Korean ranks 2nd-most-coveted Asian language in US amid global popularity of K-pop

A recent study conducted by Live the Language (LTL) Language School reveals that Korean is the second-most-searched-for Asian language per month in the United States, with an average search volume of 133,886. Courtesy of LTL Language School

A recent study, conducted by Live the Language (LTL) Language School, showed that the Korean language is the second-most-popular Asian language that Americans want to learn, shedding light on the growing interest and fascination with Korean culture.

The institute, specializing in teaching Asian languages, analyzed data from Google Keyword Planner to obtain the average monthly search volumes over the past 12 months in the United States.

While the Japanese language secured the top spot with an average monthly search volume of 170,927 on the back of its popularity due to the influence of anime and manga, the Korean language closely followed as the second-most desired among Americans, with an average monthly search volume of 133,886.

"The popularity of Korean culture, including K-dramas and K-pop — the so-called hallyu (Korean wave) — likely contributed to the significant interest in learning the language," the institute said in a release.

The increasing popularity of the Korean language, often linked to the worldwide success of K-pop, has been widely recognized. Nevertheless, the rare study represented meaningful and verifiable data that solidified the idea of a heightened interest in the Korean language.

Singer Jungkook of BTS performs on NBC's "Today" show at Rockefeller Center in New York City, Nov. 8. Reuters-Yonhap

The findings also align with a broader trend in the U.S., where education institutions increasingly offer Korean language programs to meet the growing demand, ranging from entertainment consumption to business and personal enrichment.

Mandarin, cited as one of the world's most widely spoken languages and one of the most difficult to learn, secured the third spot with an average monthly search volume of 52,745. The institute attributed the steady interest in learning Mandarin to China's continued prominent role on the global stage.

"The study underscores a growing trend in the United States, where individuals are increasingly drawn to the cultural richness and economic opportunities associated with learning Asian languages," said Max Hobbs, marketing director at LTL Language School.