Korean culture has taken the world by storm, from the global phenomenon of K-pop to the cinematic excellence of Korean dramas. But there’s more to Korea than just its mainstream entertainment. YouTube has become a pivotal platform for Koreans to share their unique perspectives, talents, and insights with a global audience. Whether you’re into the intricacies of Korean economics or the soothing sounds of indie music, there’s a Korean YouTuber out there for you. Here are Korean YouTube channels that I believe everyone, especially those outside Korea, should know about.
1. Sukka World
- Sukka, the YouTuber behind Sukka World, has a unique background. Graduating from one of Korea’s most prestigious national universities with a degree in economics, he initially fell into the world of computer games before eventually becoming a trader at a securities company and then turning to YouTube.
- His channel covers a wide range of topics, including economics, current affairs, and history, not just about Korea but also about China, Russia, Japan, and other global issues.
- What sets Sukka World apart is its in-depth coverage of Korean issues, offering perspectives that major Western media outlets like CNN, BBC, and NYT often overlook. This is particularly valuable given that content about Korea in these outlets sometimes feels distorted or misunderstood from a non-Korean viewpoint.
- I highly recommend his channel for those interested in a nuanced, fun, and balanced exploration of Korean domestic issues, as it broadens subscribers’ general knowledge and understanding of current affairs from a Korean perspective.
2. J.Fla
- J.Fla is a Korean cover song artist who caught my attention with her English renditions of popular pop songs. I initially thought she wasn’t Korean because of her flawless English covers.
- Despite releasing albums in the Korean music industry, she didn’t gain significant attention until her cover songs showcased her charming voice, sometimes even surpassing the originals in appeal.
- Her channel is a must-visit for fans of popular music, especially those who enjoy listening to cover versions of their favorite songs.
- One of my personal favorite covers is her rendition of Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito.”
3. Single Life (Jachinam)
- This channel delves into the single living culture in Korea, which is becoming increasingly relevant due to the country’s low birth rate and growing number of single-person households.
- It features a variety of individuals and their homes, providing a fascinating glimpse into the real lives of Koreans living alone.
- The diversity of the people introduced and the detailed exploration of their living spaces make this channel particularly interesting. There’s also a sister channel that focuses on couples’ living cultures, adding another layer of depth to the exploration of Korean domestic life.
4. Mongmong Kim
- Although not as widely known in terms of subscriber count, Mongmong Kim’s channel offers a plethora of videos on various aspects of Korean culture, such as transportation, fast food chains like McDonald’s, and snacks, all accessible with English subtitles.
- The YouTuber has a special interest in transportation, leading to many videos on trains, planes, and more, alongside short clips that capture the essence of Korean events like the cherry blossom festival. This makes it easy and enjoyable for viewers to get a taste of Korea’s atmosphere.
5. Kim Sooyoung
- Kim Sooyoung is a Korean indie musician, offering a refreshing alternative to the K-pop idol scene with her poetic lyrics and serene guitar melodies.
- Her music, provides comfort and solace, making her my top recommendation for anyone looking for healing tunes.
- One of my personal favorite song is “Let’s love”.
These five Korean YouTubers offer a window into the diverse and rich culture of Korea, from deep economic analyses and stunning music covers to the intimate details of daily life. Whether you’re new to Korean culture or looking to deepen your understanding, these channels are your gateway to exploring more about what Korea has to offer, beyond the mainstream.
Jake