한류와 문화콘텐츠의 해외진출 확대 및 저작권보호에 관한 연구

Abstract

The “Korean wave” refers to the surge of popularity of South Korean popular culture in other countries, especially in Asian countries. It is also referred to as “Hallyu,” from the Korean pronunciation of the term. The term was coined in China in mid 1999 by Beijing journalists startled by the growing popularity of South Koreans and South Korean goods in China. The Korean wave began with the export of Korean TV dramas across East and Southeast Asia; the growing success of Korean drama was shortly matched in the fields of movies and popular music. As their exposure increased, they resonated with audiences and their popularity grew; by 2000 the Wave was in full swing. The “Korean wave” of pop culture is a point of national pride, helping introduce the country to the world and breaking down historical grudges with its neighbors. However, in 2005, there were signs of a nascent backlash against the “Korean wave,” just as there have been protests against the importing of Western pop culture. In China, the atmosphere is moderating, because the Chinese government has began to curb broadcasting Korean programs in order to restrain their runaway popularity. Also, Chinese audiences seem to have turned cooler toward Korean TV stars. The current hallyu tends to be a one-way export of culture without any co-production or cultural exchange. This limitation not only shuns the counterpart countries but also lead them to seek for an new alternative to hallyu. This study explores the “Korean wave” phenomenon in China as well as other Asian countries. It also examines ways to expand “Hallyu” and Kroean cultural contents in overseas market. In China, this atmosphere is moderating now, however, because the Chinese government has began to curb broadcasting Korean programs in order to restrain their runaway popularity. Also, Chinese and Taiwanese audiences seem to have turned cooler toward Korean TV stars. Plans are necessary for the government, businesses, and individuals to work together to make the Korea Wave a foundation via which Korean culture can be promoted throughout the world. Especially, this study examines issues related to the protection of copyright for “Hallyu” cultural contents in China. The issue of copyright in China is not limited to Korean cultural products, of course, but also applies to Western and Japanese cultural products. This study compares how copyright laws in Korea and China are different, causing some problems.