Cultural diplomacy as a tool of public diplomacy: South Korea's Hallyu (Korean Wave) policy

This study investigates the soft power potential of the Hallyu (Korean Wave). It combines a theoretical discussion of soft power with a descriptive analysis of the Hallyu. The conceptual framework is developed by drawing on Joseph Nye's work, which is followed by an analysis of the Korean Wave within this conceptual framework as a discussion of how Korea can benefit from the Korean Wave by forging a collaboration between the state and private sectors to achieve certain international political and economic goals. The study concludes that even if South Korea does not depend solely on soft power for its public diplomacy, the Korean Wave can contribute to its soft power by providing opportunities to improve Korea's international image, expanding the network effect of Korean popular culture, as well as image production with its internationally famous idols.