The Meaning and Prospect of the Korean Wave in China: Focusing on Korean Dramas

China was the first to coin the term "Korean Wave" (Hallyu), and it holds significant historical importance in the development of the Korean Wave as a country that initially exhibited immense enthusiasm for it but later also demonstrated a strong anti-Korean Wave sentiment. The evolution of the Korean Wave in China can be delineated into five stages: inception, surge, stagnation, revival, and re-stagnation. The rapid dissemination and enthusiastic reception of the Korean Wave in China can be attributed to the cultural affinity and emotional connection that China shares with Korea. Additionally, the high quality and attractiveness of Korean Wave content played a pivotal role. In particular, for the Chinese populace who had undergone significant cultural upheavals during the socialist revolution and subsequent capitalist transformation, Korean Wave content served as compelling alternatives, offering a refreshing appeal by encapsulating human desires and traditional Asian values in a sophisticated Western style with a high degree of refinement. Furthermore, the nuanced cultural elements of the Korean Wave provided a perspective suggesting that the conflicts between global and national cultures, traditional ethics and modernity, and the East and the West could be harmoniously resolved. However, despite the widespread acceptance, there still persists an anti-Korean Wave sentiment within certain segments of Chinese society. Thus, there is a need for scholarly analysis and proactive measures to address this sentiment effectively.