What is Hallyu Wave?

The Korean wave, (Hangul: 한류; Hanja: 韓流; RR: Hallyu) refers to the significant increase in the popularity 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 visibility of Korean culture. The term was coined in mid 1999 by Beijing journalists surprised at the fast growing popularity of Korean entertainment and culture in China. Hallyu primarily consists of three forms of media: pop music (K-pop), television dramas (K-drama) and movies (K-movies). The wave is more than a mere cultural phenomenon;[citation needed] it has proven to have a considerable impact on the 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.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_wave