Introduction
Korean wave
The Korean wave refers to the noteworthy increase in the fame of South Korean entertainment and culture starting in the 1990s, in Asia, and more recently in other parts of the world. As one put it, it represents a surge in the international prominence of Korean culture. The term was created in mid 1999 by Beijing journalists amazed at the fast growing popularity of Korean entertainment and culture in China The wave is more than a mere cultural phenomenon; it has proven to have a significant impact on the South Korean economy, as well as on the political and cultural influence of South Korea.
For example, in 2011 based on international activity the Korean wave added approximately USD$3.8 billion dollars of revenue to the South Korean economy.
OTAKU
The term is a loanword from the Japanese language. In English, it is usually used to refer to an obsessive fan of anime/manga and/or Japanese culture generally, and to a lesser extent Japanese video games. It is sometimes used without the Japanese association with "geek" and "otaku" being exchangeable, indicating a person who is intelligent and obsessive about a subject, but not necessarily to the point of social ineptness.
The term serves as a label similar to Trekkie or fanboy. However, use of the label can be a source of contention among some anime fans, particularly those who are aware of the negative connotations the term has in Japan. Unpleasant stereotypes about otaku prevail in worldwide fan communities, and some anime fans express concern about the effect these more extreme fans can have on the reputation of their hobby (not unlike sentiments in the comic book and science fiction fandoms).
The term was popularized by William Gibson's 1996 novel Idoru, which has several references to otaku.
“ | The otaku, the passionate obsessive, the information age's embodiment