Since the 1990s, South Korea has steadily risen to the top of the entertainment sector, with bands, movies, and books that challenge the top money makers for quality and popularity. This has helped grow the global phenomenon that is Hallyu, or the Korean wave. However, little mentioned is free speech, which has significantly contributed to South Korea's success in the entertainment industry.
The State of Liberty
South Korea has had its problems, but it is generally an open democracy that promotes inclusion and free speech with a rank of 83/100 in Freedom House’s civil liberties index in 2021. Decades of active and constitutional tolerance has liberated artists to create and test ideas without having to worry too much about government censorship.
Government Investment and Subsidies
In order to fund artistic freedom and creation, South Korea’s culture budget has been breaking records year on year, with the 2022 budget set to top a whopping $6.05 billion. A lot of this money goes into venues, production, promotion, studios, and infrastructure, which prepares a platform for creators to find and express themselves.
A Strong Online Presence
South Korea boasts the world's fastest average internet speed, making it easier for creators to build an online presence by sharing their work and interacting with their fans. With limited censoring, South Korean fans can easily follow, converse, and share their opinions. This has resulted in some of the most devoted fan bases in the world, with often bizarre demonstrations of adoration for their idols. The South Korean fandom is a major force in amplifying their culture.
Lessons to Learn
Success after Gangnam Style, the world’s first 1 billion YouTube video, has proved that it was no fluke. Bands like BTS and BlackPink have added to Netflix hits like Squid Game and Oscar-winner Parasite to prove that investing in free speech, even when some of it rants against the establishment, can bring heavy returns.
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