English in Korean Media
June 10, 2008
Ever been to a foreign country and found many things written in English? Watched a foreign film and noticed they would speak random English at times? Why not random Portuguese? And are you aware of engrish.com?
If yes, you have witnessed small western obsessions that occur throughout the world. English has been put on a high pedestal in many places. It has even made it into the media, Korea especially. Singers and bands are adding English words and phrases to their songs and movie characters are played as English-savvy by actors who may not speak a word of it. This influences the average Korean person also when all around them, the western culture is screaming out to them. It makes them want to know more so that they understand fully what is going on.
Here are some samples of real Korean TV shows that have been centered around the English language:
TV Show in English Village - This show is centered around a popular Korean band who host two English speakers for a couple of months. It is very relatable and people can learn a lot from watching while having a laugh.
Speed English - A variety television show that have famous people guest appear and play different games, including their most popular one, Speed English. An English speaker is chosen to guess a certain thing based off of the player’s English in a certain amount of time.
These types of shows are becoming much more common and are watched by the majority of the nation. As you can see, both have native English speakers/teachers in them. Here is also another job opportunity foreigners may have! There are quality entertainment opportunities that teachers could grab and make much more money than the average. It is not too hard to become popular for your teaching ability in Korea.
“혼자 얼마나 애 태운지 몰라~
그런데 니가 날 사랑한다니~
어머~! 다시 한 번 말해봐~
Tell me tell me tell tell tell tell tell tell me
나를 사랑한다고
날 기다려 왔다고
Tell me tell me tell tell tell tell tell tell me
내가 필요하다 말해~ 말해줘요
Tell me tell me tell tell tell tell tell tell me
자꾸만 듣고 싶어” – song lyrics excerpt
No translation is required. You may not understand what all the funky symbols mean, but you can spot the repeated English lines. They happen to be the biggest line in the song, ninety-nine percent of Korea’s population constantly sing it. Well, maybe not ninety-nine percent, but a fair amount. Get the picture?
Credit: Lotteria
English in Korean Media: Arirang
