Hungary has played a significant role in disseminating the Korean Wave in Eastern Europe since the end of 2000s. With the rapidly increasing popularity of the Korean Wave in Hungary, this study analyzed its cultural impacts from two aspects: (1) how Korean cultural content had been favorably consumed in Hungary, and (2) what is the subsequent impacts of the Korean Wave in building a cultural relationships between South Korea and Hungary. This study conducted the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with Korean Wave fans, K-pop cover dance teams, and the managers of Korean Cultural Center (Koreai Kulturális Központ) in Budapest. The discussions involved three themes: 1) cultural proximity, 2) the characteristics of K-pop, and 3) the Korean Wave fans’ participation. Findings suggested that the Korean Cultural Center in Hungary was an important institutional asset in promoting the Korean Wave in Hungary. It functioned not only as an educational institution where Hungarian citizens are exposed to diverse Korean cultures, but also as a community center for building a strong bond and social network. The Korean Wave 3.0 showed that local interests had further extended from Korean popular culture towards a broader sense of Korean culture in general. Active participations of the fans is a key factor for promoting the Korean Wave in Hungary.
INTRODUCTION
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
GENERAL TRENDS OF THE KOREAN WAVE IN HUNGARY
CURRENT STATUS OF THE KOREAN WAVE RECEPTION IN HUNGARY
CONCLUDING REMARKS
References