K-pop, K-drama, and Independence Day: Exploring common things between India and South Korea

Time of India

2 days ago

From the addictive music of K-pop to the dramatic highs and lows of K-dramas, and from the soaring pride of Independence Day, India and South Korea share cross-border passions. On August 15, 2025, as India raises its tricolor to commemorate 79 years of hard-won freedom, South Korea will commemorate Gwangbokjeol, the day they recaptured their motherland after decades of occupation.
Though separated by oceans, both countries celebrate tenacity, triumph, and the enduring power of culture to bind people across continents. While India remembers the triumph over centuries of colonial rule, South Korea honours the reclaiming of its land after 35 years under foreign domination. August 15 binds them, a reminder that freedom, pride, and resilience are universal, even if the stories are told in different languages.
Family, tradition, and social bonds
Across India and South Korea, the family remains the foundation of society. Both cultures place a premium on strong family ties, respect for elders, and conventional gender roles in which men provide and women maintain the household, albeit these are gradually altering. Festivals in both countries reflect this emphasis on family; from Diwali in India to Chuseok in Korea, celebrations are centered on reunion, gratitude, and shared heritage.
A shared love for music and pop culture
While Bollywood dominates the Indian musical landscape, the Korean wave has also had a significant impact. Similarly, Indian music and movies have gained popularity in South Korea. K-pop's catchy rhythms, stunning performances, and colorful aesthetics have captivated Indian audiences. From joining fan clubs to learning Korean, Indian audiences have embraced this worldwide phenomenon to the point where the world's largest group, BTS' agency, HYBE, is building an office in Mumbai, reinforcing K-pop's presence in the country.
remember when jungkook was vibing and singing to "nattu nattu " on one of his lives🙂‍↔️ pic.twitter.com/t5hTQ4JDN8
Culinary and cultural echoes
India and Korea also share a fascination with flavors and fermentation. While kimchi reigns in Korea, pickles hold a similar place in Indian cuisine. Both nations boast rich, spice-laden dishes that celebrate local ingredients and culinary heritage.
Traditional architecture, with its focus on courtyards and overhangs, represents a common concept of climate and community space. Historical dramas in film and television also address socioeconomic structures and cultural pride, repeating each other's storytelling traditions.
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