Korean Wave revitalizes Uzbek communities amid cultural tensions
- The Koryo-saram, a Korean diaspora in Central Asia, has a history of deportation and cultural assimilation.
- Interest in Korean culture has surged, with many ethnic Uzbeks and Koryo-saram learning the language and engaging with K-pop.
- The future of Koryo-saram identity is at risk as younger generations may prioritize a South Korean identity over their own.
The Koryo-saram, a Korean diaspora in Central Asia, has faced significant cultural challenges since their deportation by Stalin. With around 500,000 Koryo-saram in the former Soviet Union, their unique language, Koryo-mar, is now endangered due to assimilation and the influence of Russian, Uzbek, and Kazakh languages. The King Sejong Institute has seen a shift in its student demographic, with 40% of learners now being ethnic Uzbeks, drawn by the popularity of Korean culture, particularly K-pop and films. This interest has led to a revival of Korean language learning among younger generations, including those from Koryo-saram families, who seek to connect with their heritage while also embracing South Korean culture. However, this cultural exchange raises concerns about the potential loss of Koryo-saram identity as many individuals aspire to migrate to South Korea for better opportunities, further diluting their distinct cultural roots. As the Koryo-saram community navigates these changes, the future of their identity remains uncertain, with younger generations increasingly identifying with South Korean culture rather than their own.