In light of all the success South Korea is seeing for its cultural products, from K-pop to K-movies, a larger debate (outside academic circles) needs to take place about whether this is turning into a form of cultural imperialism in developing countries https://twitter.com/trtworld/status/1304736519865933824

The King Sejong Institute's budget was over $6 billion this year, an increase of about 65% from the previous year. Several of the new locations included centers in African countries with the Ethiopian institute seeing applicants waiting overnight at the chance to learn Korean

According to officials at the institute, other than cultural products, the hopes for a better life and employment are the main motivating reasons why many are trying to learn the language

In 2018, I did an entire series on the impact of South Korea's cultural institution. I challenged the South Korean government's current approach, as it could have an adverse impact, but this is what a foundation under the culture ministry told me: