Do Koreans Want to Be Black? Let’s Talk About the Influence of Black Culture

Black American and African diasporic culture has had an enormous influence around the world—and South Korea provides an interesting case study. From hip-hop and R&B to fashion, hairstyles, dance, slang, and aesthetics, elements associated with Black culture can be seen throughout portions of Korean popular culture. But where is the line between cultural appreciation, cultural exchange, imitation, and appropriation? In this video, I examine the provocative question: “Do Koreans want to be Black?” Obviously, Koreans are not a monolith, and enjoying or adopting elements of another culture does not mean someone literally wants to change their racial identity. Instead, the question opens a larger discussion about just how influential Black culture has become internationally. Is this simply globalization? Genuine admiration? Cultural appropriation? Or evidence of how deeply Black culture has shaped modern popular culture? PROVE ME WRONG. Learn Something. Teach Something. — Afro Think Tank