Does the rise of Korean culture in the global stage direct us to a move of God?

Considering the humble history of this small peninsula in Asia - once war-torn and occupied by its larger surrounding nations - the global rise of Korean culture, or the “Korean Wave,” is nothing short of extraordinary. How did a country, classified as third-world just a few decades ago, ascend to international prominence in pop music, cinema, television dramas, and beauty products?

Some may credit this ascent to the smashing success of Grammy-winning K-pop groups like BTS, or to cultural milestones such as Squid Game and the Oscar-winning film Parasite.

Some may credit this ascent to the smashing success of Grammy-winning K-pop groups like BTS, or to cultural milestones such as Squid Game and the Oscar-winning film Parasite. These achievements have ignited a global fascination with all things Korean, from food, language and tourism to significant investments by streaming giants like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon in Korean content.

As a Korean-American, my relationship with Korean culture is deeply complex. Pride swells within me when I see Korea celebrated on the world stage, for it reflects the passion that fuels my people in everything they do -whether it’s rebuilding an economy from the ashes of war, pioneering cutting-edge technology, or producing some of the most advanced beauty products in the world.

Koreans are deeply emotional, channeling their intensity into all they pursue. This may be part of the cultural charm that has captivated the world. It’s likely why Korean dramas resonate so profoundly, as they masterfully tug at viewers’ hearts with their rich storytelling and compelling character arcs.

As a Korean-American, my relationship with Korean culture is deeply complex.

Yet, this obsession with beauty and success has a darker side, causing pain for many of Korea’s youth. Criticism of one’s appearance starts young; I remember a doctor telling me to get eyelid surgery during a routine eye exam when I was only eight, suggesting that larger eyes would improve my vision. It is a common procedure among Koreans striving for a more Westernized look.

In Korea, what is considered a healthy size in the West is often quickly labelled “fat.” With statistics showing that 1 in 5 Korean women has undergone plastic surgery, it’s no wonder the country has become the plastic surgery capital of the world. Meanwhile, 46% of high school students report depression due to academic pressure. Indeed, the same passion that has driven Korea’s success has also fueled unhealthy obsessions, leading to some of my own painful experiences with Korean culture.

And yet, here we stand, riding the unstoppable wave of Korean culture. Universities are expanding their Korean language offerings, and nations are opening their doors and their hearts to Koreans around the world.  I often wonder if this global phenomenon is merely the product of clever marketing or something far greater at play, something unseen. The passion and relentless hope that defines Koreans runs even deeper among Korean Christians. Known for their fervent prayers, the Korean church has long embraced early morning prayer meetings as a staple of their faith.

Even during times of persecution, like under the Joseon Dynasty in the 1800s, when over 8,000 believers and several foreign missionaries were martyred, Koreans clung to an enduring hope: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

True to their God-given passion, Korea has become one of the largest missionary-sending nations, trailing only the U.S. and Brazil. Korean missionaries are known for going into the most dangerous and persecuted regions. My own father was one of them, ministering in China during severe persecution. So, can we attribute Korea’s cultural rise to its passionate pursuit of worldly success? Maybe. Or perhaps it is the loving response of a faithful God to centuries of fervent prayer from his beloved Korean people to be used for his glory. Korea has captured the world’s attention because Koreans long ago had first fixed their gaze on an unseen God. God has set the stage for Korean missionaries labouring in the nations to be received like never before. We get to see beyond the glitz and the glamour, and eagerly anticipate how God will move through Korea for his glory.