Has Hallyu peaked? After 30 years, Korea’s cultural wave faces a reckoning
Key takeaways
Quick summary- 1Almost three decades later, the industry that emerged from it has
- 2The Korean Wave, or Hallyu, is usually dated to 1997, when Chinese state broadcaster CCTV aired the Korean drama "What is Love" (1991-92), an unlikely hit that…

The Korean Wave, or Hallyu, is usually dated to 1997, when Chinese state broadcaster CCTV aired the Korean drama "What is Love" (1991-92), an unlikely hit that is often credited as the phenomenon's starting point. Almost three decades later, the industry that emerged from it has become one of Korea’s most closely watched exports, with dramas, K-pop, webtoons and games driving revenue growth and global success, and spilling over into related industries such as tourism, beauty, food and fashion. T
Click the same reaction again to remove it.
(Updates after load — yes, your readers are humans… mostly.)
Top reads this week
Last 7 days
The K-Update: 8/9/2026
5d ago

Watch: Performances From 2026 SBS Gayo Daejeon Summer
6d ago

ENHYPEN's 'BLOOD SAGA' Performance Left Seattle Fans Drunk-Dazed for Jay’s Hometown Return
5d ago

PLEDIS Announces Military Enlistment for Remaining SEVENTEEN Members
5d ago

Little Boys in South Korea: Festival Appearances and Dream Collaborations
6d ago
