Hallyu 2.0: THe Korean Wave in the Age of Social Media

Hallyu (the Korean Wave), is a term coined to describe the widespread popularity and regional/trans-regional influence of Korean cultural products. It has become a subject of increasing interest among academics who have primarily focused on its impact on Korea’s national image and domestic economy. This conference breaks new ground by exploring the intersection of Hallyu and social media and the explosive growth it has made possible in the distribution of popular Korean media to regions where even traditional media—theatrical distributions, TV networks, and DVD/VCD sales—had not reached before. Korean films, TV shows, online games, and popular songs are consumed in cyberspace at an unprecedented pace. The Hallyu 2.0: The Korean Wave in the Age of Social Media conference seeks to comprehend and interpret the meaning of this new and powerful cultural industry and features leading scholars from the U.S. and abroad to untangle this intricate web of contemporary media ecosystems.