#410: Why K-Pop Is Taking Over The World




Planet Money show

Summary: <p>America used to lead the world in making cars. Now we don't. China does.</p><p>We used to be the number one maker of steel. American steel built bridges and ships all over the world. Not anymore.</p><p>But the world's most popular music still comes from American artists. Turn on a car radio in Italy, walk into a store in Mozambique, and there's a good chance you'll hear an American pop tune.</p><p>Music is an export, just like anything else. And, as with other exports, businesses in lots of other countries are fighting for their share of the global market. They want people all around to world to be listening to their music. And they're figuring out how to make it happen.</p><p>The popularity of PSY's song "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0">Gangnam Style</a>" is not a fluke. Korea has spent the last twenty years preparing for this moment.</p>