DDrift

Chapter 03 of 5

The Korean Wave

A financial crisis, TV dramas and a teenage star in Japan carry Korean pop across Asia.

  1. The Crash

    1997 crisis

    In 1997 the Asian financial crisis hit South Korea hard. The country needed an emergency loan from the International Monetary Fund.

  2. The Idea

    Culture as export

    Leaders noticed how much money Hollywood made. Korea began investing in its culture industries as a new export.

  3. The Support

    Government backing

    The government funded cultural programmes and promoted Korean entertainment abroad.

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🇰🇷 How K-pop Was Built

  1. 01The Day Everything ChangedA rap trio gets the lowest score on a TV talent show, then changes Korean music for ever.
  2. 02The Idol FactoryAuditions, training camps and contracts: how K-pop stars are made.
  3. 03The Korean WaveA financial crisis, TV dramas and a teenage star in Japan carry Korean pop across Asia.
  4. 04Oppa Gangnam StyleA satirical song, a silly dance and the first video to reach a billion views.
  5. 05Bangtan BoysSeven members, a tiny agency and the fans who carried them around the world.