Impact of Korean Wave on Eating Disorders: A Comparative Study

Abstract

This research focuses on studying the relationship between the rising global popularity of the Korean Wave (Hallyu) and its potential impact on the likelihood for eating disorders. It investigates and questions if ideal bodies, strict be­auty norms, and eating habits in Korean pop culture might lead to e­ating disorders in global fans. With a comprehensive literature review and empirical analysis, this research explores the many ways in which media exposure to K-dramas, K-pop, and Korean beauty shows and standards may influence body image perceptions as well as eating behaviors. In this study, we used the eating disorder examination scale-Q 6.0 by Fairburn & Beglin, 2008 and collected a sample of 100 adolescents and found that on average people who follow the Korean Wave scored higher on the eating disorder scale than those who are not interested in Korean pop culture. This study seeks to offer valuable insights to the fields of cultural studies and mental health, providing essential contributions to future discussions on the intricate relationship between media, culture, and mental well-being on a global level.