The Facts

The time has come for me to compile all of my findings and share them with the cyber world. Throughout my research I have been able to connect and re-connect with new and old friends and I have learned a lot of interesting things. As I have talked to Singaporean and Malaysians about Hallyu I have discovered that the Korean Wave touches everyone. Nearly 100% of the people that I talked to enjoyed some aspect of Hallyu at least once in a while, despite differences in age, race, and gender. I learned that among the residents of South East Asia that Korean Dramas are the most popular aspect of Hallyu, leading with 60% of the population who regularly watch them. K-pop was a close second with 50% enjoying listening to k-pop. For some reason I was really shocked that 40% of those surveyed said that Korean Fashion is their favorite aspect of Hallyu, but I feel that this stems from Korean Dramas. Other responses that I got were Korean slang/language, merchandise, and food.

I discovered that the older generations are nearly as captivated by Korean Dramas as "the youngsters", but their interest does not usually extend to other aspects of the Korean culture. As suspected, the majority of the population affected by Hallyu are the University age students 18-24 (50%). However, 20% of the affected population consists of individuals between the ages of 25-34, and even more shocking, 30% are 45 years and above reaching up to 75 years plus. South Korea really is taking a stand in the hearts and homes of Singapore and Malaysia.

As I have studied the the affects of Hallyu on the cultures of Singapore and Malaysia, I have found something interesting. A lot of people do not want to admit that their culture is being changed, although an outsider can see that it clearly is. So here is what I have concluded. The culture is changing. Singaporean and Malaysian cultures are becoming hybrids as Hallyu becomes more popular. Singapore is a relatively new country (this past year they celebrated SG50) and not only that but it is the melting pot of Asia and so has so many cultures to deal with and learn to adapt to anyway. Unlike other countries Singapore, as far as I know, does not claim to have it's own, unique traditional music, dances, or traditions. Their strongest claim to an independent culture is Singaporean food! Which, by all means is absolutely delicious and I agree that if you must cling to some aspect of culture, food is a good one for Singaporeans. Singaporean culture has literally been a hybrid culture from the beginning as the country was born from many different races, nationalities, and cultures. However, with such an undefined and translucent culture, it is not hard to invite mixing of other cultures. Particularly when they are as vibrant and captivating as that introduced by the Korean Wave.

I believe that the mixing that is happening with Hallyu and Singapore culture is hybridity in it's truest form. Although it does not affect the older generations cultural habits as much as the younger, the Korean Wave has made it's impact on the cultures in both Singapore and Malaysia, in many forms. From the tv that people watch, to the music they listen to, food they eat, clothes and make-up they wear, and even the language they speak, the future cultures of Singapore and Malaysia are destined to become increasingly hybrid with South Korean culture. My theory is the that as the generations of university students in Singapore and Malaysia become the parents, the employees, the CEO's, and eventually the grandparents, the hybrid culture that they have created through Hallyu will become the norm as their 'hallyu culture' filters down to the next generations.

Sometimes cultures change so subtly that we don't even notice it. On the other hand, sometimes globalization speeds up that process. The world is filled with a medley of changing and mixing cultures and everyone reaches out and tries to make their voice heard. Hybridity is the way of the past, but it is also the way of the future. When I was living in Singapore and Malaysia I often felt as though I had stepped into the future because of the unique architecture and forward thinking, their quick acceptance of other cultures and the way in which they adapt to changing cultures is further proof of that. If you are looking for your next vacation spot, I would highly recommend Singapore or Malaysia so that you can experience Hallyu Singapore for yourself.


*For more data and input from Singaporeans and Malaysians click on the link to my prezi presentation.
Hallyu Singapore Prezi