Chinese Media Reproduce Korean TV Shows

       In China, South Korean culture attracts a great number of individuals and the Korean Wave serves as the mainstream culture to the younger generations. South Korean TV shows are very popular among Chinese viewers.

A great number of South Korean TV shows were imported in China since the 21^st century. Most K-dramas (such as “Sorry, I Love You”, and “The Great Jang-Geum”) are love stories, which deeply touch Chinese viewers.            

Other TV shows are very creative and interesting (such as “X-Man”, “Love Letter”, and “Running Man”), which provide entertainment and happiness for the Chinese audiences. Those TV shows have received high audience ratings. Undoubtedly, the TV producers or companies have gained great financial profits from them. In recent years, Chinese media (especially TV station) has purchased the copyrights from the Korean producing groups. Then, an increasing number of Chinese media start to reproduce some popular TV shows from South Korea.

     

Speaking of the reproduction, the plots and forms of those TV shows are the same. However, Chinese media has changed the casts. In addition, some Chinese characteristics are applied in the reproductions of those TV shows. In fact, Chinese media’s reproduction of South Korean TV shows has gained huge success. For instance, Hunan TV purchased the copyright from MBC TV and reproduced the show “Dad Where Are We Going” in 2013. This show received the highest audience rating and became the most popular Chinese TV show in 2013. Undoubtedly, this show had earned over 70 million yuan (Enlight adapts father-son reality show to film, 2013).

                         

As a whole, the reproduction of Korean TV shows is a cultural integration. Meanwhile, it can also help Chinese media to gain great profits.

Intro: The Invasion of Korean Culture in China

Culture serves as a significant concept in the human society and it usually refers to an individual’s betterment or refinement. In addition, it also describes a universal humancapacity. Moreover, it is closely associated with national aspirations or ideals. Culture can be understood, promoted, and integrated.

Specifically, Korean culture is really exciting in the modern society. Korean culture is well received in China and the Korean Wave is sweeping a great number of Chinese. In fact, an increasing number of people are deeply attracted by Korean culture. They are going crazy about Korean dramas, films, pop songs, language, and products.

                                     

In the early 21^st century, most Chinese first got to know Korean culture through watching Korean TV series, such as “Autumn in My Heart”, “The Temptation of Eve”, “Winter Sonata”, and “Full House” (Ryoo, 2009). With the vast dissemination of Korean culture, more and more Chinese learn to respect other countries’ cultures and value the diversity of culture. In addition, they get the chances to experience Korean customs and traditions so they can learn more about Korea. Moreover, an increasing number of Chinese choose to study Korean language and continue their education in Korea.

         

However, Korean culture still brings a serious invasion to China. Younger generations pay full attention to Korean culture so they fail to value, inherit, and develop traditional Chinese culture. Worse, the vast dissemination of Korean culture has resulted in copycat culture in China. For instance, a great number of manufacturers frequently copy and reproduce Korean TV shows and cosmetics. Also, Korean culture leads to a trend of plastic surgery to Chinese girls.

In brief, the invasion of Korean culture brings a two-edge impact on Chinese society.