What Will 2013 Bring in Hallyu?

Hallyu, the term for ‘Korean fever’ that is spreading all over the world. Photo courtesy of Geunshinaddict on Blogspot.

The year 2012 has made Hallyu permanently puts both of its legs into a strong stand as more than 80 new idol groups and artists was revealed from the ‘trinity of the K-pop empire’ or from rising entertainment companies and about 40 of them has properly debuted on stage with their activities. With YG Entertainment solo artist PSY and his continuing legacy of “Gangnam Style“, South Korea’s contemporary culture is now placed in the global spotlight. 2012 is a definitive, exhaustive, yet brought most preeminence of the music market of South Korea. Taking place over Hallyu 1.0, we are now all acquainted with catchy tunes and eye-catching choreography that sets your rhythm going – this is the K-pop song you’re listening to.
As many know as much new faces came to arise, one will know many will fall but a few will come to stay and mark their positions as a part of the Hallyu Wave in the entertainment industry. With the fact how technology from the country has gain much preference compared to the previous mentor and now rival Asian country that has lead its golden years. So with this side notes and expectations for 2013, I sum up the progress and what to expect in the coming new year, right after the Year End Celebrations that we’re definitely looking forward to.
On an academic note, University of Michigan held a symposium in regards to ‘Hallyu 2.0‘, surfacing how researchers are now gathering to have great interests in the contemporary culture. Recently, the Embassy of Korea in Indonesia, the next hotbed for Hallyu ventures held “Cultural Cooperation and Hallyu Wave” Seminar to discuss.
If one has been following Hallyu 2.0, the era where hallyu is distributed through the internet by the participatory culture of fans as netizens and thus, the music industry took over film and dramas from Hallyu 1.0, it might be tiring as of 2012 where there are now too many non-distinctive debuts and projects.
What can be expected in 2013? Old Hallyu hotbeds Thailand, Philippines and now Singapore to be considered as K-pop’s second home might be now a commonplace; K-pop might be now a humdrum, and thus promoters and entertainment companies are looking elsewhere, especially in the West, to continue the perpetuation of the Wave.
Now with the government’s sub-unit KOCCA, we are looking at bigger establishments; ‘K-pop Night Out’ will be held in France next year, announced a couple days ago by the government body. It visited Singapore this mid-year to successfully have introduced a variety of Korean music styles not restricted to idol pop. This ambitious way of promoting will possibly keep putting South Korea on the map as 2013 will pick up from PSY’s ‘Gangnam Style’ world legacy to branch to other things.
Will this bring Hallyu 3.0? “3.0 [should be] 3D: Dynamic, distinctive and be diverse,” the three elements that is formed by DFSB Kollective’s CEO, Bernie Cho. The way to go for Hallyu – it has conquered the world, and it will hopefully be an Asian culture that is loved and to stay.
With this, what’s next in 2013? I re-introduce the most awaited and probable Hallyu lead in the first-half of 2013. Dynamic and distinctive in its own market league, we recap what idol groups SISTAR and SHINee is like to present a new side of them – that if you’re as curious as I am what have they prepared in their comeback. How far can we pull Hallyu into diversity? We then introduce you Urban Zakapa (read the review) and Sweet Sorrow, the two groups with highest vocal quality one can possess in the current mainstream market. They have a short discography to boast but sure put your mornings, afternoons and twilight hours into soothing and relaxing moments. Other than that, the most watched show unofficially off the air, Running Man (read the review) runs for ‘presidential’ chair in the next Hallyu development.
Who in your opinion will be a great candidate as a 3D hallyu artist or show? Do you agree with me as of the above for the first-half of 2013? Share your views below!