Korea’s influence and its position around the world is getting bigger and prominent. As an exchange student in Angers, France right now, I have seen and experienced it myself. Compared to the time 7 years ago in the United States, where I used to live, most of the people had no idea of where and what South Korea is. However, now, after about 6 years here in France, when I say I’m a South Korean, people ask me about Seoul or talk to me about their trips to South Korea.
Especially here in France, the popularity of South Korea’s language, Korean and Hangul is tremendously increasing. According to the official French site, Parcoursup.fr, more than ten times of the students beyond the capacity limit in 2021 have applied for Korean language courses in universities, such as University of Bordeaux, Jean Moulin Lyon 3 University, University of Paris, etc. It has been known that 24 universities, 15 middle and high schools in France are offering Korean language in their courses. In a 2017 Baccalauréat, an academic test the French students take when they finish their high school, Korean was scored as the 23rd foreign language. There was a time when the Korean language course was about to be abolished in French universities, but now it has a 17 to 1 competitive rate to study for Hangul as a major.
Also, from October 5 to November 12, an exhibition called, “Hangul: The Korean Alphabet Meets Design,” is being held in Paris. Chanel’s “Hangul Jacket” with messages like “Korea,” and “Seoul,” is displayed. This was in order to promote Hangul to the global society and to show the Korean language learning boom in France.
One of my French friends from my school has also talked to me about her passion for Hangul. She told me she taught herself the language because she was in love with K-pop and K-dramas. Her interest in singers, such as BTS or dramas like ‘Penthouse’ has inspired her to understand and know more of the Korean language. When we communicate, she tries to speak Korean and asks me if the words she is using are the right meaning or in context. It has surprised me because all these French people, especially the young generation, have an interest in my home country and its culture.
Most of the students here know all about BTS and some even have gone to their concerts when the boy band group held it in France before COVID-19. In France, the boom of Hallyu has inspired the French to become more interested in the Korean language. On October 9th, BTS aired a special TV show to remind people all over the world the importance of Hangul and to celebrate the Hangul Proclamation Day. This has caused many global fans to participate and celebrate together.
Also, nowadays, the ‘Squid Game’ from Netflix has become a huge hit in France and is in the top 3. A real squid game experience set was even established in Paris for people to try the games themselves. These kinds of proofs make me see Korea’s growing influence and its boosting position in the global world with my own eyes.
Culture is a wonder in how it can connect people with different backgrounds and perspectives. One of those wonders is how South Korea became the medium for the connections and the spotlight of its culture. By experiencing the heat of the Korean language and its culture in general, it seems like the popularity of Korean language and entertainment would not go down soon. Instead, it’s predicted to grow more and more, even after the COVID-19.
Yewon Shim
K-UNIV Reporter
