ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the fascination with Indian culture in twenty-first-century Korean pop culture. Accuracy in presenting Indian motifs is found to be relatively insignificant in this realm, with a focus on symbolic communication shaping emotional perception. Subchapter one, Hindu Gods Adapted for K-pop Songs, examines how several Hindu deities are incorporated into K-pop videos. The following part, Bindi, Mehndi, Curry… and Bollywood-ish Choreography in Korean Video Clips, explores the syncretisation of Indian cultural elements (jewellery, makeup, clothing, cuisine, everyday life, etc.) for aesthetic purposes. Subchapter three, Curry Is So Delicious! – Manhwa “Kubera,” analyses the Indian components in the popular manhwa, exploring their role in constructing the storyline The concluding part, Back to the Legend. Indian Associations in the Historical Drama, Kim Suro, the Iron King, dissects a 32-episode K-drama, questioning its emphasis on the (uncertain) Indian origins of Hŏ Hwang-ok over historical facts or contextual details, prioritising the overall image intended by the drama producers. Overall, the chapter explores diverse instances where Indian motifs contribute to the aesthetic appeal and emotional impact of the media creations.
