise, the political perspective based on nationalism may undermine the possible setup of a cultural community," he added.
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