Korean ranks 2nd-most-coveted Asian language in US amid global popularity of K-pop (2024)

National 2023-12-2216:25

Korean ranks 2nd-most-coveted Asian language in US amid global popularity of K-pop (2)

A recent study conducted by Live the Language (LTL) Language School reveals that Korean is the second-most-searched-for Asian language per month in the United States, with an average search volume of 133,886. Courtesy of LTL Language School

By Kim Hyun-bin

A recent study, conducted by Live the Language (LTL) Language School, showed that the Korean language is the second-most-popular Asian language that Americans want to learn, shedding light on the growing interest and fascination with Korean culture.

The institute, specializing in teaching Asian languages, analyzed data from Google Keyword Planner to obtain the average monthly search volumes over the past 12 months in the United States.

While the Japanese language secured the top spot with an average monthly search volume of 170,927 on the back of its popularity due to the influence of anime and manga, the Korean language closely followed as the second-most desired among Americans, with an average monthly search volume of 133,886.

"The popularity of Korean culture, including K-dramas and K-pop — the so-called hallyu (Korean wave) — likely contributed to the significant interest in learning the language," the institute said in a release.

The increasing popularity of the Korean language, often linked to the worldwide success of K-pop, has been widely recognized. Nevertheless, the rare study represented meaningful and verifiable data that solidified the idea of a heightened interest in the Korean language.

Korean ranks 2nd-most-coveted Asian language in US amid global popularity of K-pop (3)

Singer Jungkook of BTS performs on NBC's "Today" show at Rockefeller Center in New York City, Nov. 8. Reuters-Yonhap

The findings also align with a broader trend in the U.S., where education institutions increasingly offer Korean language programs to meet the growing demand, ranging from entertainment consumption to business and personal enrichment.

Mandarin, cited as one of the world's most widely spoken languages and one of the most difficult to learn, secured the third spot with an average monthly search volume of 52,745. The institute attributed the steady interest in learning Mandarin to China's continued prominent role on the global stage.

"The study underscores a growing trend in the United States, where individuals are increasingly drawn to the cultural richness and economic opportunities associated with learning Asian languages," said Max Hobbs, marketing director at LTL Language School.

Korean ranks 2nd-most-coveted Asian language in US amid global popularity of K-pop (2024)

FAQs

Korean ranks 2nd-most-coveted Asian language in US amid global popularity of K-pop? ›

While the Japanese language secured the top spot with an average monthly search volume of 170,927 on the back of its popularity due to the influence of anime and manga, the Korean language closely followed as the second-most desired among Americans, with an average monthly search volume of 133,886.

How popular is Korean in the US? ›

According to a survey conducted in the United States in 2019, around 29.4 percent of respondents stated that K-pop was very popular in their country.

How popular is the Korean language? ›

It is impressive when you consider that Korean has around 80 million native speakers, which ranks it as the language with the 15th most native speakers in the world.

Why has K-pop become so popular? ›

Artists combined traditional Korean elements with global music trends, like US hip-hop, which resonated with international audiences. Also, as the digital age progressed, K-pop especially harnessed the power of social media and online communities.

What is the global impact of K-pop? ›

According to the IFPI–the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry–19 of the 20 bestselling albums in the world in 2023 came from from K-pop musicians. That's according to the organization's ranking of the top-selling full-lengths and EPs all around the globe last year, which was released a short time ago.

Is K-pop still popular in America? ›

K-pop's popularity in America is on the rise. According to Luminate's mid-year report, nine of the top 10 bestselling CDs in the U.S. in 2023 are K-pop albums. Acts like BTS, Blackpink, NewJeans, Fifty Fifty, Stray Kids, and Tomorrow X Together rank among the country's biggest and bestselling artists.

Which country do Korean like the most? ›

The United States has proved continuously popular according to Gallup's findings, with 1/5 of Koreans ranking the States as their most desired country. The United States remains a sought-after destination for Korean tourists as the American life and landscape is so wide and varied.

Does Duolingo like K-pop? ›

“For example, we've seen interest in Korean entertainment, like K-Pop and K-dramas, increase recently and that's reflected in Duolingo's data.

What are the top 3 languages spoken in Korea? ›

South Korea has one official language: Korean, although Japanese, English and Mandarin are widely spoken and understood. Korean is a language isolate, meaning that it's a language that is unlike any other, living or dead. Korean has its own grammar system, vocabulary and alphabet: Hangul script.

What languages are dying in Korea? ›

Kim (2018, 34), contemporary Jejueo – like endangered languages in general – is characterised by generational variation. Whereas some older residents maintain a high level of fluency in the language, younger speakers tend to draw heavily on Korean vocabulary and morphosyntax in their speech.

Why is K-pop so addictive? ›

Students get attracted to K-Pop as it provides high voltage excitement, a spurt in dopamine — the brain chemical that gives thrill, happiness, and excitement.

Who made K-pop famous? ›

Fashion. The emergence of Seo Taiji and Boys in 1992 paved the way for the development of contemporary K-pop groups. The group revolutionized the Korean music scene by incorporating rap and American hip-hop conventions into their music.

Who is the most loved K-pop? ›

Let's delve into the popularity rankings of the top 10 K-pop idols.
  1. Jungkook (BTS) Jeon Jeong-guk, globally recognized as Jungkook, is a 26-year-old luminary in K-pop from South Korea. ...
  2. Hyunjin (Stray Kids) ...
  3. Jisoo (BlackPink) ...
  4. J-Hope (BTS) ...
  5. Cha Eun Woo (ASTRO) ...
  6. Minji (NewJeans) ...
  7. V (BTS) ...
  8. Sehun (EXO)
Jan 28, 2024

What makes K-pop unique? ›

K-Pop, or Korean Pop, is a Korean music genre that draws on a wide range of popular music styles. Some of these styles include Hip Hop, Pop, R&B, Electronic Dance Music (EDM), etc. However, one of the key things that sets K-Pop apart from other music styles is the focus on choreography.

How popular is K-pop globally? ›

According to a 2023 survey conducted across 26 countries, nearly 50 percent of respondents stated that the genre K-pop was “very popular” in their country. The popularity was at the point where K-pop was known to the general public and related products were being sold.

How does K-pop influence the youth? ›

K-Pop has an impact that changes the attitudes or habits of teenagers from being non-consumptive to consumptive, and also changes the attitude of teenagers to be more selective in spending the money they have, besides that, teenagers also become individuals who Page 8 Proceeding The 2nd ICHELSS, August 24-25, 2022, ...

What percentage of the US population is Korean? ›

As of 2023, Korean Americans made up about 0.6% of the U.S. population, numbering approximately 2 million people. They are the fifth-largest subgroup within the Asian American community, following Chinese Americans, Filipino Americans, Indian Americans, and Vietnamese Americans.

Where in USA are most Koreans? ›

Southern California and the New York City Metropolitan Area have the largest populations of Koreans outside of the Korean Peninsula.

Which US city has the largest Korean population? ›

Today, we celebrate the culture of our 326,000 residents, and the Korean immigrants who traveled to the US in 1903 - the beginning of the 1st significant wave of Korean immigration. Happy Korean American Day!

What are South Korean views on USA? ›

Anti-American sentiment in Korea began with the earliest contact between the two nations and continued after the division of Korea and Korean War. Despite this, as of 2011, 74% of South Koreans have a favorable view of the U.S., making it one of the most pro-American countries in the world.

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