By Son Hyun-jee, Tribune Reporter

 

Korean pop singer Psy's ‘Gangnam Style’ became the most ‘liked’ video on YouTube, breaking the Guinness World Record on September 22^nd. Of course, it could have been a hot potato because of its humorous and silly dance routine in the music video. But, it would also be the first step towards the spread of Korean culture since the song consists of almost all Korean lyrics not like the songs of idol groups. At first, when foreigners encounter Korean culture, they feel just ‘pretty’ or ‘fresh’ like the way they see ‘Gangnam Style’. However, if they come to know that the lyrics are made by the Korean alphabet, ‘Hangeul’, they can have an interest in our culture and may search for it on the internet at least one time.

 The Hallyu fever started with the exportation of Korean TV dramas and K-pop music, which drew foreign people to the Korean language. As a result, Hangeul is emerging as a new Hallyu brand. The Korea Tourism Organization conducted a Hallyu survey, and many participants answered that the next Hallyu interest lies in Hangeul with Hansik (Korean food).  “The current Gangnam Stlye craze could draw worldwide attention to Korean culture and would have a positive effect on foreigners studying Korean.” said Lim Tae-woon, a lecturer of a Korean Language Course at the Language Education Center .

 

An exhibition titled ”Sejong, See the Today’s Fonts of Hangeul”, is being held from September 4^th to October 28^th, in the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, in Seoul. There were lots of fonts made by various types of brands and specialists, with a special focus on those produced in digitally. Above all, it is highly acclaimed that we can see the current state of Hangeul displaying the whole process of making digital fonts with computer programs and giving a chance for the public to experience it. For its growth, Hangeul is making an attempt in various categories as well as in developing original fonts.

Especially Hangeul is standing out in design. There are lots of commodities such as pottery, stationery, accessories showcasing the beauty of Hangeul. Famous designer Lee Sang-bong may be leading the way in the present Korean wave. He improves the status of Hangeul, and our distinct culture not only by using it in clothes but also by extending the reaches of Korean fashion to the world. Meanwhile, some photos of foreigners wearing Korean T-shirts have recently been a big issue on the internet since the meaning of the letters on their clothes is ridiculous. But in the case of Jason Mraz, he received a favorable reputation for his clothes that had the Korean word, Pyungwha (Peace) written on it, during his performance in Korea last summer.

Now we should reflect on our tradition and culture overall before advancing abroad rashly. Not just taking pride in our traditions but also improving some weak points after thorough check-ups, Korean culture will spread worldwide naturally. In this way, the global image of Korea will be reinforced. Now it is time to think again about the phrase, “Speaking English well in my country deserves to be praised, but it should not be a shameful thing to be poor at speaking English” which Kim Je-dong talked about at CNU on the eve of Daedongpuli, the CNU Annual Festival. We should reflect on our attitude regarding our own cultural assets. We need to be proud of them and make an effort to preserve them.