Negotiating Identity in the Korean Wave: Cultural Hybridity among Adolescent Girls in a Peripheral Context

Abstract

Globalisation and the rise of social media have significantly influenced the lifestyle of youth in various regions, including Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), Indoneisa leading to changes in local culture, notably through the adoption of Korean lifestyle trends. This phenomenon has resulted in cultural hybridity, especially among young women who are the primary adopters of foreign cultural trends. This study aims to analyse the impact of Korean lifestyle influences on the cultural hybridity of local traditions among young women at State Senior High School 3 (SMAN 3) Kupang, Indonesia. A qualitative approach was used, employing a case study design, which involved participant observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis of relevant media and cultural trends. The findings reveal that the influence of Korean lifestyle extends beyond fashion and dressing styles to include social behaviours, communication patterns, and the values upheld by the young women at SMAN 3 Kupang. While there is a strong inclination towards adopting Korean trends, these young women still retain and integrate elements of NTT's local culture into their everyday lives, demonstrating a balance between foreign and indigenous influences. The study concludes that the hybridity observed among the young women at SMAN 3 Kupang is the result of a dynamic interaction between local and foreign cultures, creating a new identity that is both flexible and adaptive to the changing times. This cultural fusion provides insight into how young people negotiate their identities in a globalised world, blending traditional values with contemporary global influences.