Spread of Korean culture and Korean language education in Italy

The global influence of the Korean Wave has led to a dramatic increase in the number of students learning Korean in Italy, directly linked to the rise in students majoring or minoring in Korean in Italian universities with Korean Studies programs. This phenomenon indicates that Korean Studies in Italy is rapidly growing in both quantitative and qualitative aspects. Previously, Korean Studies in Italy were often considered a subset of Chinese or Japanese studies and were mainly managed or researched by a small number of scholars specializing in Korean literature or history. However, the recent popularity of K-pop, led by groups like BTS and Blackpink, along with the success of Korean dramas on streaming services, have significantly sparked interest in Korean content. This interest, grounded in the historical diplomatic relations established between Korea and Italy since 1884 and the continuous close relations in politics, economy, and culture up to the present day, highlights how the Korean Wave is reshaping Korean language education in Italy and contributing to the global spread of the Korean language, showcasing an important role in the development between the two nations under a different light from the past.