Over the last century, South Korea has emerged as a global superpower in the worlds of art, music, technology, cosmetics and cinema.
From March 24 to July 28, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is displaying the story behind this rapid rise, known in Korean as Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, and its effects on culture. General admission tickets cost 17 dollars for youths seven to 17 years old, but are free for all on Juneteenth on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hallyu! The Korean Wave is a truly unique exhibition, being the “first major exhibition to focus on South Korean pop culture and its worldwide influence.” It houses around 250 objects, ranging from moon jars dating back to the Joseon Dynasty to outfits worn by popular K-pop idols in the 21st century.
The exhibit is split into several sections, each highlighting a unique element of South Korea’s pop culture. It starts with the Korean artist PSY’s signature pink suit jacket, a homage to the iconic 2012 hit song “Gangnam Style,” the first music video on YouTube to hit one billion views. Boston Latin School AP Art and Design teacher Ms. Elizabeth Walshak comments, “I remember in 2012 hearing PSY’s ‘Gangnam Style’ and […] realizing what a hit sensation it was. I think that carved out a space in American pop culture for the influence of Korean media.”
A large reason for South Korea’s ever growing international cultural influence is due in part to its swift industrialization process after its devastation in the 20th century, which came from the Japanese occupation and the Korean War. Under military dictatorship, South Korea combated their post-war economic state with rapid societal modernization, juxtaposing new technologies with old traditions, while trying to restrict Western influence. This effort was futile though, since Western pop culture infiltrated South Korea through American military bases, and is now very prevalent in South Korea. In a couple decades, the nation went from being severely impoverished to hosting the 1988 Summer Olympic Games in Seoul and founding huge corporations like Samsung and Hyundai. The MFA surfs on this wave by exhibiting photographs and even old electronic parts from that time of astronomical economic growth.
Of course, the MFA can not introduce Korean pop culture without mentioning K-pop. K-pop is not just comprised of music; it also includes elaborate choreographies, performances, fashion and even reality television. Its massive takeoff from international obscurity is largely due to fans’ continued loyalty to their favorite groups and the strict beauty standards that idols must adhere to. Hallyu! The Korean Wave displays outfits worn by popular K-pop idols as well as a collection of light sticks that fans use during concerts.
Other forms of popular Korean entertainment include K-dramas and films. The exhibit features a replica of the bathroom set of the Academy Award and Golden Globe-winning film Parasite, as well as the all-too-recognizable outfits from the internet sensation TV show Squid Game. South Korea “provided a unique blend of genres in their films that gradually gained notoriety in the West,” says Hollywood Insider. Korean shows and movies range from romance to horror, giving viewers many options to choose from.
Being a leading country for technology, it is no surprise that South Korea has also made great advancements in the beauty industry, known as “K-beauty.” Currently, it is the third largest exporter of cosmetics in the world. Many Americans use K-beauty due to its affordability, advanced makeup formulas and quality skincare ingredients. Displays and screens presenting reviews of K-beauty products from American and Korean influencers are included in the exhibit, as well as a breakdown of the famous ten-step Korean skincare routine.
The MFA’s newest installation also displays modern takes on the hanbok, Korea’s national costume, which is a traditional garment that dates back thousands of years. People who want to connect to their roots and explore the beauty of the garment attribute to the hanbok’s resurgence. The exhibit presents hanboks by fashion designers and those that were worn by K-pop idols like RM from BTS.
Whether you are a K-pop and K-drama fan or only know of “Gangnam Style” and Squid Game, the MFA’s Hallyu! The Korean Wave exhibit is nothing short of an immersive and enjoyable experience. It layers “the fun and flash with a powerful narrative about the country’s triumph over oppression,” states the Boston Globe. Ms. Walshak concludes, “This exhibition is a great opportunity to see the connection between the influence of traditional Korean culture and contemporary art and pop culture that has become globally appreciated.”
