THE 'Hallyu' or Korean Wave phenomenon, which is hugely popular around the world, is the result of getting all the right ingredients to amplify Korean movies and music.
Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) senior producer Dr Kenny Kihyung Bae said that the Korean Wave emphasised the importance of making each concert, film and drama from South Korea an export with sentimental and aesthetic value that won the hearts of viewers and music lovers beyond the country.
GOOD STORYLINES
Kihyung Bae said good storylines and storytelling, high-quality production values, good actors and actresses, and a healthy balance of Western and Korean cultural elements were key factors that made the Korean Wave a success.
He recently spoke at a forum titled "The Korean Wave And Its Significance To The Content And Film Industry Of Malaysia" at a leading hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
He suggested that the National Film Development Corporation (Finas), as the government body tasked with developing the Malaysian creative industry, apply the said formula to expand the global reach of local movies and dramas.
TRADITION AND MODERNITY
"Merging the best elements of Western and Eastern culture, as well as tradition and modernity, is most important. We always do this in South Korea and it works," he said.
"If Malaysia merges the best of East and West, not only in terms of aesthetics but every sphere of the production process, it can successfully export its entertainment products to a global audience."
HIGH-QUALITY
Kihyung Bae, who has had decades' of experience as a television producer, said that not only should the actors and singers be talented, but the production team should be just as good, if not better.
"South Korea has invested a lot in developing high-quality entertainers and production crew over the decades. We believe that the individuals who shine at the back of the camera should be as world-class as those in front of the camera," he said, adding that a holistic approach was adopted by South Korean production companies.
"The Malaysian entertainment industry should constantly educate and upgrade its members. Constant renewal is the most vital ingredient for the continued growth of the industry, and this means fresh talents should be consistently spotted and nurtured, especially talents who think out of the box."
STRATEGIC AND DYNAMIC
Kihyung Bae advised Malaysian producers to adopt strategic and dynamic marketing methods to promote their latest projects, and make full use of social media to reach out to consumers on the move.
"In South Korea, social media marketing is commonplace because it reaches every potential viewer at the click of a button. Consumers get attracted to an entertainment product if it is readily accessible on the screen of their phones.
"It is also important to participate in global film festivals. Do your best to submit your film to such festivals, for you might attract an international following when you least expect it."
Besides Kihyung Bae, the other panelists in the forum were Korea Foundation For International Cultural Exchange (Kofice) director-general Dr Gilwha Jung, Itaewon Class Creative Curators president Dr Saetbyeol Lee, Hanyang University of South Korea cultural content department head Professor Jin Lee and Monash University of South Korea professor Dr Taesik Kim.
The forum, organised by Finas with the support of Walkabout Asia, was attended by Finas chairman Datuk Kamil Othman and more than 50 members of the local entertainment industry.
It was aimed at exploring potential collaborations between South Korean and Malaysian filmmakers, as well as providing a platform for local filmmakers to learn about the success of K-dramas and K-movies.