Source: Pixabay
Over the last twenty years, Korean films and TV shows have become particularly popular in other markets and countries, a trend that started with the success of anime films like Sky Blue and Blade of the Phantom Master. However, the popularity of the tropes depicted in Korean cinema in other countries was reiterated in 2019 with the success of the South Korean black comedy thriller Parasite. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, and Best International Feature Film. It was also the first South Korean film to receive recognition by the Academy Award panel.
We’re even seeing entire festivals dedicated to Korean films in countries such as the United Kingdom. For example, over the last ten years, the city of London has put on the London Korean Film Festival, showcasing roughly 40 films as part of the festival’s program. The most recent London Korean Film Festival occurred in November, and movies such as Dr. Cheon and The Lost Talisman, and My Lovely Angel stood out among the top features. While these films have vastly different themes, with Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman incorporating fantasy with technology and the story follows a ghost hunter, My Lovely Angel is a heartwarming tale of a young man who adopts his friend’s daughter after he passes away.
Interest in global and ancient civilisations expressed in the form of entertainment is not new or limited to Korean culture. Many sectors have incorporated different cultures and stories, particularly within the gaming market. For example, the Assassin’s Creed video game franchise has included everything from Vikings and the Nordic tale of Valhalla to Ancient Spartans. In fact, there are even online casino games that have similar themes. Most people tend to think of playing casino games for free spins UK, but players can also gain exposure to other worlds, such as through the Book of Dead slot game, which incorporates themes from Ancient Egypt.
However, while Egyptian and Nordic tales are popular in entertainment, Korean culture has taken over in recent years. In fact, this interest in Korean entertainment has led to Netflix creating a reality TV show based on Squid Game, the South Korean series created by Huang Dong-hyuk. When Squid Game was released in 2021, it became an international sensation, attracting over 140 million member households in its first four weeks. Following its success, Netflix tried to capitalize in different ways, including by releasing a reality show with a premise similar to that of the Korean show. However, in the reality TV version, players compete and play various games for a $4 million prize fund.
Globalization has not only impacted how businesses operate and where they can set up offices or manufacturing plants but also changed the entertainment industry. We live in an increasingly blended world, and the films and shows that other countries produce are garnering attention halfway around the globe. While everyone has themes and genres they prefer, it’s encouraging that more people are willing to experiment and branch out of their comfort zones to appreciate an artist’s work.
