Psychology Behind the K-Wave: Why Filipinos Are Hooked

Over the past decade, a captivating phenomenon has taken the world by storm - the Korean Culture craze. From learning how to speak and read Hangul during the pandemic to obsessively following K-pop and K-drama, Filipinos have been drawn into this global cultural wave. Including myself!

The surge in interest isn't merely coincidental; it's deeply rooted in the psychology of human behavior. Why has K-Culture captured the hearts of millions worldwide, particularly in the Philippines?

Escapism and Fantasy

The allure of escapism and fantasy lies at the heart of the K-Culture craze. For Filipinos seeking an escape from the routine, K-dramas offer a captivating alternative that allows them to immerse themselves in a world of romance, adventure, and excitement.

According to a study conducted by Kircaburun et al. (2021), Mukbang watching has been found to have beneficial consequences. It seems to alleviate feelings of loneliness and social isolation by creating a virtual social community. 

Challenging the Societal Pressure to Get Married




Have you ever wondered why there's so much pressure to get married, even though it's not a requirement?

It's like a weight that suddenly falls upon you the moment you hit 25 and enter the realm of adulthood. The quarter-life crisis hits you like a tidal wave, and you find yourself grappling with responsibilities you never thought much about before.

You're expected to secure a good job, earn a certain amount of money, and, of course, find a life partner. But let's be honest, getting married doesn't hold the same importance as building a successful career or creating a better life for yourself. Yet, those around you seem to believe that hitting a certain age automatically means it's time to settle down and start a family.

I've personally experienced this firsthand. I've been with my husband for 12 years, including our time as girlfriend and boyfriend. When I was single, I constantly faced relentless questioning about when I would settle down. Now that I'm in a committed relationship, I understand why people are curious about it, but I, too, had my own uncertainties. I had no clue when my partner would pop the question, and I eagerly anticipated that moment. Social gatherings became a breeding ground for constant pressure and interrogations.

But here's the thing: regardless of whether that proposal comes when expected or not, the lingering feeling of needing to get married takes a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. It becomes an additional burden amidst all the other significant responsibilities and pressures life throws at you.

Stop Feeling Guilty for Taking a Well-Deserved Break


It's been a while since I've had the luxury of time to pour my thoughts out in an expressive post. You see, I needed to put a halt on blogging to focus on other important matters such as completing my graduate studies, professional website writing, and working full-time for an HR consulting firm.

"How many hours do you have in a day, Anna?"
a friend of mine quipped. She was so boggled by how many tasks were on my plate. Her query made me realize that slowing down is not in my nature.

Whether I am taking on a new hobby or studying new things to grow professionally and personally, I always keep myself occupied. In the rare days that I get to embody a couch potato, I relish the time I spend with my favorite shows on Netflix. I indulge in those days when I can fully relax and not think of anything else.

However, not everyone delights in the idea of slowing down. Some people feel guilty about taking well-deserved breaks.


Ask yourself:
"Am I prioritizing work or school over my health?"

Our society tends to put a greater importance on our careers and academic achievements than our physical health. Many of us do not stand and stretch our legs every half hour. We do not stretch our wrists before typing. Furthermore, we do not reduce our screen time, as recommended by health professionals. It is not just our physical health that is deteriorating!

Key Differences Between Psychologists, Psychiatrists, & Psychometricians


Image Credits: unsplash.com

As I was scrolling thru my unread messages on a popular messaging app, a friend woke me up with an query. "What's the difference between a Psychometrician and a Psychologist?"

Interestingly, this was not the first time that I encountered this question. In the country where I am practicing, Psychometrics is a relatively new field. In fact, the first licensure examinations for Psychometrician was held in 2014. That is about 7 years ago. The public has gradually embraced the importance of Psychometricians, in various settings.

I find it helpful to discuss the differences between a Psychometrician, a Psychologist, and a Psychiatrist before I begin testing on a client. The client's "aha" moment, a moment of sudden realization and comprehension, always brings a bliss to me.

Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Psychometricians are all students of the mind. What separates the Psychiatrist from the rest is that it can prescribe medication, whereas the other two professionals cannot. Moreover, you need to attend medical school to become a Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists work closely with neurologists, surgeons and other medical practitioners to bridge the connection between the mind and the body.

Psychologists study human behavior on many levels. You need to complete your graduate studies and pass the licensure examinations, before becoming a Psychologist. They work in many industries such as human resources and hospitals. Both the licensed Psychiatrists and Psychologists can diagnose mental health disorders.

Now let's go to the professional that assesses your mental health "vital signs" - the Psychometrician. You need a bachelor's degree to qualify for the licensure examinations.

Like MP on Facebook