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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

Nov 29, 2023
Steve Jang, a top venture capital investor, discusses Korea's explosive soft power, the poverty-to-power playbook, and must-see movies. They explore the historical context of Korea's development, the contrasting cultures of Korea and Japan, emotional reunions of divided families, and the global impact of Korean pop culture. The role of conglomerates in the Korean economy, the concept of 'Han' in Korean culture, and the low birth rate and high cost of living in South Korea are also discussed.
02:33:18

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.

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.

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