The Characteristics of Reception of Hallyu in the Philippines

Abstract

This study aims to understand the background and characteristics of receiving Hallyu based on the cognitions and attitudes toward Korea and Korean culture in the Philippines. With the background of Business Hallyu and Cultural Hallyu between the two countries, this study conducted the Focus Group Discussion(FGI) research, literature research and analyzed the statistical resources. The economic and cultural exchanges between Korea and the Philippines have been increased by the effect of Hallyu, but the socio-cultural conflicts, such as Kopino issue, crimes related to Koreans have been also grown. Thus, the Hallyu research focused on the Philippines is necessary, and it will be a cruical variable to forecast the socio-cultural relationship between Korea and the Philippines. The FGI research recruited participants in both undergraduates in the Phillippines and the Filippino migrants in Korea. The FGI participants of each group shows the differences of cognitions, attitudes, and actions to consume Hallyu, and the participants of both groups agrees that experiences of contacting Koreans influence on understanding Korea and its culture. The FGI participants have tried to watching Korean dramas, learning Korean languages, and building relationships with Koreans in order to adjust Korean culture. In order to improve the relations between Korea and the Philipines, Hallyu needs to promote its values as the unique culture and also universal culture in the world. Korea should increase understanding of the Filippino culture to