S. KOREA STANDS AS CULTURAL POWERHOUSE

Welcome to Press Perspective for this Wednesday July 30th here in Seoul.

I'm Min Sunhee.

Critics say South Korea is indeed a cultural powerhouse given the popularity of K-pop K-movies and dramas as well as K-snacks if you will.

For more I have Jin Yu Young with The New York Times.

Yu-young it's a pleasure.

I also have Jason Bechervaise at the Office of International Affairs from Hanyang University.

Jason it's great to have you here.

Yu Young, the animation "KPOP DEMON HUNTERS" continues to make international headlines. What appears to be the focus of the media coverage?

Jason, some tout this particular animation as a genuine collaboration between East Asia and Hollywood. What are your thoughts?

Yu Young, you recently published a piece on South Korea's standing as a cultural powerhouse. First, do tell us a bit about the background behind your story.

Yu Young, do you believe global interest in Korea has indeed moved beyond its entertainment content to its broader culture?

Jason, there have been reports about the growing interest in Korean in the West while Mandarin is losing its appeal there. Do you believe this reality is a tangible indication of the power of soft diplomacy?

Yu Young, what has been the broader commercial impact of the Korean Wave?

Jason, do you suppose this current interest in K-culture will be short-lived or can it become a lasting phenomenon?

And Yu Young, what has been the impact of the Korean Wave within national borders?

Jason, what are some of the hurdles that the Korean Wave needs to tackle to ensure its presence in the global arena?

Yu Young, what's perhaps another aspect of the Korean culture that can serve to captivate the global audience?

All right.