Saudi Arabia looks to Korea as it seeks to diversify away from oil, but human rights issues may limit cooperation
South Korea's internationally lauded movies, popular TV shows and the global phenomenon known as K-pop have all helped to radically transform the way people think about the country, going beyond just cool to become a leader in soft power. Its success has drawn the attention of other world leaders, including — in what is something of a head-scratcher — Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Culture Minister Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan visited Seoul in early June, and after holding talks with South Korean Culture Minister Park Bo-gyoon, he also met with the leaders of CJENM and SM Entertainment — two of South Korea’s biggest culture-exporting companies.
South Korea's internationally lauded movies, popular TV shows and the global phenomenon known as K-pop have all helped to radically transform the way people think about the country, going beyond just cool to become a leader in soft power. Its success has drawn the attention of other world leaders, including — in what is something of a head-scratcher — Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Culture Minister Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan visited Seoul in early June, and after holding talks with South Korean Culture Minister Park Bo-gyoon, he also met with the leaders of CJENM and SM Entertainment — two of South Korea’s biggest culture-exporting companies.
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