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By Archnetys News Team | Published: April 13, 2025
South Korean actor Kim Seon-ho is currently experiencing a surge in popularity in China, fueled by a viral social media trend. the “Kim Seon-ho Smile challenge,” inspired by a scene from the Netflix drama Spring awakening, has taken Chinese social media platforms by storm.
The challenge centers around recreating a specific scene where Kim seon-ho’s character, Chung-seop, playfully winks while placing his hands on his chest. This simple yet endearing gesture has resonated deeply with Chinese audiences, sparking a wave of imitations and creative interpretations.
Platforms like TikTok (Douyin in China) and Xiaohongshu are flooded with videos tagged with hashtags like Kim Seon-ho Smile Challenge
. Users are showcasing their own versions of the wink and smile, demonstrating the challenge’s widespread appeal. This trend highlights the power of social media in transcending geographical boundaries and cultural differences, allowing content to rapidly gain traction across international audiences.
Despite Kim Seon-ho’s rising popularity, a critically important hurdle exists: Netflix is not officially available in China. this restriction forces fans to seek alternative, frequently enough unofficial, means of accessing Spring awakening. Reports indicate that viewers are resorting to VPNs or downloading the series from unofficial sources.
This situation underscores the ongoing challenges of content distribution in China,where strict regulations often limit access to foreign media. The demand for Spring Awakening, however, demonstrates the strong interest in Korean dramas and the lengths to which viewers will go to access them.
Critical Acclaim Despite Unofficial Distribution
Even with the distribution challenges, Spring Awakening has garnered significant praise within China. The drama review site, The Urban, reports over 40,000 reviews with an notable average rating of 9.4. this positive reception further emphasizes the show’s quality and Kim Seon-ho’s captivating performance.
The Broader Impact of K-Dramas
The “Kim Seon-ho Smile Challenge” is just one example of the broader influence of Korean dramas (K-dramas) on global culture. K-dramas have consistently gained popularity worldwide, influencing fashion, beauty trends, and even language learning. According to a recent study by the Korea Foundation, the global viewership of K-dramas has increased by 30% in the past year, demonstrating their continued growth and impact.
Zhangjiajie Extends Invitation to Korean Drama Team Following On-Screen Mention
A scenic locale courts a popular drama’s production team, hoping to capitalize on a fleeting reference.
Capitalizing on Fictional Wanderlust: Zhangjiajie’s Tourism Play
The Zhangjiajie Culture and Tourism Sports Bureau has extended an official invitation to the production team behind a recent Korean drama, including director kim Won-seok and writer Shim Chun-chun. This move comes after a character in the show, Ae Soon (played by Moon Sori), expressed a desire to visit Zhangjiajie’s famed autumn foliage.
The Power of Pop Culture in Tourism
This isn’t the first time a destination has leveraged the power of pop culture to boost tourism. The impact of film and television on travel choices is well-documented. For example, after the release of Lord of the Rings, tourism to New Zealand surged, with many visitors specifically seeking out locations featured in the films. Similarly, the Harry Potter series has had a lasting impact on tourism to the UK, particularly to locations like Alnwick Castle and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
According to a 2024 study by the World Tourism Institution (UNWTO), film tourism can increase a destination’s visibility by up to 300%, leading to a significant boost in revenue and job creation.
Zhangjiajie’s Bid for Increased Visibility
Zhangjiajie, known for its stunning sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains of Pandora in the film Avatar, is clearly hoping to replicate this success. By inviting the Korean drama team,the city aims to tap into the popularity of Korean dramas,which have a massive global following. The hope is that featuring Zhangjiajie in a future production will attract a wave of tourists eager to experience the landscape firsthand.
Strategic Tourism and Cultural Exchange
The invitation also highlights the growing cultural exchange between China and South Korea. Korean dramas, often referred to as “K-dramas,” have gained immense popularity in China and across Asia, influencing fashion, food, and travel trends. This invitation can be seen as a strategic move to strengthen ties and promote Zhangjiajie as a desirable destination for Korean travelers.
