The Origins and Histories of Hallyu

This chapter systematically examines the origins of Hallyu and discusses how, in its early stages, it was driven not only by TV dramas but also by various other forms of popular culture, including K-pop and films. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive historical overview of the Korean Wave. Through a more contextual discourse on the origins and definition of Hallyu, this chapter emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of the development of popular culture, which is not simply the development of a particular cultural genre but a reflection of the social and cultural conditions of the time. In other words, while understanding popular culture itself is essential, it is also necessary to understand the social and cultural dimensions that served as the foundation for the development of that popular culture to fully grasp the Hallyu tradition.