Exchange Rates and Entertainment: How K-pop Album Sales Connect with the Global Currency Market

Introduction: Cultural Exports in a Financially Integrated World K-pop, South Korea’s vibrant pop music industry, has evolved into a significant cultural export, influencing not only global music charts but also the nation’s economic landscape. The interplay between K-pop album sales and fluctuations in the foreign exchange market underscores the deep integration of cultural products within … Read more

Expanding the K-Wave: Global M&A Strategies of CJ ENM and Netmarble

Introduction: M&A as a Gateway to Global Influence South Korea’s cultural and digital industries have rapidly expanded beyond Asia, propelled by strategic mergers and acquisitions (M&A). CJ ENM, a major force in media and entertainment, and Netmarble, a top-tier game developer, exemplify how Korean companies have used overseas M&A to enhance global reach, diversify portfolios, … Read more

HYBE and the Globalization of K-pop Investment: U.S. Listing Possibility and Strategic Capital Expansion

Introduction: From Music to Markets The K-pop industry, once viewed solely as a cultural export, has now become a global financial asset. At the center of this transformation is HYBE Corporation, the company behind BTS and other global K-pop acts. Beyond content creation, HYBE has successfully attracted international investors and is increasingly seen as a … Read more

Chapter 9: International Financial Markets

Case study: Wii Is the Champion Nintendo, founded in 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi as a playing card manufacturer in Kyoto, Japan, has evolved into a global video gaming powerhouse. Since 1989, the company has been a significant player in the gaming industry, producing popular mobile and home gaming systems including Switch, Wii, Nintendo DS, GameCube, … Read more

Free Trade and the Korean Wave: How Korea–Latin America FTAs Accelerated K-pop’s Expansion

Introduction: Trade Agreements as Cultural Gateways The expansion of K-pop into Latin America has been significantly influenced by the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that South Korea has established with countries such as Chile and Peru. These agreements, though primarily focused on trade liberalization, have not only strengthened economic ties but also enabled the cross-border movement … Read more

Cultural Collaboration and Competition in East Asia: The Dynamics of Hallyu Among South Korea, China, and Japan​

Introduction: The Rise of Hallyu in East Asia The Korean Wave, or Hallyu, refers to the global proliferation of South Korean culture, encompassing music, television dramas, films, and fashion. Since the late 1990s, Hallyu has gained substantial traction in East Asia, particularly in China and Japan, leading to both collaborative ventures and competitive dynamics among … Read more

From Trade Agreements to Pop Charts: How NAFTA and the USMCA Facilitated K-pop’s Expansion into the U.S. Market

Introduction: Trade Policy Meets Pop Culture The global rise of K-pop is often attributed to digital platforms, fan communities, and powerful branding—but trade agreements have also played a subtle yet crucial role. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and its successor, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), while not directly crafted for cultural exchange, have … Read more

The Rise of K-pop in the European Union: Cultural Integration and Economic Implications

Introduction: The Emergence of K-pop in Europe In recent years, the European Union (EU) has witnessed a significant surge in the popularity of K-pop, the vibrant genre of South Korean pop music. This phenomenon, part of the broader “Hallyu” or Korean Wave, has not only captivated a diverse European audience but has also fostered cultural … Read more

Cultural Diplomacy Meets Economic Strategy: The Role of ASEAN+3 Cooperation in Expanding the K-pop Market

Introduction: K-pop’s Global Expansion through Regional Ties K-pop, South Korea’s vibrant music genre, has transcended national boundaries to become a global phenomenon. This expansion is not solely due to its musical appeal but is deeply linked with strategic economic collaborations, particularly through the ASEAN+3 framework. The synergistic relationship between South Korea and Southeast Asian nations … Read more

Chapter 8: Regional Economic Integration

Case study: Nesle’s Global Recipe Nestlé, the world’s largest food company, operates globally, earning only a small fraction of its revenue in Switzerland. It successfully transforms everyday products into global brands and expands regional products into international markets. For example, it introduced a cereal bar for diabetics in Asia before launching it worldwide. Recognizing the … Read more