"I wish I was Korean..." Oh, really?

Famous Korean bands, Super Junior (above) and SNSD, or more popular known, Girls' Generation (below) of SM Entertainment.

by Jeeah H. 


Well, you’re exempted if you are Korean. But seeing as how influential and popular K-POP actually is these days, it is likely that you are of a different ethnic background. Am I right? And since you're reading this on this blog, three guesses you're a Bruneian? Or maybe Malaysian, Pinoy, Australian, American… Am I close? No? Well, you guys get the picture. Now, there is absolutely nothing wrong with being an active member in the K-POP community even if you’re not of Korean descent. 


That is not question. Here lies the rub. Do you actually value their culture and ethnicity over your own?

Obviously through the process of being a K-POP fan, you eventually learn a couple of Korean values along the way such as bowing your head, speaking in honorifics, being wary of your skinship with other people, etc. Yes, I know it’s very limited but take into account that these are things a K-POP fan would notice from watching films, dramas, TV shows and music videos. Heck, one even starts picking a few phrases here and there and before you know it, you start greeting people by saying "Annyeong!" and thanking them with "Gumawo!". 

Being a fan of the popular Hallyu wave, you may also notice the most blatantly obvious reserved nature of dress codes and sexuality. Even if idols do rip their shirts off on stage or split their legs, their attitude is still modest and is desired to be seen as the epitome of innocence. Another obvious Korean value is white gem skin. You know what I’m talking about, pure white goddess-like flawless skin not only on your face but all over.

(Sorry, got distracted) Anywhoos... Like it or not, we are all influenced by this. Some people are influenced to the extent that they have the desire or deep longing to be a Korean. This may be because they identify themselves with having similar values or perhaps, find that their country are missing these values? Take the Western world per se where it is more open about sexuality than here in Asia, specifically in this article, Korea. They may simply wish to be Korean because of the beautiful culture and traditional values. Us, in Brunei, where religious values are almost prioritized every second of the day, we'd love to dress up or get down like the girl groups or boybands we idolize. And... let's face it, they might want to be Korean because they have this set image that every single Korean in Korea down to the hobos in the alleys look like their idols that symbolize perfection on Music Bank and they may long to look or appear similar, befriend or be romantically involve with such a person.

Fans often say “I wish I was Korean.” In my opinion, the K-POP fandom has become an idealistic euphoria that one have placed upon all one's highest expectations. K-POP is a world - a haven, for a better word - that you escape to, you enjoy, you listen, you watch and where you can be yourself. It is this place where everyone is beautiful, talented, funny, witty, intelligent and charming. It might have also been the place where you’ve fallen in love with a bias or OTP of some sort. Whenever you are upset, sad or lonely, the K-POP fandom is the one place that welcomes you with open arms. It's relatable as I feel the same way towards this wonderful fandom too. So it is with NO WONDER that you enjoy associate being Korean with these feelings of acceptance, happiness, love and success.

 

Nonetheless, ponder upon the real reasons why you want to be Korean. Being a non-Korean in the first place didn’t stop you from discovering K-POP; so really, why must you jump ship?

I mean, you are neglecting your own culture and ethnicity! You are also in denial about the country you live in and the nationality that you should have been proud to be. Ask yourself, do you know what is going on in your state or town? What is the current news? By that, NO! I don't mean what's the latest buzz on allkpop or dailykpopnews and no, not some new selca taken by an idol. What are the latest issues in the media on a national level? Or even, global level? Do you pay attention to what is actually going on around you, in the real world you  live in, not that of the fandom you plunge into at every chance possible? If you answered yes, blessed are you. If not, then you should probably wake up and smell the coffee.

It’s probably likely that your ambition is to learn Korean, maybe because you're planning to continue your education in Korea. But as k yourself, do you speak another language other than English? Your own mother tongue perhaps? Malay, Chinese dialects, Tagalog or whatever your language is. Do you speak it often? Do you value your own cultures values? Are you even familiar with your culture and traditions? Are you patriotic and  actively participating holidays, festivals and national events?

All nationalities and cultures are equally important as others. Without multiculturalism, the world would be pretty much boring, wouldn’t it? Especially if everyone looked and thought the same. If your culture wasn’t different to the Korean culture, it would not have attracted your attention in the first place!

Honestly and technically speaking, it would be impossible to be Korean if you’re not already. You don’t have to be “labelled” by an identity marker or physically look Korean to appreciate their culture. Appreciate. Not quickly absorb it all and forget your roots. You still have hope! Learn the Korean language (Yes. Hangeul! Not romanisation off music videos.) and start practicing your Korean skills. There are loads of softwares available and you can even just learn online! Eat korean food, read Korean books, watch their dramas (if you're not already)! Appreciate their beautiful culture but NEVER forget your own.

Hey, you know, there are a variety of idols in the K-POP industry who aren't of Korean ethnicity but have worked hard at learning the language, culture, traditions and are living the lifestyle (Well, celebrity lifestyle).

We have 2PM's Nichkhun who is a Thai. Miss A's Jia (my namesake!) and Fei and also, f(x)'s Victoria who are Chinese. Jay Park and SNSD's Jessica and Tiffany are American and Daniel Henney is Canadian. There are loads more! Be proud of what you are and where you came from.

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