They responded that they like aspects of Hallyu, but are not as involved as the younger generation. I was shocked to discover that when asked about what aspects of Hallyu have the greatest affect on them nearly every person brought up Korean food. The university age students that I have interviewed and asked the same questions to have never mentioned the wave of Korean food that has been introduced to Singapore and Malaysia since Hallyu. Among the older generation the next most popular response after food, was television. As I have learned from the young adults, Korean Dramas break down generational barriers and are enjoyed by everyone regardless of age.
When I asked what aspects of Singaporean/Malaysian culture have changed due to Hallyu these are a couple of the responses that I received;
"kpop music and fashion affect mainly the young, tv and food affect the older ones"
and
"People are keen to watch the dramas and the youngsters follow the fashion and music"
Once Chinese-Singaporean Senior Citizen told me that they, "like the (Korean) tv shows that include good personal behaviors like respect for elders and seniors, family togetherness, values, good individual characteristics, etc."
Another interesting difference that I found between the younger and older generations were the responses that I got when asked what Korean-related activity they were most likely to engage in since Hallyu. 60% of the youth were very keen on the idea of visiting South Korea and further experiencing the true heart of the culture. On the other hand, all of the older generation that I spoke with were content to stay in their countries and eat Korean food and watch the occasional Korean Drama.
I am interested to see what this generational shift does to change the future culture in Singapore and Malaysia. I believe that as the younger generation becomes the older generation we will see an even greater hybridity in the general culture. As Hallyu is passed down to the future generations as just a normal aspect of Singaporean and Malaysian culture I believe that a new culture entirely its own will emerge. Korean slang will become nationally incorporated as part of the daily spoken 'Singlish' and 'Manglish' as every citizen's attire shows some aspect of Korean fashion. I am excited to see what the future holds for Malaysian culture and especially the ever-changing, and extremely pliable culture of Singapore.
"kpop music and fashion affect mainly the young, tv and food affect the older ones"
and
"People are keen to watch the dramas and the youngsters follow the fashion and music"
Once Chinese-Singaporean Senior Citizen told me that they, "like the (Korean) tv shows that include good personal behaviors like respect for elders and seniors, family togetherness, values, good individual characteristics, etc."
Another interesting difference that I found between the younger and older generations were the responses that I got when asked what Korean-related activity they were most likely to engage in since Hallyu. 60% of the youth were very keen on the idea of visiting South Korea and further experiencing the true heart of the culture. On the other hand, all of the older generation that I spoke with were content to stay in their countries and eat Korean food and watch the occasional Korean Drama.
I am interested to see what this generational shift does to change the future culture in Singapore and Malaysia. I believe that as the younger generation becomes the older generation we will see an even greater hybridity in the general culture. As Hallyu is passed down to the future generations as just a normal aspect of Singaporean and Malaysian culture I believe that a new culture entirely its own will emerge. Korean slang will become nationally incorporated as part of the daily spoken 'Singlish' and 'Manglish' as every citizen's attire shows some aspect of Korean fashion. I am excited to see what the future holds for Malaysian culture and especially the ever-changing, and extremely pliable culture of Singapore.
