The EU Wants to Learn Korean; 'The K-Pop Warriors' are Responsible
The growing popularity of K-Pop, especially the song "Golden," is motivating more Americans to learn the Korean language, with universities and language apps responding to the demand.
The success of the K-Pop song 'Golden,' featured in the movie 'The K-Pop Warriors,' has sparked a heightened interest in the Korean language among Americans. This catchy song, which won a Grammy and garnered multiple nominations, has inspired a wave of YouTube and TikTok videos dedicated to teaching the correct pronunciation of its lyrics in Korean. These resources have collectively attracted millions of views, indicating a significant cultural impact.
In the United States, the trend of learning Korean is being driven by an increasing fascination with South Korean pop culture, especially among young Americans. As people become more engaged with K-Pop and Korean dramas, there is a noticeable demand for learning the Korean language. Universities across the country, from California to Arkansas, are responding by expanding their Korean language and cultural courses to accommodate this rising interest.
Language learning platforms like Duolingo have also reported substantial growth in their Korean language courses, highlighting a 22% increase in new learners within a year. This trend reflects a broader global phenomenon where Korean culture, particularly through music and entertainment, is influencing education and personal interests beyond geographical boundaries, indicating a growing interconnectedness fueled by pop culture.