An academic says the so-called Korean Wave or Hallyu that has swept Asia is ebbing and must transcend its parochial character if Korea is to stand tall and enjoy lasting influence in the global village.
"To become the global mainstream, the Korean Wave must die", says Yi O-ryong, an honorary professor at Ehwa Woman's University. "As Korean digital technology spreads around the world, it also causes social and civilizational phenomena. But rather than trying to prolong the Korean Wave, we must create a new Hallyu based on universal and natural values -- a sort of digital Oriental Wave".
The academic said the Korean Wave in China, Japan and Southeast Asia was made possible by Korea's digital power.
"The basis of the Korean Wave is information technology and the digital industry", he said. "Would the Yonsama craze in Japan [adulation for Korean actor Bae Yong-joon] have been possible without DVDs, the Internet and satellite broadcasts? In the U.S., the power of Silicon Valley fused with Hollywood to form Siliwood. Just as the popularity of Michael Jackson -- a human being -- was driven by the same engine as products like U.S.-made refrigerators, cars and computers, so digital technology and industry must be seen as the engine for the popularity of Korean stars".
But Yi warned a backlash against such cultural exports was starting in China and Japan, so the Korean Wave must overcome its parochial character.
"The Korean Wave is causing cultural friction. If one side's culture in strong, it always leads to a reaction where the other tries to protect its identity. But the culture of the multi-racial United States spread around the world, so Korea must now absorb and ferment the cultures of China, Japan and Southeast Asia to become a 'salad bowl' of globalization. The key is... Asian universalism, and Korea must become the engine of that culture".
Yi calls the digital culture to be led by Korea "Asian Cool". "Through digital products that embrace universalism rather that regionalism, and are driven by needs rather than wants, we can overcome resistance to the Korean Wave".
"Just like there's a 'Sony Style,' if a particular digital product comes to dominate a nation's market, the lifestyle of that nation's people changes. Only when Korean creativity and design in digital products becomes the mainstream, can we pride ourselves on being a leading state culturally".
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