Anne Gascon

Korean Essay: Learning Through Media: The Impact of the Hallyu Wave

안녕하세요, 저는 앤이에요. ​코리아 타운으로 이사한 후로 저는 한국 드라마와

음악에 관심을 갖게 되었습니다. 한국 음악의 인기가 높아지면서 저는 관심이 많아

졌습니다. 이러한 문화를 즐기면서 저는 많은 변화를 갖게 되었습니다. 특히 저는

한국어를 더 많이 알고 새로운 한국문화에 더욱 관심이 생겼습니다. 이러한 관심은 한국어

수업에 도움이 크게 되었습니다.

Korean dramas helped a lot when I wanted to learn Korean. Even if I listened to kpop

more than I watched dramas (due to school work getting in the way). Watching dramas, such as

“​별에서 온 그대”(“You Who Came From the Stars”), ​“드림하이”(“Dream High”), and “​닥터

이방인”(“Doctor Stranger”), has helped me with pronunciation. Thanks to these dramas, I also

memorized basic Korean phrases that I noticed were used in almost every episode. Both of which

later prepared me for my Korean classes in school.

Kpop is honestly one of the greatest things that I have discovered and love. Most kpop

groups that I love to listen to has made me a happier person and has helped me grow. Some

groups I love are ​방탄소년단 (BTS), 에스에프나인 (SF9), 엑소 (EXO), 갓세븐 (GOT7),

레드벨벳 (Red Velvet), and many more. Some of the groups previously stated have helped me a

lot in their own unique ways. For example, BTS has taught me about growth and loving myself,

and EXO has taught me about family. The reason why kpop interests me is because I don’t need

to fully know Korean to understand and love the music. The hard work put into the songs and
music videos show right away with the eye catching visuals, beautiful melodies, and

unforgettable choreographies associated with the songs, which is the cherry on top to finish off a

successful comeback. I also admire the hard work and determination from every group. They

have trained years before debut to meet great expectations and their hard work shows once the

finally debut. Even after debut, they work hard with back to back comeback stages, interviews,

and other activities in their schedules. It’s a relief to us fans when we see groups we love get rest.

Some people have been against kpop because of the music not being sung or rapped in English,

but I believe that music is a universal language that everyone can enjoy and relate to, regardless

of the language barrier.

In conclusion, the “Hallyu wave” has helped me a lot in the past two years. It prepared

me for Korean class, and it showed me a new culture that I appreciate. Both Korean dramas and

kpop have interested me a lot to the point that I enjoy learning Korean in school, and many other

great things. 시간 내줘서 고마워요, 좋은 하루 되세요!