Hit in the KOR

In the previous post, I discussed about something distinctly Japanese. Two days ago, I mentioned something that involves its neighbor slightly to the west. I want to go back and discuss the latter. So, apart from being something that hails from Japan, Pokémon is popular in many parts, including its neighbor of South Korea. While South Korea is more known for its other "exports" to the world - which are described as part of a "wave" - the fact that they're receptive to "importing" something such as Pokémon is a fascinating thing as well.

As part of that "import", each Pokémon has its own name in Korean and rendered through Hangul, the script of the language in question; this is something I've mentioned ages ago in a commentary about them in different languages. Even so, quite a few of these names are remarkably similar to either their Japanese or English counterparts. The former would be no accident, of course, since the language and its counterparts to the east and west may be considered to have some linkages with each other. Regardless, this becomes an important point for Pokémon fitting into a language with its own quirks.

Evidently, just like how in my neck of the woods there are specific Pokémon merchandise, Korea would have its specific ones too. The doll from two days ago would be just that. It is no one's fault, really; each region of the world would have its specific merchandise to suit what people like and what people might need. And for Koreans, their Pokémon XY doll series seem sufficiently stylish for them. That doesn't keep other Pokémon fans like me from appreciating them, though.

And speaking of appreciation, quite a few South Koreans have taken to embrace Pokémon. The main series games (and others) are playable in Korean, and those who play can be really good; several South Koreans have made their stride in the VGCs. As well, South Korea was one of the early targets for PokéStop nominations in Go. Elsewhere, Pokémon is at the least also a pop culture phenomenon, with even at least one member of a certain female group that represents South Korea's "exports" knowing about Pikachu. However much they know, the fact of the matter is that Pokémon has pervaded the people, much like in other parts of the world.

It's hard to deny that Pokémon is popular everywhere, and the same is evidently true for South Korea. Though it's something that is highly evocative of its eastern neighbor, it has at least made its welcome on its shores, fitting in with the language and appreciation of its people. I'm not a really big fan of South Korean things, but seeing something as Pokémon making its way through South Korea makes me warm, knowing that people there too can appreciate it and become fans as well. It too is really a hit on those shores.

One year ago: Keeping the Demo Versions
Two years ago: Cosplay Laundry