'33 Keys to Understanding the Korean Wave' Coming Soon!
33 Keys to Understanding the Korean Wave
Beyond BTS, Parasite, and Squid Game
(Updated English Edition)
Coming Soon!
How did Korea transform from the "Land of the Morning Calm" into a global cultural powerhouse?
In 33 Keys to Understanding the Korean Wave,
Sukie Park examines the cultural, historical, and social forces behind Korea’s meteoric rise on the world stage—offering a compelling resource for Hallyu scholars, academics, and cultural researchers.
This expanded English edition builds upon the Korean edition
'한류를 이해하는 33가지 코드: 방탄소년단, 기생충, 그리고 오징어 게임을 넘어서',
first published in June 2023, offering fresh insights into Korea’s global influence and evolving cultural trends.
The Korean edition is available in the libraries of Harvard, Columbia, Princeton, Stanford, the University of Chicago, the University of Michigan, Washington University, the University of Illinois, the University of Toronto, Leiden University in the Netherlands, and others.
Through 33 themes, Park explores the Ppalli Ppalli mindset that fuels Korea’s relentless innovation, the power of nunchi (Korean social intuition) in entertainment and business, and the deep storytelling traditions reflected in Parasite and Squid Game.
She also highlights the achievements of cultural pioneers, from Taekwondo grandmaster Jhoon Rhee to Broadway costume designer Willa Kim and Momofuku chef David Chang. Drawing insightful parallels, she compares The Beatles and BTS, King Sejong and Leonardo da Vinci, Psy and Charlie Chaplin, and even Andy Warhol’s video art with Korea’s mukbang culture.
More than just an exploration of Hallyu, this book is a scholarly yet personal journey of cultural analysis and identity.
It is an essential read for:
· Hallyu scholars and academics researching Korea’s cultural expansion,
· Graduate students studying Korean media, literature, and globalization,
· University libraries and research institutions curating Hallyu materials,
· Korean-Americans, adoptees, and multicultural families seeking cultural connection,
· Hallyu fans, professionals, and travelers eager to understand Korean society.
With its engaging and thought-provoking approach,
33 Keys to Understanding the Korean Wave
“This should be a global book that everyone must read!
The book serves as a compass for the Korean Cultural Renaissance.”
— Ik-Joong Kang, Artist
Sukie Park
is a journalist with experience in both Seoul and New York. A former culture reporter for The Korea Daily New York, she is the founder of NYCultureBeat.com, a platform covering cultural trends in New York City. She has extensively documented the rise of Hallyu and continues to explore its global impact.
Cover Design: Jisook Byun
Cover Image: A Joseon-era keychain featuring keys used for warehouses, gates, and front doors. The carp symbol represents success in the state examination. Image Copyright © Geochang Museum, Seoul
*Q&A: 한류를 이해하는 33가지 코드' 저자 박숙희와의 대화
https://www.nyculturebeat.com/?mid=Focus&document_srl=4102229
*'한류를 이해하는 33가지 코드' 언론 보도
https://www.nyculturebeat.com/?document_srl=4097755&mid=CulBooks
*'한류를 이해하는 33가지 코드' 소장 도서관: 국회도서관, 시립도서관, 각 대학 도서관
https://www.nyculturebeat.com/index.php?mid=Zoom&document_srl=4137843
