Wild Card

 

Asian influence is evident in American culture, specifically in American entertainment. In this article, I will be looking at how Korea, Japan, and China have influenced American media through music, television, and movie production.

Korean Influence 

Since the start of the 21st century, Korean culture has significantly impacted American entertainment. This phenomenon is called the Korean Wave and has influenced various aspects of American entertainment. 

Even if you are not a KPOP or Korean drama fan, you can still admit that Korean influence is everywhere. Whether you see it or hear it, the spread of Korean culture is in America. 

Remember in 2012, when the hit song Gangnam Style completely took over the internet? That was KPOP! That four-minute song became the first video to reach 1 billion views on YouTube and skyrocketed PSY to become a globally recognized artist.

PSY is just one of the few examples of American fascination with KPOP. BTS, one of the most popular and successful groups in the world, is constantly dominating American music charts and award shows. 

BTS is credited as being "the band that changed KPOP". Although KPOP music was present in America, it wasn't until 2017 when BTS made their American debut that foreign audiences began their obsession with Korean pop stars. 

Since their debut, BTS has received five Grammy nominations and stands as the most-awarded artist in South Korean history. In November, the group made history with the most number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 this decade.

BTS isn't the only successful KPOP group in America, in fact, it seems as though KPOP artists and their music is increasing in popularity every week. BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, and SEVENTEEN attract huge American fanbases as well. 

KPOP artists have become such a huge staple in American music, they are featured in popular talk shows, advertisements, and award shows to attract huge fanbases to America. KPOP "idols" are advertised to the public in a unique "appeal point" in an effort to attract different demographics of fans and keep a heavy emphasis on different talents within groups. 

KPOP, once a niche music genre, is now one of the most mainstream and popular genres of music in America. KPOP has introduced an "emphasis on performance and a larger appeal to more demographics has been introduced". The complex performances of KPOP groups have challenged American artists to "step up their game", and incorporate dances into their set lists. 

Not only has KPOP influenced American entertainment, but the beauty and fashion industry as well. Idols are expected to look "picture perfect" 24/7, without any indication of a flaw. This fantastical expectation has attracted new fanbases, intrigued by the idols' style and unhealthy habits that help them achieve these standards. 

Korean idols have also influenced a minimalistic fashion style, that Americans adore, as well as skincare products and routines. 

The Korean KPOP industry has a heavy influence on American entertainment, bringing Asian culture into Western music, beauty, and style. 

Japanese Influence

During the 1990s, Japanese anime reached mainstream popularity in the U.S. market. Anime such as Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and Pokémon became some of the most popular shows in America. 

In 1998, Pokémon completely changed the way anime was perceived in America. Pokémon was an instant "ratings hit, a pop culture phenomenon, and monumental commercial success" through its massive merchandise empire (trading cards, video games, toys). 

Anime was most popular among the youth of America, with shows airing on Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. 

Japanese anime created a huge impact on American entertainment, inspiring American-style anime. In this style, animators mimicked anime-like drawings and storylines. 

Ultimate Spider-Man, the Powerpuff Girls, and Teen Titans, were all American-style anime shows. 

One of, if not the most, popular American-style anime shows is Avatar: The Last Airbender.  

Avatar: The Last Airbender Intro

Avatar: The Last Airbender's first episode premiered on Nickelodeon in 2005, with over 5 million viewers, higher than any Nickelodeon show ratings at the time. Throughout the duration of the show, each episode release averaged 1.1 million views. 

This "imaginative fantasy series" is not only drawn from Japanese animation but different world cultures as well, pulling inspiration from real Asian countries and Asian schools of thought. The show is credited for its popularization of Western anime style, utilizing "similar facial drawings and body movements" from Japanese anime. 

Anime's impact on American entertainment has influenced new animation styles and storylines, celebrating Japanese culture in America. 

Chinese Influence

For several decades, China has held a "soft power" over Hollywood. This power has influenced filmmaking and production in American films, completely changing American film distribution. 

TCL Chinese Theatre: One of the most famous landmarks in Hollywood, the historic TCL Chinese Theatre opened its doors in 1927. Since its opening, the Chinese Theatre has premiered many famous movies, including George Lucas' 1977 film, Star Wars (A New Hope). "Among the theatre's features are the concrete blocks set in the forecourt, which bear the signatures, footprints, and handprints of popular motion picture personalities from the 1920s to the present day". 

China has always been a huge market that Hollywood has striven to occupy. In the early 2000s, China began distributing select foreign films within its borders, becoming an even bigger target for American film companies. But that didn't make it easier to penetrate the barrier between China and the rest of the world. 

To release a foreign film in China, films must be approved by the Chinese Communist Party, in order to "redevelop films for viewing" if necessary. This obstacle has greatly affected huge companies like Disney and their production within China. The CCP has requested Disney to make revisions to films for LGBTQ+ references, as well as political reasons. 

China has Hollywood wrapped around their finger, influencing filmmakers' decisions, as well as their production rate within the country. In order to make any profit within the world's most populous country, Hollywood must comply with China's demands regarding any changes within films.

Overview

Asian culture is a huge component of American entertainment. The influence is present in almost every genre of entertainment within America, proving the importance of foreign media in America.