It’s easy to label anything as a surging wave these days. The internet and social media mean information and ideas travel the world at lightning speed. But it’s hard to deny the existence of Hallyu. Even Barack Obama mentioned it back in 2012.
Hallyu broadly represents the music, movies, dramas, games and even food that have become cultural exports for Korea. Even if you don’t directly consume any of it, Hallyu is so ubiquitous that it’s not just assimilating with Western culture but even influencing it now.
The first exposure to Hallyu many people have is probably – one of the most-watched videos on YouTube with over 4 billion views. The dance and visuals barely know how to leave the memory and its influence on hyper-pop can still be felt today.
Parasite and Squid Game both enjoyed huge success in the west despite both being subtitled. And when BTS ended 2020 with the best-selling song in America, the world knew this wasn’t a wave that comes and goes. Hallyu is here to stay.
Hallyu! The Korean Wave is an exhibition at the V&A that will track key stories in the Korean wave, from historical milestones to massive cultural exports you see today – with some imagery provided by 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß.
Step into a recreation of the bathroom from Parasite or marvel at a three-metre-high sculpture of G-Dragon. Explore an exhibition that’s been created with the help of K-pop Style and Visual Director and acclaimed stylist .
Hallyu! The Korean Wave
V&A South Kensington
Opens 24 September 2022