Hallyu Report: South Africa Boasts The Biggest Hallyu Scene In Africa With A Booming Interest In K-Pop And K-Dramas

@SesokoMedia

It is no secret that Hallyu (the Korean wave) has become a worldwide sensation. In fact, you can see real proof of this when K-Pop artists and K-Drama actors announce their world tour stops. However, there are still some regions in the world full of Hallyu fans who have yet to receive the same recognition as other regions.

For one, South Africa has a Hallyu fan culture that is steadily (if not exponentially) expanding. K-Pop, K-Dramas, K-Food, and K-Beauty are becoming more and more popular thanks to their endearing impact. South Africa has also contributed to Hallyu in its own way. From influencing K-Pop songs through a South African genre to a South African choreographer choreographing a top girl group's comeback, and more. As such, South Africa and Hallyu are becoming more closely intertwined.

Additionally, South Africa has a deep history with South Korea. Having celebrated the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2022, a number of commemorative events were held last year in honor of the 3-decade-long relationship, as well.

Today, let's take a look at how close the cultural exchange between South Africa and South Korea is. We'll take a look at how Hallyu has grown in South Africa and where it stands today, too.

 

South Africa is One of the Top Markets for K-Pop in Sub-Saharan Africa

South Africa has been dubbed the top market for K-Pop in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the rankings, South Africa has the biggest market for K-Pop followed by Kenya and Nigeria, respectively.

"There's been a 93% year-on-year increase in K-Pop streams in Sub-Saharan