How have K-pop and anime increased interest in non-English languages and cultures?

In the context of cultural globalization, the rise of media-fueled international phenomena such as K-pop and anime has significantly increased global interest in non-English languages and cultural practices.1

These media forms act as powerful catalysts for cross-cultural engagement, encouraging audiences to look beyond national boundaries. Specifically, the global popularity of South Korean content—including music, television dramas, and film—has fostered a greater curiosity regarding the Korean language, as well as Korean fashion and cuisine. This trend is supported by digital infrastructure and streaming platforms, which make it easier for international viewers to access and engage with content in its original language.12

By transcending traditional linguistic and geographic barriers, these cultural exports have helped shift the focus of global audiences toward non-Western perspectives, demonstrating how contemporary media can facilitate the diffusion of cultural practices and linguistic interest on a global scale.1