33 Keys to Understanding the Korean Wave, Hallyu

#1 The Spirit of Bibimbap 

From Nam Jun Paik to BTS 

*Note to Readers

The columns published in the Zoom section of NYCultureBeat contain selected excerpts—typically the opening paragraphs—from each chapter of the book 33 Keys to Understanding the Korean Wave: Beyond BTS, Parasite, and Squid Game (2025). These previews are meant to introduce the book’s themes and tone.

The complete book—featuring 33 updated chapters and new cultural insights—is available in both paperback and hardcover editions:

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F7HYLVCL

Hardcover: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F7HZ34Y3

© Sukie Park. All rights reserved. These excerpts are for preview purposes only and may not be reproduced in full or redistributed.

Dynamic Korea, Sparkling Koreans / Nam June Paik praised “the spirit of bibimbap.” Director Bong Joonho's “Parasite” is a film that mixes genres. K-Pop, including BTS, is a blend of Korean music with rock, hip-hop, rap, and dance music. Young Jean Lee, the first Asian-American playwright to stage on Broadway, was also recognized for her experimental ability to mix genres. Stone Pot Bibimbap Photo: MissKorea BBQ Restaurant, NYC

“As long as Korea has the spirit of bibimbap, you can have confidence in the multimedia era.”

-Nam June Paik (1932-2006), video artist, 1967

“We mix and eat together, enjoying individual flavors and harmonious tastes together. It's like the difference between a solo and a symphony in music... Bibimbap is a 'Symphony of Flavors'."

-Lee O-young (1934-2022), critic/ novelist, 2006

#1 The Spirit of Bibimbap

BTS and K-Pop, director Bong Joon-ho (Parasite), Hwang Dong-hyuk (Squid Game), Momofuku Chef David Chang, composer Unsuk Chin, violinist Jennifer Koh, classical comedy duo Igudesman & Joo, playwright Young Jean Lee, artist Ik-Joong Kang, and The Father of Video Art Nam June Paik ... What do these Koreans who have shaken the culture world have in common?

Nam June Paik, V-Idea, a priori, 1984, Etching and aquatint, 11 7/8 × 14 7/8 in. (30.2 × 37.8 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art Collection 

Part I. A Few Things to Know About Koreans  5

1. The Spirit of Bibimbap 7

Bibimbap: A Symphony of Flavors   7

Nam June Paik and Ik-Joong Kang   8

Parasite and Squid Game  9

105 Musical Genres in K-Pop  10

Igudesman & Joo: Classical-Musical Comedy  11

Jennifer Koh: A Virtuoso of Modernity  12

Unsuk Chin: Composing Beyond Boundaries  12

Broadway: Cookin’ and Young Jean Lee  13

Momofuku Chef David Chang  14

Deconstructing Korean Food   15

Salad Bowl, Cultural Mosaic, and Bibimbap  16