"Baby Shark Swims in the Korean Wave: A Cultural Analysis of Global Media Phenomena" (University of Cambridge)

While the Korean Wave is usually associated with film, TV shows, and popular music, Korean entrepreneurs have also achieved significant global success in family entertainment. The song “Baby Shark” in particular has become the most watched Youtube video of all time, engrained in the minds of millions of children and parents around the globe. Behind the viral phenomenon is the Korean Pinkfong company which has been building up a global entertainment empire since 2010, even being referred to as the “Korean Disney.” For this year’s Ra Jong-Yil Distinguished Lecture in Korean Studies at the University of Cambridge, we welcome Seungkyu Ryan Lee, co-founder and Head of Global Business of the Pinkfong company, to offer insight into the rise of a different kind of Korean Wave.

Seungkyu Ryan Lee is co-founder of The Pinkfong Company and Smartstudy Venture Capital, having produced globally recognized brands such as “Baby Shark” and “Bebefinn.” A Seoul National University alumnus with formative experience at game developer Nexon, he embodies the spirit of global digital entrepreneurship.

The event is organized by the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Cambridge. The lecture series is made possible through the generous donation by Dr Ra Jong-Yil, former South Korean Ambassador to the UK and Japan. The event is free and open to the public, although tickets should be reserved in advance.