• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.154-164
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• 2004

The purpose of this theses is to review Hanliu phenomenon, a kind of social and cultural phenomenon, in China around A. D. 2000 in the view of the culture-diffusion theory, and analyze its effect to the fashion style of the new young generation of China. In this theses, Hanliu phenomenon means the enthusiasm of Asian people for Korean mass cultures such as Korean dramas, pop songs and fashions from late 1990's. This research adopts two kinds of methods for analyzing Hanliu phenomenon: a qualitative research method and a quantitative one. As a qualitative research method, we analyzed Hanliu phenomenon with several sources of documentaries and audio-visual materials on it. As a quantitative research method, we conducted a survey of about 100 university students in Beijing for how they feel of korean culture and fashions. The Hanliu phenomenon leads to the popularity of Korean products and the general Korean cultures. Also, it affected the Chinese young generation so much that the Korean fashion becomes popular among them. Its effects to the fashion styles of Chinese youths can be summarized in three factors as follows. Firstly, the fashions of Korean entertainers such as H.O.T hair style and Hip-hop fashion style are widely imitated. Secondly, the preference of Korean fashion products has been widely increased. The number of stores dealing with Korean fashion products has been increased. Finally, Korean culture and products have actively been imitated in China according to the increased popularity of Korean fashion products.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.967-983
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• 2004

The purpose of this study is to review Hanliu phenomenon, a kind of social and cultural phenomenon, in China and to analyze its effects on the fashion style of new young generation of China. In this study, Hanliu phenomenon means the enthusiasm of Asian people for Korean mass culture including Korean dramas, pop songs, and fashions from late 1990s. This research adopts two kinds of methods for analyzing the phenomenon: qualitative and quantitative research methods. As a qualitative research method, we analyzed it with several sources of documentaries and audio-visual materials: articles from newspapers and magazines, special TV reports, and documentary movie files from Internet. As a quantitative research method, we surveyed approximately 100 female students of Beijing university and asked how they feel Korean culture and fashions. The Hanliu phenomenon led to the popularity of Korean products as well as general culture of Korea. Also, it influenced Chinese young generation so much that Korean fashion has become prevailing. Such influence on the street fashion of Chinese youths can be summarized in three factors as follows: First, Korean entertainers' fashion is widely imitated. For example, H.O.T-like hairstyles, hip-hop styles, large heel shoes with boots-cut pants, and long-curled permanent hairstyles have been on among Chinese youths. Second, the preference for Korean fashion products has highly increased. The number of stores dealing with Korean fashion products has increased. Even the 'Kim Hee Seen,' a fashion brand named after a famous Korean actress, was introduced. Finally, Korean culture and products have widely been imitated in China as much as the increasing popularity of Korean fashion products. This study reveals that Hanliu phenomenon is widespread in China, and Chinese youths are largely affected by the fashion styles of Korean entertainers. Also, Korean fashion products are largely imitated and benchmarked in China. Hanliu phenomenon is a big chance to approach the fashion market of China, the largest buying power in the world. To make inroads into the Chinese fashion market, we suggest that we need to have our own brand and to make the most of culture, stars, and Internet in marketing. Also, we need a well-planned strategy for a success in the Chinese fashion market.