K-Pop’s Global Influence Expands as Cultural Exports Reshape Entertainment Industry
- Baasma Wafa
- May 8
- 1 min read
Baasma Wafa Jadetimes Staff
B. Wafa is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Culture
South Korea's cultural tide, or Hallyu, continues to redefine entertainment worldwide, with K-pop at the center of a multi-billion-dollar market that combines music, fashion, and digital technology.
In 2024 alone, K-pop exports racked up an estimated $12.3 billion in worldwide earnings, said South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Leading groups such as BTS, BLACKPINK, and NewJeans have moved past music charts to impact everything from luxury brand marketing to worldwide streaming platforms and virtual concert technology.
It's not only about the music—it's a cultural ecosystem," said Ji-eun Park, a culture analyst at Seoul National University. "K-pop is now a trendsetter for fashion, language, and lifestyle globally.
The international projection of Korean culture is also being supported through movies, K-dramas, cuisine, and cosmetics. Digital streaming platforms such as Netflix and Disney+ have been rapidly scooping up Korean content, creating demand among audiences in Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.
The other countries of Asia—are now investing in local creative industries inspired by Korea's success in cultural diplomacy—Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Specialists see the Hallyu growth as an example of how culture can be used as an instrument of soft power, economic success, and cultural interaction.can be a powerful tool for soft power, economic growth, and cross-cultural connection.
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