Why Korean?
Why Hangul was created.
The Korean writing system of Hangeul (also written as Hangul) was created in 1443 by King Sejong the Great. It is the only language where the origin can be pinpointed to a specific start date. Before Hangeul, Koreans used the Chinese writing system. This meant that written and spoken Korean were different, and many found the Chinese writing system hard to understand, meaning many Koreans were illiterate. King Sejong created Hangeul using the shapes that parts of the mouth create to make the sounds that they represent.
Hangeul is a syllabic alphabet, meaning letters are combined to form syllables. Each syllable is represented by a block of letters. The script was designed to be accessible and easy to learn for all Koreans, regardless of their social standing or education. Hangeul revolutionised Korean literacy and played a significant role in the development of Korean culture.
K-Pop and K-Drama
Korean in Modern Culture
K-Pop
K-pop emerged in the early 1990s, initially influenced by Western music but developing its own distinct style. K-pop is known for its striking visual elements, including music videos, stage performances, and the overall aesthetic of the artists and groups. The rise of the internet and social media has played a significant role in K-pop's global reach and fan engagement. K-pop's strong fan base is heavily engaged online, utilising social media and online platforms to support their favorite artists and contribute to the genre's popularity.
Pictured above: BTS
Popular artists & groups include: BTS; Stray Kids; Blackpink; Twice; Seventeen; G-Dragon; SHINee... & many more.
K-Drama
K-dramas, are television series produced in South Korea. They are known for their diverse genres, ranging from romantic comedies and melodramas to historical and action dramas. K-dramas have become a key driver of the "Korean Wave" due to their global popularity.
Pictured above: Goblin
Popular K-Dramas include: Goblin; Crash Landing on You; Extraordinary Attorney Woo; It's Okay to Not Be Okay... & many more.
Squid Game
One of the most popular Korean TV series is Squid Game, which has become very popular globally. Squid Game is a dystopian survival thriller horror television series on Netflix where participants, facing dire financial hardship, are invited to participate in a deadly series of children's games for a chance at a large cash prize. These games, inspired by traditional Korean children's games like the namesake "squid game" (ojingeo), have deadly consequences for those who lose. .
Pictured above: Squid Game S3
Actors include: Lee Jung-jae; Lee Byung-hun; Gong Yoo; Jo Yu-ri; Choi Seung-hyun; Wi Ha-joon... & many more.
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