The Korean Wave in the Cultural Policy of the Republic of Korea (1963–2013)

The paper analyzes the interaction of the Korean Wave and the cultural policies of the presidents of the Republic of Korea Park Chung Hee (1963–1979), Chun Doo Hwan (1980–1988), Roh Tae Woo (1988–1993), Kim Young Sam (1993–1998), Kim Dae Jung (1998–2003), Roh Moo Hyun (2003–2008), Lee Myung Bak (2008-2013). It is concluded that the development of South Korea’s cultural policy in the period from 1963 to 2013 can be divided into three stages: using the cultural industry to legitimize the power of military governments; transition to a democratic style of government and the beginning of integration of cultural policy with the economy; development and support of the Korean Wave by the government in order to improve the image of the Republic of Korea and the development of the economy.