Influence of Korean Drama to Cultural Identity of Students in One Private School

Abstract

For the past decades of uprising fame of Korean Wave, the influence of it on student’s cultural identities is globally significant, particularly among Filipinos. The uprising influences of the Korean drama wave to the Philippines contributes to a disturbing change and fading of cultural identity of the Filipinos. This study investigates the influence of Korean dramas to the cultural identity of students in one private school. This study utilized a qualitative research design through interviews, specifically phenomenological, through the use of a validated interview questionnaire. With the increasing global popularity of K-dramas, this research examines how exposure to this form of media influences students' fashion, language, food preferences, and media consumption practices in relation to their own cultural identity. Through semi-structured interview, allowing an in-depth discussion of student’s perception about the influence of foreign media specifically K-drama, the study examines the extent to which K-dramas impact students' attitudes towards Filipino culture, their adoption of Korean cultural elements, and their negotiation of identity in a globalized world. Findings from this research provides insights into the complex interplay between media consumption and cultural identity formation among young Filipinos, contributing to a better understanding of the cultural dynamics in the context of globalization and media influence. Based on the study results, it reveals significant insights forming four central themes illustrating how exposure in Korean drama reshapes preferences in food, fashion, and daily habits of those who are exposed. This emphasized the negotiation of cultural identity as students incorporate foreign influences into their self-perception while still valuing their local identity.