POPULAR CULTURE IN CULTURAL DIPLOMACY: KOREAN WAVE AS REPUBLIC OF KOREA'S CULTURAL DIPLOMACY IN INDONESIA (2002-2012)

Abstract

This research aims to discuss the presence of Korean Wave as Republic of Korea's popular culture as a part of Korea's cultural diplomacy in Indonesia that limited in the period of 2002-2012, in which in 2002 is the first time Korean drama broadcasted and embarked the development of Korean Wave in Indonesia. This research is used qualitative research method then explained descriptively related with Korean government's policy in realizing the use of Korean Wave on its diplomacy activities. Through the analysis towards that policy, the researcher found out that Korean Wave as Korea's cultural diplomacy contributes in expanding Korea's cultural influence through diplomacy activities conducted by Korean government, corporation (broadcasting stations), and individual (Hallyu stars) in Indonesia. It is supported with some findings related to Korean Wave's role through the existence of Korean Wave's fans and fans community, encourage learning Korean language, encourage consuming other Korean cultural content products, and attracting Indonesians to visit Korea. Those findings supported by two factors which are Korean Wave as popular culture itself and the foresight and commitment of Korean government in using Korean Wave in its cultural diplomacy activities.