Music
Once dominated by "trot" music similar to Japanese "enka," the Korean music scene is now dominated by hip-hop, R and pop. In particular, Hip-hop and R has become increasingly popular since the 2000s. Boy bands and girl groups are still going strong as well.
Several Korean pop stars have developed large followings abroad. Female singer BoA has reached icon status in Japan, where she commands legions of adoring fans. Her 2005 single "Do the Motion" became the first foreign-produced single to top Japan's Oricon chart in 21 years. Singer-dancer Rain, or Bi as he's called in Korea, was named one of the most influential artists in Asia by Time magazine. He has often been called "Asia's Usher" and "Asia's Justin Timberlake."
Rock and rap also have a following in Korea.
TV
Korean soap operas and dramas have captured a large following overseas. The 2002 drama series "Winter Sonata" was a massive hit in Japan and catapulted actor Bae Yong-joon and actress Choi Ji-woo to celebrity status in the island nation. The Chinese market, meanwhile, just loved the historical drama "Dae Jang Geum" and its main star, Lee Young-ae.
Major themes in Korean dramas include family relationships, marital relationships, problematic in-laws (particular conflicts between daughter-in-law and mother-in-law), and love triangles. Historical dramas are also hugely popular in Korea.
Some foreign dramas are also popular in Korea, especially on cable TV. The American crime series "CSI" is but just one example.
Movies
Korea's film industry has blossomed over recent years with the addition of several new talented directors and a growing willingness on the part of investors to put money into so-called "blockbuster" productions.
The 1999 film "Shiri" marked something of a turning point for the Korean film industry.
The film, Korea's first shot in Hollywood-style blockbuster style, was a huge commercial success, proving Korean films could compete with American imports at the domestic Box Office. Since then, films like "Silmido," "Taegukgi," "Welcome to Dongmakgol," "The King and Clown" and "The Host" have done spectacularly well at the box-office. Korean directors like Park Chan-wook and Kim Ki-duk have received awards at major international film festivals, with Park's film "Oldboy" taking home the Grand Prix award at the 57th Cannes Film Awards.
[Input: Jan.04, 2007, 09:31/Modified: May.09, 2008, 13:24]
Source : Tourism Promotion Division, Seoul Metropolitan Government
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