International Images of Korea

Remembering what the great Indian poet composed in a simple verse, in English, that has been known as “The Lamp of the East”: In the golden age of Asia/Korea was one of its lamp-bearers/And that lamp is waiting to be lighted once again/For the illumination in the East.

Rabindranath Tagore, the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature from India, and revered as a prominent figure by Koreans and Indians has a profound impact with his words. During his stay in Japan, Tagore met Korean students who acquainted him with their culture and urged him to visit Korea. This experience profoundly influenced Tagore's perspective on Korea and subsequently shaped the poem expressing his views about the nation. My argument is that many Indians see Korea as a nation with a rich history and culture, which has played a significant role in globalization and has made enlightening contributions. Tagore, renowned as an influential Indian poet with global impact, viewed Korea through a lens that emphasized the Korean youth's significant role in preserving and propagating Korean culture. Tagore's admiration extended to metaphorically portraying Korea as a "lamp-bearer" in Asia, symbolizing its cultural richness and historical importance within the region. His perspective suggests that Koreans, especially the younger generation, play a crucial role in illuminating Asia's cultural landscape. Tagore's view encourages Indians to appreciate Korea not only for its cultural heritage but also for its potential to inspire mutual understanding and cooperation across nations.

Through an internet site, ‘Annyeong India’, Moti (2023) supported that the poem is interpreted as Tagore's reflection on the recurrent pattern of the history and culture of Korea. The author admits that Korea has played a crucial and influential role in molding world civilization through its significant contributions in many domains such as philosophy, art, technology, and more. Tagore affirms that the cultural history of Korea is still powerful and capable of inspiring a new period of enlightenment and growth throughout Asia. (Moti, 2023). While talking about the global influence of Korea, Vishwakarma (2024), with his online news story, highlighted the current impact of the Hallyu Wave and its appeal to overseas students as a means of providing enhanced assistance.

Korea, renowned for its worldwide K-pop phenomenon and vibrant culture, has emerged as a very attractive destination for foreign students, especially Indians. When considering the underlying reasons of Indian students, it is evident that Hallyu has a substantial impact on those who choose to continue their studies in Korea. Korea can be seen as the ‘Lamp-bearer’ of the East for its continuous advancements in technology, and communication as well. According to Vishwakarma (2024), Seoul and its surrounding regions are renowned for their efficient and convenient public communication system, which is characterized by superior technology and reliability. So, to conclude, many Indians see Korea as not just a culturally affluent nation but also as a leading force in Asia, given its illustrious past and significant contributions to the present and future as a highly developed country.

When the country 'Korea' is mentioned, the first and most significant terms that spring worldwide - are K-pop and K-drama. For individuals especially youths internationally, including India, Hallyu represents not only entertainment but also a significant element of cultural exchange. An extensively discussed subject globally, especially in India, is the transformative impact of Korean pop music on the concept of 'Masculinity'. The topic of ‘Soft Masculinity’ has recently garnered significant attention in an array of academic research articles. Roy & Das (2022), through their book, challenge the traditional ideas of manhood by embracing qualities typically seen as feminine, influencing how society perceives and defines masculinity. This phenomenon has garnered considerable attention, particularly in South Korea, where it has been actively promoted through cultural exports such as K-Pop and K-Dramas as part of the country's public diplomacy efforts.

The academic articles reveal that Korea does not adhere to the stereotype of masculinity as being characterized by a tough, bearded guy dressed in black. An inherent aspect of Korean culture is its distinct approach to seeing, experiencing, comprehending, and engaging in interpersonal interactions, particularly those involving females and males. Western culture is mostly patriarchal and has reached a critical juncture when the crucial connection between human survival and evolution is jeopardized because of excessive actions. In India, the handling of the situation has been, and to some degree still is, marred by moral oppression. Nevertheless, Korean culture has developed a harmonious balance between masculinity and femininity, emphasizing mutual respect and giving equal priority to both genders while largely preserving it (Roy & Das, 2022). Soft masculinity has long been a part of Korean society, with its qualities being noted during the Silla Period. Therefore, it can be said that certain segments of the Indian population have acknowledged the reality that Korea is a country that has defied conventional fashion and beauty norms. 

However, the perception of Korea among Indians is not entirely positive. It is evident from various internet sites and social media analyses that certain Indians uphold a belief that Korea is a nation that frequently engages in racism and discrimination, which is having a detrimental effect on Indian residents in Korea. The media research article by Somashekhar (2024) explains that numerous social media influencers are asserting that "Korea hates India," resulting in the overabundance of this tagline on various platforms. Multiple videos posted on social media sites have brought attention to this issue. A significant amount of attention was drawn to various incidents of racism and prejudice experienced by Indians in Korea through social media material, resulting in the accumulation of hundreds of millions of views. Somashekhar argued that, despite the global admiration of Korean culture, there is an enduring issue of prejudice against specific ethnicities, such as Indians, in South Korea, which is being exposed by the influence of online media. 

Nevertheless, Jain (2024), through the internet site ‘Social Nation’ presented some counter-arguments by Indian individuals residing in Korea, that challenge this notion. These Indian individuals detailed their experiences in Korea, emphasizing the generosity and support they got from many Korean residents. They revealed how Koreans and Indians jointly celebrate various cultural festivals, from Korean festivals Seollal, and Chuseok to Indian festivals Holi, Diwali, and more. As per their counter-arguments, some individuals who have not personally seen Korea are disseminating exaggerated rumors, distorting the facts, and propagating hatred for the sake of promotion and garnering attention. 

In conclusion, it can be said that as per Indian textbooks, research, and internet articles, Korea has global acclaim due to its enlightening culture, advancements, Hallyu, and other factors. People worldwide, particularly in India, do not have a one-sided perspective of Korea; instead, there are many opinions among different individuals. India's admiration for Korea stems from its profound cultural heritage, as acknowledged by several Indian intellectuals, poets, and philosophers, such as Tagore. Meanwhile, a growing number of young Indians, modern individuals, and scholars see the distinctiveness of Korean culture through the lens of gender equality, a concept that has recently gained prominence. Furthermore, some Indians see Korea as a nation that exhibits discrimination and biases against Indians.  

The issue of negativity and misinformation regarding Korea among some Indians can indeed be resolved through education, awareness, and a broader perspective. It is crucial to acknowledge that such negativity often stems from limited knowledge and the propagation of false information, which can be exacerbated by individuals seeking self-promotion or by those influenced by indirect sources. To combat this, a more comprehensive understanding of Korea must be cultivated, moving beyond superficial impressions garnered from indirect mediums. This entails actively cross-checking reliable and authentic information from credible sources, rather than relying solely on overstated content that may perpetuate misconceptions. This type of misconception can be resolved by conducting more research. Our government and authorities should take the lead in encouraging a greater number of students to participate in research and conducting additional cultural seminars to address this type of misunderstanding. 

Additionally, it is necessary to consider the viewpoints of Indians residing in Korea who provide counter-arguments to misinformation through media, rather than blindly adhering to any content. Their firsthand experiences can provide nuanced insights and correct these misperceptions. By learning these perspectives, we can gain a more accurate and balanced view of Korean culture, society, and people. Furthermore, by providing added educational and cultural resources with appropriate instructions to recognize the cultural distinctions between India and Korea, it can be encouraged to be prepared to accept and welcome these distinctions wholeheartedly. Instead of viewing differences as barriers, they should be seen as opportunities for cultural exchange and enrichment. In conclusion, resolving negative perceptions requires a proactive effort to educate oneself, verify information from credible sources, and engage in meaningful research, and discussions with those who have direct experiences. This approach not only counters misinformation but also promotes cross-cultural appreciation and cooperation.

[Encouragement Prize]
Ushana Maji
(Country of Activity : India)