The Korean wave[1] (Hangul: 한류; Hanja: 韓流; RR: Hanryu; MR: Hallyu) refers to the significant increase in the popularity of South Korean entertainment and culture starting in the 1990s, in Asia,
and more recently in other parts of the world. As one put it, it
represents a surge in the international visibility of Korean culture.[2]
The term was coined in mid 1999 by Beijing journalists surprised at the fast growing popularity of Korean entertainment and culture in China.[3]
In Japan, the Korean wave phenomenon started after the successful airing of the drama Winter Sonata. The demographics mostly included older Japanese women at that time.[10]
K-pop girl groups that advance into Japan focus on the young,
independent, and teenage market. K-pop groups are seen as "cool and
attractive", with emphasis on being "strong-minded" rather than being
seen as "cute and sweet", with emphasis on being "Kawaii", which J-pop girl groups are known to be.[citation needed]
Japan was once held as an unattainable goal for Korean entertainers, but that is no longer the case.
In 2010, Korean girl groups such as Girls' Generation and Kara marked progress for other K-pop acts after being able to rank in the top five on the Oricon charts.[57][58]
The wave has had considerable impact on the South Korean economy, as well as on the political and cultural influence of South Korea. For example, in 2011 based on international activity the Korean wave added approximately USD$3.8 billion dollars of revenue to the South Korean economy.[4]
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