Blog Post #12: Response to Diaspora

The three contact points that initiate change within Korean community are: education, motorcycles, and entertainment. 

 

Education is arguably the contact point that brings most changes to Korean community. These days we see many Korean students studying abroad in America. Obsession with Ivy League schools is one of the evidence that proves Korean trend for studying in America. Also, many American standardized tests like SAT, TOEFL, TOEIC, and ACT are taken by Korean students and employees according to Joongang Daily. Thus, we see more students studying English at hakwons. In fact, so many Koreans want to study in America and to master English that many Korean universities and education institutions use English as their “normal” language. These days, it is not hard to find a professor in Korea lecturing in English (Korean Herald). As a result, we get physical and ideological diasporas from emphasis on American education (Joongang Daily).

  

 Another interesting change agent is motorcycles. Recently more Koreans are riding motorcycles; it is not just Korean men and workers who are riding these motorcycles. Even women and even old men are using the “vehicle.” With surge of people riding motorcycles, many American motorcycle brands such as Harley-Davidson are imported in Korea. Of course there are many Japanese brands in Korea as well but many Koreans favor American brands because those brands have characteristics such as engine noise that Japanese brands do not have. Although this agent change will not bring much impact as education does, still American motorcycles are attracting enough number of Koreans to bring more westernization to Korea according to an article from Joongang Daily. After all, Korean motorcycles will not have much prominence in Korea any more.

It is surprising how LOUD and NOISY Harley Davidson is...which is why so many Koreans are attracted to the brand

 

The last change agent is entertainment. At most times, many American movies such as The Dark Knight, Iron Man, and Mamma Mia are more popular in Korea than Korean movies. We often see these American movies ranked higher than Korean movies. Also, American dramas such as The Prison Break, Gossip Girls, and Grey’s Anatomy are attracting large number of Korean fans. Recently, I saw Korean cable programs broadcasting these dramas according to Joongang Daily. Again this is another change agent because as time pass and more Koreas are starting to favor American dramas, Korean television programs will be filled with American dramas and eventually Korean TV programs will look much like American programs. In addition, inclination towards American dramas will cause Koreans to adopt American culture and ideologies.