The Dynamics of the K-Pop Boom in Russia

This research reviews the current situation of the Korean wave in Russia and tries to explain the dynamics of the development of K-pop in Russia. To do so, in-depth interviews of six young Russians who have experienced the Korean Wave were conducted. The contents of the in-depth interviews include familiarity with Korean culture, definition of the Korean Wave, the influences of the Korean Wave on Russian society, and the appeal of K-Pop. In addition, the development of K-Pop in Russia is reviewed focusing on the change of participants in K-Pop fan clubs. A very rapid increasing number of the fan clubs and internet communities for Korean K-pop groups was observed. The number of participants in most fan clubs reviewed increased four times in the previous three years. K-Pop web sites and magazines also increased rapidly in terms of members and contents, playing an important role in the development of K-Pop. The paper suggests explanations for the recent boom of K-pop in terms of background factors and the attractions of K-pop itself. Excellent performances and hybridity are raised as key factors regarding attraction to K-Pop. Concerning background factors, YouTube with the recent developments in internet access and smart phone usage play a crucial role in the spread of K-pop in Russia.