Korea and Japan share a long history of a love-hate relationship. They are closely linked to each other, both historically and culturally, but there’s also a deep-rooted animosity that dates back centuries.
This strange sentiment goes across many sectors. The Korean pop culture industry has been no exception, and as popular as K-Pop is in Japan, we are slowly starting to see a surge in anti-Hallyu movements as well.
Of course, this doesn’t mean the recent anti-Hallyu movements in Japan represent the vast majority of Japanese people. But some of these extreme Japanese right-wing, anti-Hallyu groups (albeit small in size and influence) have sparked quite a stir among K-Pop fans for their distorted views and nonsensical accusations.
In this article, we will review some of the most ridiculous anti-Hallyu movements in Japan. Again, these movements do not represent the views of the Japanese as a whole, but it’s worth noting their difference in perspective from the casual K-Pop fans. Perhaps, the only way to solve this problem is to grow a better understanding of each other and accept/respect different cultures – as the old saying goes, “Don’t hate, just appreciate!”
What is your opinion on these anti-Hallyu movements?
Could this possibly turn into a bigger issue? Share your thoughts!
1. Kim Tae Hee Threatened to Leave Japan
2. T-ara’s Jiyeon is “Barbaric”
3. Jang Geun Suk Wants to “Eat” Japanese AV Star Sora Aoi
4. 2NE1’s “Hate You” MV is Anti-Japanese
5. Japanese Actor Thinks Korean TV Programs Brainwash You
6. SNSD and Kara Depicted as Bartenders Offering Sexual Services
A Japanese manga titled, “Disgusting Hallyu,” made headlines last year for the way it depicted SNSD and Kara, two of the biggest K-Pop girl groups in Japan. It was especially controversial for its drawings that clearly looked like the two groups serving old men with drinks and sexual favors. The cartoonist argued that it’s the norm in Korea for girl groups to offer sexual services to men in power and that the Korean government has been investing millions of dollars to manipulate this whole “Hallyu” phenomenon in Japan. SM Entertainment and DSP Media released statements saying they will take legal measures and file a lawsuit against the cartoonist.
Soure & Image: Soompi
Shared by: Purple of Sona