Colonial mentality seems to
have been disjointedly ingrained from Western impact to Asian influence.
Manifesting its significant sway is attributable to the ‘Korean invasion’ of
which is interestingly personified through K-pop culture. From kimchi to Samsung
for instance is how Korea’s collective impression has evolved into the likes of
world-renowned lifestyles. Kimchi is one among a select few trade names Korea
was just known for until their innovative technology got its current global
reach for a market similarly consumed by more than just their aforementioned staple
‘appetizer’. Likewise whetting the general civilization’s appetite for revolution,
Korea’s own brand Samsung among others has introduced not just its modern
inventions but also themselves as an entity worthy of tremendous following.
From smart phones capable of getting in-touch with the world to producing trends
worthy of being emulated as much as downloaded through these technological
breakthrough mobiles, it has established a name for itself creditable of
standard-setting.
The introduction and
adaptations of Korea-novela seems to have opened our penchant for such culture;
better yet, for this drama. In a dramatic fashion indeed is how K-pop stormed
into the scene and conquered universal recognition. What brightens and goes
well with the heat and hit is the matching colorful appearance. While for those
who were as expressive during the 80’s – the Bagets era, who would have thought
such fashion statement will be resurrected. The Koreans though have brought it
to life as vivid as it is and as influential.
Currently though, no one has
enthused so much leaning than Psy’s Gangnam style. If its outburst through its
apparent sardonic approach is any manifestation of revolution, it has
effectively channeled the unorthodox and the assertion among outcasts and even ‘privy’
individuals. His now famous ‘danceable’ steps used to be moves you’d perchance
comically perform within the confinement of your own room in front of a mirror
to probably make your wife laugh. It does not make it any conventional though as
opposed to its amusing execution but it doesn’t mean it’s not serious. Undeniably,
it seriously established Korea’s influence regardless of norm. Seemingly, having
that supposed unassuming nature likewise unpretentiously casts one as the “new
cool” worthy of an unpretentious attitude-inspired admiration.
Such down-to-earth outlook (corresponding
with one’s inferior race compared to what the world in general has been
accustomed to towards the expected and familiar prevailing first-world forces)
greatly appeals as a hope-inducing metamorphosis of some sort especially among
second-rates. The idea is that it gives the impression of the potential of the ‘icky
caterpillar’ in all of us transforming into the elegant butterfly we could be;
an inspiring reminder just like how an ugly duckling could turn into a beautiful
swan. The general belief on such impossibly-perceived development is that “who
would have thought?”
Yes, who would have thought?
Perhaps due to our colonial mentality and that we’re used to seeing the world’s
dominant players rule, the prospect of the underdogs becoming the top dogs fascinates
us behind our own reservations. The record-breaking Gangnam is an attestation to
all these. If only we’ve thought of publicizing those “bedroom moves” even as mocking
as we naturally are… we’d be as popular… or not.
Now the Koreans have erased any
doubt… and they have further asserted it with overriding passion and fashion, in
an upbeat flair; through Gangnam style. Opa! I mean ‘OPAno?’ Banat na!
An-nyeong-ha-seh-yo!
