Perception of religion and life among adolescents: Hallyu sample

The study, which aims to understand the perceptions of religion and life of adolescents interested in South Korean culture and their relationship with Hallyu, was carried out using qualitative research methods, with data collected through semi-structured interviews and participant observation with adolescents between the ages of 14 and 28. Within the scope of the study, it was observed that adolescents experience trust issues, loneliness, feelings of emptiness and social adaptation difficulties, and difficulties in family and friend relationships while Hallyu played an important role in terms of social support and coping mechanisms for them. In addition, it has been observed that they develop a sense of belonging through Hallyu, and that Hallyu is not only a source of entertainment, but also has some effects on the emotional and social situations of adolescents. It is seen that most of the participants stated that life has no meaning or that they don't have an overarching meaning of life, and that this situation is especially due to environmental factors. In addition, it can be said that adolescents' perceptions of religion and God are related to the search for security and peace, and some individuals experience difficulties in religious practices and feel guilty. It has been observed that the religious doubts and conflicts they experience are mainly caused by environmental and cognitive factors, and that traditional religiosity negatively affects adolescents' religious perceptions. At this point, it has been observed that the effects of religion on adolescents, on the one hand, nurture the search for trust, on the other hand, lead to internal conflicts and they are more inclined towards individual religiosity. The results of the study show that in general, adolescents use Hallyu as a social support and coping mechanism, they don't have an inclusive meaning of life, and their perceptions of religion and God support their search for security and peace. On the other hand, it has been observed that adolescents find social belonging and emotional support through Hallyu elements, experience both positive and negative emotions in their religious perceptions and prefer to experience individual religiosity mostly due to environmental factors.