The Tim Ferriss Show
#707: Live from South Korea — Steve Jang on Korea’s Exploding “Soft Power,” The Poverty-to-Power Playbook, K-Pop, “Han” Energy, Must-See Movies, Export Economies, and Much More
Episode guests
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Quick takeaways
- Korean entertainment, including K-pop and Korean movies, has gained global popularity due to its unique storytelling and authentic, raw portrayal of different themes like class struggle.
- The growth of the Korean entertainment industry can be attributed, in part, to government support and venture capital investment.
- Korean entertainment has garnered a dedicated fanbase globally, with K-pop groups like BTS and Blackpink gaining immense popularity.
- Korean pop culture, particularly K-pop, has become a global phenomenon, influencing music, fashion, and entertainment worldwide.
- Han is a collective trait of the Korean people, representing the collective suffering and shared pain throughout their history.
Deep dives
The Popularity of Korean Entertainment
Korean entertainment, including K-pop and Korean movies, has gained global popularity due to its unique storytelling and authentic, raw portrayal of different themes like class struggle. Government support and venture capital investment in the 1980s laid the foundations for the growth of the Korean entertainment industry. Korean movies and TV series often defy traditional formulas, making them stand out and resonate with audiences worldwide. K-pop, in particular, has attracted a dedicated fan base, with groups like BTS and Blackpink gaining massive international followings. The appeal of Korean entertainment lies in its ability to create immersive and aspirational worlds that captivate and inspire audiences.
Class Struggle as a Recurring Theme
A recurring theme in Korean entertainment is class struggle, reflecting the challenges faced by individuals in a highly competitive society. Movies like 'Parasite' and the works of director Bong Joon-ho delve into the complex dynamics between different social classes, highlighting the imbalances and injustices that exist. These stories resonate with audiences globally because of their nuanced portrayals, refusing to simplify the narratives into clear-cut heroes or villains. This emphasis on class struggle adds depth and realism to Korean entertainment, contributing to its widespread appeal.
Government Support and Venture Capital
The growth of the Korean entertainment industry can be attributed, in part, to government support and venture capital investment. The government's focus on soft power and its initial funding of the venture capital industry paved the way for the success and global reach of Korean movies, TV series, and music. Korean entertainment stands out for its irreverence, authenticity, and willingness to take risks, which differentiates it from formulaic content found in other parts of the world. The combined efforts of government support, venture capital, and creative talent have created a thriving industry that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Global Appeal and Dedicated Fanbase
Korean entertainment has garnered a dedicated fanbase globally, with K-pop groups like BTS and Blackpink gaining immense popularity. The music, performances, and visuals of these groups have attracted fans from diverse backgrounds who connect with the energy and passion infused in their music. Additionally, Korean dramas, movies, and variety shows have found international success, captivating viewers with their unique storytelling and range of genres. The global appeal of Korean entertainment can be attributed to its ability to create immersive experiences, resonate with universal themes, and foster a sense of connection and admiration among its global fanbase.
Korean Pop Culture and its Impact
Korean pop culture, particularly K-pop, has become a global phenomenon, influencing music, fashion, and entertainment worldwide. The formula of K-pop bands includes auditions, training, and assigning specific roles to band members, creating a polished and institutionalized pop culture. The success of K-pop can be attributed to Korea's emphasis on talent development and discovery mechanisms, such as dance training studios and talent scouting programs, which are lacking in the United States. Korea's pop culture export is both industrialized and popular, showcasing the country's ability to take existing concepts and turn them up to 11.
The Concept of Han
Han is a collective trait of the Korean people, representing the collective suffering and shared pain throughout their history. Han drives them to express themselves in strong ways and cultivate a deep bond with each other. It is a complex feeling that can be manifested as strength and determination, but also as anger and frustration. Han is intertwined with the Korean cultural identity and influences their creativity, storytelling, and music, providing authenticity and depth to their films and entertainment industry.
Living in the Moment and Impatience
Koreans live with a sense of urgency and impatience, driven by the notion that tomorrow is not guaranteed due to the tension with North Korea. This urgency fuels their industriousness and productivity, pushing them to achieve as much as possible in the present moment. The fear of being unable to achieve their goals and aspirations drives them to live intensely and seize opportunities with a sense of urgency.
Korean Food and Culture
Korean food is highly regarded for its incredible flavors and variety. Korean barbecue, in particular, is a popular culinary experience, where beef or other cuts of meat are grilled and enjoyed with an array of side dishes. Korean cuisine is appreciated for its distinct flavors, including the use of fermented ingredients, spices, and sesame oil. The vibrant food culture in Korea reflects their commitment to quality, presentation, and culinary craftsmanship.
The Importance of Korean Food as a Cultural Export
Korean food, including Korean barbecue and stews, is hailed as the most important cultural export for South Korea. The podcast episode discusses how Korean cuisine, known for its comfort and home-cooked food, has gained international recognition and popularity. The host emphasizes that Korean food has become a significant element of Korean soft power, captivating people with its incredible flavors and unique dishes. The podcast also highlights the role of the Korean diaspora in spreading Korean cuisine and its impact on the international culinary scene.
The Legacy of Korean Artist Nam June Paik
The podcast episode touches upon the life and influence of Nam June Paik, a renowned Korean artist considered the father of digital and video art. The episode explores how he pushed the boundaries of art, experimented with technology, and made significant contributions to the art world. Despite facing financial difficulties and mental health struggles, Nam June Paik's impact on Korean culture and society is explored, shedding light on his role as a pioneer and a symbol of counterculture. The documentary film about his life and work is also mentioned, showcasing his journey as an internationally recognized artist.
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Steve Jang (@stevejang) is the founder and managing partner at Kindred Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund based in San Francisco. He is also a longtime friend and one of the founder-now-investor generation of VCs that arose out of the last technology cycle. Steve is one of the top 100 venture capital investors in the world, according to Forbes Midas List of top venture capital investors, and was ranked #45 in 2023. He is also a Korean-American, a gyopo, who is deeply invested and involved in both the technological and cultural worlds in the US and Asia.
Previously, Steve was an early advisor to, and angel investor in, Uber, and then an early-stage investor in Coinbase, Postmates, Poshmark, Tonal, Blue Bottle Coffee, and Humane, the AI device platform. He helped Uber, Coinbase, and Blue Bottle Coffee, among others, to expand into Korea and Japan. As an entrepreneur, Steve co-founded companies in the consumer internet, mobile, and crypto space.
In the film and music world, he is an executive producer, and his most recent film is Nam June Paik: Moon Is the Oldest TV, which tells the story of the greatest Korean artist, and father of digital video art, and which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2023. His next film is a documentary about Vitalik Buterin, the creator of Ethereum.
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