Anti-Hallyu in East Asia

Abstract

Most studies related to Hallyu following its rapid spread in the last few years have focused on its contribution to the economy and the soft power of Korea. However, the negative effects are also becoming an obvious concern as its popularity is increasing. This research aims to explore the possible factors that have led to an anti-Hallyu trend and to discuss ways of decreasing anti-Hallyu effects in East Asia. To appreciate the experiences of those following Hallyu in East Asia, this research conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGD) in four capital cities-Beijing, Tokyo, Hanoi, and Jakarta. Hallyu has different meanings among the FGD participants with a different degree of embrace by the local cultures. Most FGD participants accept Hallyu as a global trend especially popular among youth in their local areas. Thus, anti-Hallyu feelings were generally caused by concerns regarding local cultural identity, especially among the local youth. Anti-Hallyu reactions in China and Japan have developed in response to political issues rather than through any negative effects of Hallyu per se. The profit-oriented promotion of Hallyu without mutual cultural understanding is another factor for the rise of anti-Hallyu feeling. Local people have felt that Hallyu could be a threat to the local pop culture industry. This research suggests improved cultural exchanges and collaboration among the pop culture industries in Asia as means to foster the hybrid culture of Hallyu and to prevent antagonism towards Hallyu.