THE KOREAN WAVE ON PHILIPPINE SOIL: A Study on the Youth Fans of Korean Pop Culture and their National Identity

Abstract

The Hallyu phenomenon or the Korean wave, the term associated with the growing popularity of Korean cultural products in various parts of Asia, has reached Philippine soil and has proven to be a monumental hit, particularly towards the younger generation. In an attempt to investigate the relationship of globalization, exemplified by the Korean wave, on nationalism, particularly on national identity, this study aims to understand the growing Kpop culture by asking what is the nature of the Filipino youth group's national identity and how their involvement in the Kpop phenomenon is related with it. The research also asks if there is a correlation between these two domains. The objectives of the study includes understanding the orientation of fans" national identity in terms of personal identification, boundaries of exclusion and boundaries of inclusion. It also seeks to investigate the Kpop fan culture by looking at the amount of their involvement, as well as their views on the existing issue between Kpop and nationalism. The responses of the 202 respondents in the disseminated survey imply that fans of the Kpop fandom generally received "average" scores on the questionnaire for national identity, although with less personal identification with the nation and more inclination to Korean cultural products. Preference for Kpop stems from the catchy tunes, unique music, and admiration for the Korean idols as well as their music industry in general. A negative correlation between Kpop involvement and National Identity was discovered, although further investigation is recommended.