Korea Takes Over the World

From BTS and BLACKPINK to Squid Game, Parasite, and kimchi on supermarket shelves - Korea is suddenly everywhere. But how has a relatively small country become one of the world's strongest cultural superpowers?

In the lecture "Korea Takes Over the World", Signe Lilja takes the audience back to the roots: South Korea's economic crisis in the 1990s, the strategic cultural policy, and the export of TV series and pop music that eventually led to the global success we know today as Hallyu - the Korean Wave. Along the way, we explore how Korea first conquered Asia and then the West with K-pop, emotionally charged drama series, and strong fan communities - including why K-pop fans are considered some of the most organized and influential fan groups on the internet.

The lecture examines who paved the way before BTS and BLACKPINK, how Korean series and films resonate with international audiences, and why Hallyu grew from a regional trend to a global cultural force. Clips, music videos, and examples are shown throughout.

Signe Lilja holds a degree in modern cultural communication and works professionally with Korean culture. She has lived and studied in Seoul and regularly appears in media as an expert on the Korean Wave. The lecture is for everyone - curious beginners, culture enthusiasts, and dedicated fans. Tea and coffee are served. For more information, contact librarian Lene Zibrandtsen at lezibr@kk.dk.