SEAToday.com, Jakarta-The Korean Wave or also known as Hallyu is a cultural phenomenon in which the global popularity of South Korean popular culture. This phenomenon has dramatically risen since the 1990s around the globe.

The hype of Korean entertainment and culture in the world, including Indonesia is undeniable. But, if we look more into this phenomenon, this could be a new way to introduce Indonesian culture. K-pop Idols who have come to Indonesia usually take the time to walk around Jakarta and record their activities for personal social media content purposes. This content will be broadcast and watched by their fans around the world.

Another example, WayV, a South Korean boy group containing members from China, Macau, Taiwan, and Thailand, received attention from fans in Indonesia after visiting the Galeri Indonesia Kaya and learning Tari Piring in their latest content. Their willingness to learn Tari Piring got positive feedback from international fans. Through this content, Indonesia has benefited from globalizing its culture. 

K-pop idols have recruited many members from other countries, and Indonesia is becoming one of them. A girl group named Secret Number has Dita Karang from Indonesia as one of their members. Dita actively introduced Indonesian culture through events she was invited to. Dita had received attention after performing the Legong Keraton on a Korean variety show. 

Besides Dita, a boy group called Zodiac also has an Indonesian, Zayyan. As a Muslim, Zayyan’s debut was a significant achievement for aspiring Muslim idols. South Koreans learned about Muslim habits and rules through Zayyan, because the majority religion in Indonesia is Islam, they will also learn about habits and Islamic culture in Indonesia.

For several years, the Hallyu Wave, including K-pop, has strongly influenced Indonesian society. Zayyan and Dita opened up the opportunities to intensify Indonesia’s soft diplomacy. Their presence in the K-pop industry contributes to Indonesia's soft power and strengthening diplomatic relations between Indonesia and South Korea. (HALIMATUN/DKD)