The Globalization of Korean Popular Culture and Its Influence on Local Cultural Practices

Authors

  • Muhammad Danish Hakimi Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Nur Izzati Syafiqah Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37899/mjds.v3i3.410

Keywords:

Cultural Globalization, Cultural Hybridity, Digital Media, Hallyu, Korean Popular Culture, Localization, Southeast Asia

Abstract

The globalization of Korean popular culture has become one of the most influential cultural phenomena shaping contemporary societies through digital media and transnational cultural exchange. This study aims to examine the influence of Korean popular culture on local cultural practices among young adults in Southeast Asia. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed using survey data collected from 450 respondents residing in Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Manila. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, validity and reliability testing, correlation analysis, and simple linear regression. The findings reveal that the globalization of Korean popular culture has a positive and statistically significant influence on local cultural practices. Respondents actively integrate Korean cultural elements into everyday behaviors while continuing to value their indigenous cultural traditions, supporting the concept of cultural hybridity rather than cultural replacement. These findings contribute to the understanding of contemporary cultural globalization by demonstrating that global media facilitate cultural negotiation instead of cultural homogenization. The study also provides practical implications for policymakers, educational institutions, and creative industries in developing balanced strategies that encourage intercultural exchange while strengthening local cultural resilience.

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Published

2026-09-24