Hallyu! The Korean Wave

Are you a fan of BTS and aespa? Have you seen the Oscar-winning film Parasite? Do you know every move to the “Gangam Style” dance? From K-pop costumes to K-drama props and posters, photography and sculpture to fashion and video, delve into the phenomenon known as “hallyu”—meaning “Korean Wave.” Hallyu emerged as a sensation in the late 1990s, rippling across Asia before reaching all corners of the world and challenging the current of global popular culture today.

This exhibition explores the makings of the Korean Wave through cinema, drama, music, and fandoms, and underlines its impact on the beauty and fashion industries. See close to 200 objects alongside pop-culture ephemera across four thematic spectrums—technology, cinema and drama, music, and fashion—engage with some of the biggest crazes to come out of hallyu through interactive displays, and discover the colorful and dynamic popular culture of South Korea in all its expanse.