This document discusses the spread of Korean culture and popularity of Hallyu (Korean wave) in Ecuador. It describes how Korean dramas, music, and pop culture first became popular in Asia and then spread worldwide through the internet and social media. In Ecuador specifically, Hallyu Fest was held in 2015 in Quito and Guayaquil featuring Korean photography, games, performances and a dance/singing contest for Ecuadorian K-pop fans. One group called Xplicit represented Ecuador in the 2015 K-pop World Festival in Changwon, South Korea. The popularity of Korean culture and music has grown globally due to Korea's unique culture and success in fashion, film, music and drama.

1. Hallyu in Ecuador.
The Korean wave refers to the current trend in popularity of Korean culture around
the world. A wave of Korean obsessed fans has been evident throughout East and
South East Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Australia and South America. The wave is
now gaining momentum in the likes of the United States, the UK, Scandinavia and
North Africa. It is sometimes called Hallyu which comes from the Korean
pronunciation. This trend stemmed from the rise in export of Korean dramas, but has
now spread to include pop music, film, clothing, food and the language itself. Today,
South Korea is among the world's top ten cultural exporters. The Korean wave is
currently receiving another boost with platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and
YouTube allowing it to spread even further.
Defining K-pop as just South-Korean pop would be simplistic : K-pop is a fusion of
synthesized music, sharp dance routines and fashionable and colorful outfits.
The spread of Korean culture was first driven by South-Korean TV shows - the
“dramas”- , which first became very popular in Asia. The wave then gradually spread
to the rest of the world thanks to internet. The popularity of dramas helped draw
attention to South-Korean culture. Moreover, music is a key part of dramas, and the
main songs are usually repeated heavily during the episodes - like SHINee's Stand By
Me, in the drama Boys Over Flowers.
Although Korean and Ecuador are far way from each other, they are actually close
relying on strong diplomatic relationship and mutual cooperation. In addition, Korea
and Ecuador started their diplomatic relationship in 1962, since then it has been
increasing positively, even when they did not established their relationships, Ecuador
supported Korea in 1950 War by providing them cereal. Hyundai Motors in return
gave Ecuador six car which triggered good economic development.
Back in Ecuador, Hallyu Fest 2015 was held in the two major cities of the country,
which are Quito as well as Guayaquil. This event was basically comprised of
photography presentation of South Korea, traditional games and Korean culture,
fanclubs K-pop stands, K-pop performances and so on. Nevertheless, for the very
first time there were a dance/sing contest whose winners got to represent our country
in the K-pop World Festival in Changwon. Xplicit is made up of six Ecuadorians
members and the one who is on behalf on Ecuador in the K-pop World Festival 2015.
As we have seen, Korea is a complete state of the various facets of life. Korea with its
unique and diverse culture atmosphere together with its language make anyone
interested to learn it. Korea with its global fashion, music industry, films and dramas
into the world spotlight have become the biggest wave of around the world.
MariaLissettePlaza Aguilar 201503750
LoamyOriana ChicaPincay 201503749
KoreanPopularCultureandHallyu
BanBohi Gim
October26th , 2015