Vietnam has third most K-pop fans in the world

By Hoang Nguyen March 14, 2023 | 03:15 pm PT

BTS, the best-selling K-pop band of all time, perform on ABC's 'Good Morning America' show in Central Park in New York City, U.S., May 15, 2019. Photo by Reuters/Brendan McDermid

Vietnam has the third-highest number of hallyu (K-pop and South Korean pop culture) fans in the world, behind only China and Thailand, a new study says

According to the annual report "2022 Global Hallyu Status" by the non-profit organization Korea Foundation, of the estimated 178 million hallyu fans around the world, 13.3 million are in Vietnam, reported The Korea Times.

China ranks first with 84 million and Thailand trails behind in second with 16.8 million.

Asia and Oceania are the main regional markets for hallyu culture, accounting for over 73% of fans. Europe is the fastest growing hallyu market, with 13 million fans as of last year, a 37% increase from the previous year.

The number of hallyu fans in 2022 has increased 18 times since the Korea Foundation’s first survey was launched in 2012. Back then, the total global number was only 9.26 million.

The study reported that the number of hallyu fan clubs is 1,684, a 120 percent increase from 757 in 2012.

"Reasons contributing to interest in Korean culture include K-pop’s catchy melodies, creative choreography and messages behind the lyrics. Other factors included hallyu's perceived trendy style, economic and cultural development model and an emphasis on etiquette and family," The Korean Herald wrote.

A total of 118 countries were surveyed for this report by 149 overseas South Korean diplomatic missions.