The Dark Side of Hallyu: When Korean Fandom Becomes Dangerous Obsession
The recent tragic suicides of three young sisters in Ghaziabad have exposed the potentially dangerous consequences of the Korean wave, or Hallyu, turning into an unhealthy fixation among vulnerable Indian youth. Reports indicate the sisters had adopted Korean names—Maria, Aliza and Cindy—inspired by television shows, spent excessive time consuming Korean content, and dreamed of traveling to Korea before taking their own lives.
When Cultural Appreciation Becomes Identity Crisis
Mumbai teenager Kiara (name changed) represents a growing trend among Indian youth. She recently got a Korean-style haircut, tattooed K-pop lyrics on her arm, insisted on speaking only Korean at home, and completely rejected Indian food in favor of tteokbokki and ramen. Her mother reveals: "She spent her savings on K-beauty products which led to skin problems. We feared she'd lose her cultural identity completely, forcing us to intervene with professional counseling."
Clinical psychologist Dr. Ruby Ahuja explains this phenomenon: "While curiosity about other cultures is healthy, it becomes problematic when it functions as an escape mechanism. This escape from academic pressures and daily stressors replaces real emotional growth, identity formation, and meaningful relationships."
The Allure of K-World: More Than Just Entertainment
For many young Indians, Korean culture has become more than just entertainment—it's an entire lifestyle. Fifteen-year-old Delhi student Sarah Prabhakar describes her immersion: "I groove to K-pop, escape into Korean fanfics, and live for kimchi and ramen. It's more than a trend—it's my happy place."
Her mother Surbhi expresses the parental dilemma: "While I appreciate the global perspective they're gaining, I worry they're trying to be someone they're not. Sarah tried red hair coloring despite our reservations and writes fan fiction about meeting Korean idols. She even wants tattoos now."
The Problematic Pursuit of "Glass Skin"
One particularly concerning trend is the obsession with achieving "glass skin"—the flawless, glowing complexion popularized by Korean beauty standards. Girls as young as ten are using BB creams, glow serums, rice packs, and sheet masks in pursuit of this ideal.
Consumer research firm Datum Intelligence reveals staggering numbers: India currently has 11.9 million K-beauty buyers, with projections exceeding 27 million by 2030. Gurugram-based parent Radhika shares her concern: "My twelve-year-old daughter wants every K-beauty product she sees online. While I don't completely oppose skincare, I worry about peer pressure and comparisons driving this obsession."
Dr. Ahuja recounts an extreme case: "A fifteen-year-old from Chandigarh developed body dysmorphic disorder, convinced her face was too big and fat. She regularly cried looking in mirrors, demanded cosmetic procedures, and underwent frequent hair straightening treatments."
Language Learning and Emotional Over-Investment
The fascination extends to language acquisition, with Korean ranking as the sixth most popular language studied globally on Duolingo. Notably, over 65% of Korean language learners are aged 13-22. While language learning itself isn't concerning, experts warn about the emotional over-investment that often accompanies it.
Korean entertainment—from K-dramas like 'Squid Game' and 'Crash Landing on You' to K-pop groups like BTS and Blackpink—has become ubiquitous. Child psychologists note that excessive immersion in these fantasy worlds weakens resilience: "Instead of learning to manage disappointment or conflict, children repeatedly escape into these worlds for relief," explains Dr. Ahuja.
Recognizing Red Flags and Striking Balance
Trauma-focused therapist Bhakti Joshi identifies specific risks: "Intense Korean fandom can lead to identity diffusion, emotional overinvestment, escapism, and unrealistic relational expectations that impact mental well-being and self-formation."
Parents face the challenging task of balancing cultural exploration with healthy boundaries. Surbhi shares her successful approach: "Rather than depriving my daughter or taking away her gadgets, I got involved in her interests. I became her friend, enjoyed Korean music and movies with her, and used this connection to set reasonable limits."
Experts emphasize that awareness, timely intervention, and open communication are crucial. Parents should teach children to appreciate Korean culture as complex and lived—not just as aesthetic or entertainment—while encouraging broader curiosity beyond idols and celebrities.
The Ghaziabad tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that what begins as innocent cultural fascination can spiral into dangerous obsession without proper guidance and emotional support systems in place.
