International Survey Shows Most Popular Korean Content And Stars

A recent government report shows some of the most beloved Korean stars and content around the world!

On January 28, South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Foundation for International Culture Exchange released their 2021 Overseas Hallyu (Korean Wave) Survey. Respondents included 8,500 Korean cultural content consumers from 18 countries, such as the United States, China, Japan, and more. They were asked questions about Korean culture including television shows, films, music, and other topics, and the survey was conducted online from September 24 to November 4, 2020.

When asked to name their favorite Korean singer, 22 percent of respondents chose BTS—a rise of 6.8 percent points for the group since the previous year’s 15.2 percent. BLACKPINK came in second (chosen by 13.5 percent of respondents), PSY was third (2.9 percent), TWICE fourth (2.4 percent), and EXO fifth (2.1 percent).

Lee Min Ho topped the list of favorite Korean actors, chosen by 9.6 percent of respondents. Hyun Bin was second (3.5 percent), Gong Yoo third (2.3 percent), Song Hye Kyo fourth (2.1 percent), and Lee Jong Suk fifth (2 percent).

Among the respondents’ favorite Korean films, “Parasite” ranked No. 1 with 18.4 percent, followed by “Train to Busan” in second with 10.2 percent. “Peninsula” grabbed third with 3.5 percent, “#ALIVE” took fourth with 2.1 percent, and “Time to Hunt” came in fifth with 1.6 pecent.

“Crash Landing on You” was the leading favorite Korean drama with a score of 9.5 percent. It was followed by “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” with 4.1 percent, “The World of the Married” and “Itaewon Class” both with 2.8 percent, and “Kingdom” with 2.5 percent.

Dramas were the most popular Korean content, with 29.7 percent of respondents answering that they watch Korean dramas. Beauty products and videos were the next popular (27.5 percent), followed by variety shows (26.9 percent) and fashion (24.8 percent). Many people stated that they consumed more Korean variety shows, dramas, and games compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Watch “Train to Busan” below!

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