Recently, the Korea Image Communication Institute (CICI) conducted a recent survey among opinion leaders in Koreans and foreigners who have experienced Korea (residency or visit) on the celebrity that they first think of when it comes to Korea. The results of this survey were officially announced on March 13th.
According to the results, 94.86% of foreigners and 91.05% of Koreans named BTS as the representative celebrity of Korea. This highlights the power of BTS, who have conquered the global music market with their music.
Meanwhile, placing 2nd is Son Heung-min, who is the captain of the Korean national soccer team and a member of Tottenham Hotspur. He was named by 33.64% foreigners and 59.03% Koreans.
In third place, 18.69% foreigners and 17.9% Koreans picked girl group BLACKPINK.
On the other hand, BTS leader RM recently drew attention with his answer to an European reporter’s question about Korean culture.
In particular, during an interview with Spanish media outlet “El Pais”, RM responded to a question suggesting that “Kpop and Korean culture demand inhuman effort and are excessive” by saying, “”Westerners cannot understand. Korea was invaded and destroyed, and it is a divided country. Just 70 years ago, it was a country with nothing.”
“That country is now receiving attention from all over the world. How is that possible? How did that happen? It’s because our people work hard for a better life”, he continued.
CICI also released the answer results to questions about Hallyu (Korean Wave). Regarding whether they think the Korean Wave will continue in the future, 94.86% foreigners and 93.77% Korean responded positively.
This survey was conducted from February 15th of last month to March 12th, targeting 471 people (257 Koreans and 214 foreigners) through email and web links.
Source: wikitree
