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More recently, Korean culture has become increasingly visible in India, from K-pop and K-dramas to food, beauty, fashion and language learning. Many individuals will start interested in a song or TV show, before discovering more within South Korean culture. This article looks into how the Korean wave, also known as Hallyu, is being integrated into the interests of Indian audiences. This will also look at how digital platforms, fan groups and Indian films help shape this connection. This can vary depending on the individual or area.
Photo: [Source/PIXABAY]
The Highlights:
- The Korean Wave in India is not just about K-pop; it also includes dramas, food, beauty, fashion and language learning.
- Social media and streaming platforms make Korean entertainment more accessible to Indian audiences.
- K-pop and K-dramas can introduce audiences to Korean music, stories, language and lifestyles.
- Fan groups help individuals connect with others who share similar interests.
- Food, skincare and fashion are examples of how people may develop an interest in Korean culture.
- Films like Gangster (2006) and Made in Korea (2026) show different ways in which South Korea has been represented in Indian cinema.
Beyond the Beat: K-Pop’s Growing Reach
Photo: [Source/PIXABAY]
Many Indian fans have become interested in Korean culture due to K-pop. Artists like BTS and BLACKPINK have become very popular internationally due to their music, performances, music videos, and unique visuals. This may lead to individuals looking into the artist’s discography, behind the scenes, dancing or the meaning behind the Korean lyrics. Social media has made it easier to recommend music.
However, the Korean Wave in India didn’t start with K-pop becoming popular globally. Korean entertainment was already becoming popular within parts of the Northeast of India.
This means that the Korean Wave has developed differently depending on the area.
From K-Dramas To Our Watchlists
Photo: [Source/PEXELS]
Korean dramas help introduce Indian audiences to a variety of Korean stories. This can include romance, thriller, family dramas and coming of age stories.
This can be attractive for international audiences as the stories bring together different cultures and relatable feelings. Individuals may learn about Korean traditions, food and social situations whilst relating to the themes such as friendship, pressure from family, aspirations and relationships.
Korean shows are easier to find on streaming platforms. Subtitles and dubbing help overcome any language barriers. Individuals may become interested in other genres, actors or Korean films after watching one popular show. However, these are fictional stories. The stories may not represent how relationships, work and everyday life happen for everyone in South Korea. Whilst enjoying Korean entertainment can make individuals curious about the culture, to truly understand a country, you need to look beyond what you see on screen.
When Hallyu Enters Everyday Life
Sometimes Korean entertainment can influence individuals in everyday life. This can include food, beauty and fashion.
A Taste of Korea:
Photo: [Source/PIXABAY]
Many times Korean food will be introduced to individuals through dramas, variety shows and social media. Foods such as tteokbokki, kimchi, Korean fried chicken and Korean style Ramen may make individuals curious about trying these foods.
Recipes and Korean food creators can be seen online which can help individuals try Korean food. This can be a fun way for some individuals to try a new cuisine or recreate a special memory from their favourite show.
However, this may not be available or affordable for all individuals in India.
The K-Beauty Effect:
Photo: [Source/PEXELS]
Korean skincare, or K-beauty, is a popular part of the larger interest in Korean culture. Many individuals will see skincare routines, sheet masks, sunscreens and moisturisers online.
Some individuals like the focus on hydration, skin care and multi step routines. Reviews and beauty creators can help individuals discover new products.
However, just because K-beauty is popular doesn’t mean everyone should feel the need to have perfect or glowing skin. Beauty trends are often influenced by advertising, edited images and social media. It is important to choose products that suit your skin, needs and budget.
Korean Style, Indian Influence
Korean dramas and music videos may influence individuals fashion choices. There are many styles to see including oversized clothing, street style, minimal and well put together accessories.
Individuals may look to the artist’s outfits they wear on stage or the outfits worn by characters in dramas. You can take inspiration from these outfits and incorporate Korean style into your own fashion.
This shows how people take inspiration from Korean culture and make it their own.
Beyond Entertainment: Language and Community
Beyond Entertainment: Language and Community
For some individuals their interest in Korean music and dramas may lead them to also become interested in the language. Learning Hangul, common phrases and understanding the lyrics can make the experience more meaningful.
Individuals may begin to learn through online videos, language apps or proper courses. They may want to understand their favourite artists or become more immersed in Korean culture.
Fan groups are also very important. Individuals can discuss new releases, recommendations, fan creations and connect with others who have similar interests. This can make individuals feel like they belong to a group.
However, not all individuals will want to learn the language or get involved with the fandom. Some individuals will simply enjoy the music or shows. Others will be more immersed in Korean culture. This will depend on individual interests, time, accessibility and resources.
From Seoul to the Indian Screen
Photo: [Source/ PIXABAY]
Indian films can also help audiences understand the connection between India and South Korea.
Gangster (2006) was partially filmed in South Korea. The film stars Emraan Hashmi, Shiney Ahuja and Kangana Ranaut. It is an early example of a Hindi film using South Korean locations.
Made in Korea (2026), directed by Ra. Karthik and starring Priyanka Mohan, brings South Korea much closer to the centre of the story. This Tamil film follows Shenba, a young girl from Tamil Nadu, who travels to South Korea and has new experiences there.
Both films serve different purposes. Gangster uses South Korea as a setting, whereas Made in Korea focuses on an Indian character’s experiences in the country.
While this does not prove that the Korean Wave has directly influenced Indian films, Made in Korea is a relevant example of how South Korea can become part of an Indian story. This also highlights an interesting point: sometimes, entertainment allows us to imagine what a country is like before we experience its culture ourselves.
More Than A Passing Trend
The increasing interest in Korean culture in India shows how entertainment can introduce individuals to new music, stories, food, fashion and languages.
Songs can lead individuals to watching a TV show, dramas can make individuals curious about Korean food, lyrics from artists can make individuals want to learn the language and fan groups can make individuals’ personal interests into a shared experience.
However, not everyone in India will experience the Korean Wave in the same way. This can depend on the area, history, language, affordability, accessibility and personal interests.
Korean culture does not take over people’s cultural identities. Instead, many people see it as another source of entertainment, inspiration and discovery.
Overall, the Korean Wave is gaining popularity in India. This shows how a culture that individuals first experience through a screen can become a part of how they express themselves, discover new interests and connect with others.
A Cultural Connection That Keeps Growing
Photo: [Source/PIXABAY].
The Korean Wave has opened up new opportunities for Indian audiences to discover South Korean culture. Whilst K-pop and K-dramas may be the most obvious way to become interested in Korean culture, many individuals will become interested in other aspects of the culture including food, skincare, fashion, language and fan groups.
The growth in the Korean Wave isn’t the same for everyone in India. The popularity of Korean culture will depend on the area, accessibility, personal interests and how individuals discover new cultures.
If you look past individual artists and shows you can truly understand how the Korean Wave has connected cultures between India and South Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hallyu?
Hallyu is another name for the Korean Wave. This is when South Korean pop culture becomes popular internationally. This includes music, TV, films, beauty, food and other items.
Why is Korean culture popular in India?
There isn’t one reason why. K-pop, K-dramas, streaming, social media and fan groups help individuals discover Korean culture. Different people will be interested in different aspects.
Did the Korean Wave in India start with BTS?
Although BTS have helped K-pop gain popularity worldwide, Korean entertainment had already gained popularity in parts of India, particularly in the Northeast.
How has Korean culture influenced everyday life in India?
Some individuals may become interested in Korean food, skincare, fashion and language after discovering Korean music or dramas. This will depend on individual interests, areas and accessibility.
What is the connection between Gangster and Made in Korea?
Gangster (2006) used South Korea as a filming location. Made in Korea (2026) focuses on an Indian characters experience in South Korea. This shows different examples of how the country has been included within Indian Films.
Will I understand Korean culture if I enjoy Korean dramas?
Not necessarily. While dramas can introduce people to cultural settings and traditions, they are still fictional stories. To truly understand a country, we need to look beyond entertainment and recognise how diverse people’s experiences can be.
Is the Korean Wave popular throughout India?
No. This will depend on the area, age, accessibility, language, affordability and personal interests. The Korean Wave has developed differently within different communities in India.
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