Ghaziabad: From food and fashion to web series and pop music, Korean culture has increasingly influenced India’s youth over the last few years. The tragic death of three minor sisters in Ghaziabad, who reportedly jumped from the ninth floor of their apartment, has once again brought the growing “Korean Wave” into the spotlight.
While the case remains under investigation, early reports suggested that Korean dramas and online games may have played a role. The incident has sparked a larger debate about the deep emotional attachment young people develop with digital entertainment and foreign pop culture—and how quickly such interests can turn into obsession.
In an effort to understand why Korean content has such a powerful hold over Indian youth, several young people shared their perspectives. Their responses indicate that Korean dramas, K-pop, and even anime have mastered the art of targeting young audiences, creating stories that feel personal and relatable.
‘K-Dramas Directly Connect With Our Lives,’ Say Teenagers
Seventeen-year-old Abeer believes the biggest reason behind the popularity of K-pop and Korean dramas is their youth-centric storytelling.
“Korean dramas show friendship, school and college life, and emotions that we can directly relate to. Their singers also create songs meant for young people. They talk about friendship, dreams, and staying strong,” he said.
Abeer added that young audiences often start adopting what they watch. “That is why Korean food is also becoming popular. People like eating Ramyeon, Kimbap and even Korean-style sushi at cafes or ordering online,” he explained.
‘K-pop Groups Represent Friendship and Charm,’ Says Student Learning Hangul
Ayushi Yadav, a 21-year-old student who is learning Hangul (Korean language), said Korean entertainment has a different appeal compared to Indian cinema.
“Korean singers perform in groups and they promote friendship and living a good life. In dramas, male characters are presented in a charming way. In India, movies and songs targeting youth are limited. That’s why many of us prefer Korean content,” she said.
How the Korean Wave Spread in India
The rising attraction toward Korean culture is not seen as temporary. Popularly known as Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, the trend first gained popularity in India through the northeastern states, particularly Manipur, in the early 2000s.
However, the movement reached its peak during the COVID-19 lockdown. With people confined indoors, especially teenagers and young adults, platforms like Netflix and other streaming apps became the primary source of entertainment. Since then, the Korean wave has only expanded.
When Fascination Turns Into Danger
Experts warn that the real danger begins when young minds become so deeply addicted to digital entertainment that they stop engaging with real life, family or school.
The problem becomes more serious when parents suddenly attempt to stop or restrict mobile phone usage. For children who have emotionally attached themselves to online characters, music idols or fictional worlds, the sudden withdrawal can feel suffocating.
What the Suicide Note Revealed
In this Ghaziabad case, police recovered an emotional note allegedly written by the sisters. The diary reportedly began with the heading “True Life Story” and urged the parents to read it immediately.
The note contained repeated apologies such as:
“I am really sorry… Sorry Papa.”
The diary also reflected the sisters’ extreme attachment to Korean dramas and K-pop. They allegedly wrote that Korean content was their “life” and questioned why their father tried to separate them from it.
The note reportedly stated that they loved Korean actors and K-pop groups even more than their own family. It also listed their favourite entertainment choices, including Korean actors, Chinese, Thai and Japanese content, Hollywood songs, games like Poppy Playtime, and several cartoons.
The diary also suggested that the sisters felt disturbed by the idea of marriage and feared being forced into it. They reportedly wrote that they could never accept marrying an Indian man while being emotionally attached to Korean culture.
A Wake-Up Call for Parents and Society
The Ghaziabad tragedy has now become more than just a police investigation. It has become a warning sign for parents, schools and society about how children today are living in a completely different world—one that exists inside a screen.
The incident highlights the urgent need for emotional communication, psychological support, and responsible digital supervision, before entertainment turns into obsession and isolation turns into irreversible tragedy.
Discover more from SD NEWS agency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.