K-pop motivates foreigners to learn Korean

Nearly 60 percent of the 524 Korean language learners from 65 nations responded that K-pop influenced them to learn the language, according to a survey by Kyung Hee University's Institute of International Education.

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The respondents said K-pop also raised their interest in Korea, with 18.8 percent of them visiting the country.

About 11 percent of the respondents said they became favorable toward Korean culture, while 11 percent also became fans of certain Korean pop stars.

A number of foreigners were first acquainted with Korean pop music through YouTube or their respective television broadcasts, followed by Korean television programs or Facebook.

Some 37.9 percent of respondents picked dance as the most fascinating factor of Korean pop that distinguishes the genre from other pop music.

Over one out of three pointed to the catchy melodies as another strong point of K-pop, and 27.4 percent regarded the rhythm as attractive.

Noraebang, a Korean-style karaoke room, was the general way to enjoy K-pop, as more than two out of five international music fans responded so. How they enjoy the music depended on the region, as East Asian fans said they go to concerts, whereas the Europeans or the supporters from North and South Americas said they listen to music on YouTube.

By Yi Whan-woo