Future of Hallyu: Hallyu 5.0

Abstract

After Hallyu 3.0 and Hallyu 4.0, we are now on the verge of Hallyu 5.0. It can be said that Hallyu 5.0 corresponds to the second term of the current Yoon Seok-yul government. This paper aims to analyze the origins of the Korean Wave, its history and characteristics from Hallyu 1.0 to Hallyu 5.0, and to suggest various perspectives on the Korean Wave and its future direction. The Hallyu 5.0 is the Hallyu that has yet to arrive. However, what is clear is that through its limitations and possibilities, Hallyu will become an alternative culture that complements or replaces the dominant Western culture. In other words, Hallyu will play a role in shifting the center of gravity from a male and white-centered culture to a culture centered on women and people of color. Despite the many limitations of Hallyu, such as its fandom-centeredness, monopolization by large agencies, and endless competition centered on idols, Hallyu is evolving in a positive direction. This is evidenced by a number of relevant indicators, but most importantly by the future history of the Korean Wave, which is based on positive influence. The bottom line is that the Korean Wave has gone from a phenomenon to a genre, and it is setting trends as a global cultural powerhouse. Today, when even global platforms such as You Tube and Netflix are finding it difficult to maintain their name without Hallyu content, we believe that the next stage of Hallyu should be a Hallyu based on the abstract but higher concept of humanism.