The spread of the Korean cultural wave in Manipur more coincides with the Hallyu experience in other Asian countries such as China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan etc. The Korean movies such as the Classic, ", "My Sassy Girl”, etc. are very popular in the younger generation of Manipur and they have almost replaced presence of popular Hollywood and Indian Hindi Movies in the state. Thus, it is not surprising that Manipur youth have more posters of Korean actors and actresses such as Kwon Sang Woo, than actors and actresses of Hollywood or Bollywood. It is very easy to get Korean movies in Manipur from various video parlors and even local cable networks such as ISTV broadcasts these Korean movies regularly to its audiences.
The popularity of Korean cultural products in Manipur has led to widespread imitation of Korean dress style, fashion, food habits, language, and even way of life. Recently, it was reported in a national daily of India, The Hindustan Times, that even though there is absence of any formal Korean language education in Manipur, it is not uncommon to see that younger generation of Manipur using some Korean language expressions such as "Annyong hasseo" (Hello), "Sarang-heo" (Love you), "balli-balli" (fast) and "Autauke" (What to do). They have learnt these expressions from various Korean movies and dramas which are available in abundance here. It is really surprising that there are many youngsters in Manipur, who do not know Korean language but could sing Korean songs very well. It is a fad in Manipur youth to greet one another by "Annyong" and youngsters compete with one another to be part of this new trend to prove that they are smarter than others.
It is really noticeable that younger generation has learned to use chopsticks and Korean style bowls have been gradually replacing traditional rice plates in Manipur. Furthermore, there is growing trend to keep longer hair in Manipur boys, which they have learnt from Korean movies and dramas in which the actors have longer hair. Similarly, one can find Kangta's earrings and Ganji's skirt in Manipur which are basically an earring worn by the Korean singer Kangta and a particular skirt worn by a Korean drama character. There are also people in Manipur who have been shifting from sleeping on bed to sleeping on floor as it's prevalent in Korea.
In short, Manipur represents a strong case of Hallyu presence in India and the trend has been gradually spreading into other states of Northeast India. The phenomenon is significant because the presence of Hallyu in these states of India has neither any official support from the Korean or Indian governments nor they have any direct linkages with growing economic presence of Korea in India. The attraction of Korean cultural products has been sporadic and free from any official inducement in this region.
The year 2013 will mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the Republic of Korea. Both India and South Korea will celebrate this year in a befitting manner. The year 2011 was be the Year of Korea in India and vice versa. There was a proposal to set up Korean language schools in many of the northeastern states. A Korean cultural centre is expected to come up in Delhi.
KANCHAN SINGH SHEKHAWAT
MA(EAS) SEM 4
by
kanchan123 (student)
