Korean Wave as an instrument of cultural diplomacy of the Republic of Korea towards China after 1998

The foreign policy of any country serves the realization of national interests, and cultural diplomacy is not an exception and is an important means of realizing national interests. The “Korean wave” came to China in the late 20th century and, based on popular culture such as Korean popular music (K-pop) and dramas as carriers, it created a widespread wave of love and admiration for Korean pop culture in China. As the influence of the Korean Wave expanded in China, the Chinese public's demand for Korean pop culture products increased, which in turn led to a significant increase in Korean exports to China. In realizing the huge economic benefits brought about by the Korean Wave, the Korean government began to attach great importance to and formulate a strategy to make culture the new driving force of the country's economic growth, to foster the growth of China-Korean trade and economic ties, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the detrimental effects of the financial crisis and revitalizing the economy of the nation. With the development of cultural exchanges between the Republic of Korea（ROK）and China and the continuous growth of the “Korean Wave's” influence in China, the ROK has begun to integrate it into its own cultural diplomacy, and trying to utilize the power of the “Korean Wave” to accelerate the cultural exchanges with China, exporting its own lifestyle and values, trying to influence the Chinese public's attitude towards the ROK, and enhancing the national image, thus improving the soft power of ROK. However, although the Korean Wave has brought many positive effects to the Korean government, there are also certain problems. This thesis provides a comprehensive discussion of the “Korean Wave” as a cultural diplomacy tool, focusing on its impact on the relations between the ROK and its Chinese neighbors since 1998 and how the Korean government has integrated the Korean Wave into its cultural diplomacy strategy with the intention to achieve its strategic goals. In addition, the multiple milestones of the Korean cultural diplomacy strategy towards China are described, as well as the relevant means adopted. The thesis has been organized into three sections. The initial section outlines the concept of cultural diplomacy and the “Hallyu” factor in Korean cultural diplomacy. The second part presents a case study of the Korean Wave as a means of cultural diplomacy with China. Finally, it explains the manifold impacts of the Korean Wave on the diplomatic, economic, political and cultural aspects of bilateral relations.