Photos by @junmichaelpark @seoulphotographer / As a South Korean, I have been intrigued for several years now by how Korean culture has become more popular around the world. Then, in January 2019, I went to Cuba to begin documenting the global impact of this phenomenon, which is also known as the Korean Wave. I was instantly blown away by the fandom I found there – it was beyond anything I had expected. Two trips to Pakistan followed, before COVID shut borders and made travel complicated.

Three of photographs from my project were recently featured in a @time special issue titled “For the Love of K-pop”. Many thanks to photo editor @sangsuk.jpg for remembering my project and showing care and sensitivity throughout the publication process.

I’m still continuing with my work and trying to find out how millions of people across the world connect over and feel empowered by their love of K-pop, Korean dramas, films, food and more.

Do you love Korean pop culture? What’s your favorite part about it? Do you have a special experience with Hallyu you would like to share? I’d like to hear your story, especially if you are in Korea, but also if you’re elsewhere. I plan to do this project for several more years, with the goal to produce a book and a documentary film eventually.

For those interested in being profiled, you can fill out the Google Form I’ve prepared here. I will get back to you as soon as possible.