Reflection 8

Sophia Lam
5/18/14
Section 1
Reflection 8: Response to Park Korean Youth Transnational Flows

As Korean popular culture continues to grow larger throughout decade, people tend to forget that Korean-Americans are still affected by the model minority. It is easy to assume that Koreans are a superior ethnicity because people are always trying to act Korean, use Korean products, listen to Korean music, speak Korean, and so on ever since the Korean wave hit. Growing up, many of my peers were obsessed with this Korean phase and even crushed on anybody they saw on the street that was Korean. However, it is important to note that not all Korean-Americans resemble what is portrayed in their mainland’s media. There are still those who are paiksus, because in reality Koreans are prone to facing problems such as culture insecurity in America. Yet the Korean popular culture has allowed Korean culture to spread in America. Recognition of singers such as Psy has allowed Americans to appreciate Korean culture. Also, Korean pop culture is a beneficial way for Koreans to not lose their cultural identity as they bond with family through it. In what ways can other ethnic groups bring their culture to America and share it with the following generations?