It may not be long before children’s obsessive fascination with foreign culture turns epidemic. The tragedy of three Ghaziabad sisters has brought this issue into sharp focus.
They reportedly adopted Korean names — Maria, Aliza, and Cindy — and wanted to travel to Korea before ending their lives.
Reports suggest the girls’ obsession with Korean soaps, games, and culture had grown increasingly unhealthy.
The girls had been pulled out of school owing to financial constraints. They reportedly spent their time watching K-content and posting on social media. Their father had confiscated their phone days before the tragedy.
Fifteen-year-old Swati’s (name changed) deep immersion in Korean culture began affecting her health and daily life.
She had got a Korean-style haircut, tattooed a K-pop lyric on her arm. She insisted on speaking only Korean at home. Alarm bells rang when she told her Korean language teacher she wanted to “become Korean.”
Swati stopped eating Indian food, favoring tteokbokki and ramen, and spent her savings on K-beauty products, which caused skin problems.
Her mother, Sunetra, (name changed) revealed the family feared Swati would lose her cultural identity. They even took her for counselling.
This is part of a broader trend. The Hallyu wave (South Korea’s influence on TV, music, games, and beauty) is spreading widely across India.
But it can become extreme.
Early signs
Psychologists warn parents to spot early warning signs. They believe fascination with another country’s culture can be healthy but becomes harmful when used as an escape from academics and daily stress, replacing emotional growth and identity formation.
Fifteen-year-old Bindu (name changed) first heard a BTS song at age 10. She quickly became hooked on Korean music, shows, food, and art. Her mother, Seema, (name changed) said she sees Bindu’s interest as a way to gain global exposure but worries about her trying to be someone else.
Bindu has dyed her hair red, writes fanfiction about meeting Korean idols, and wants a tattoo, which her parents are avoiding.
Experts also flag the obsession with “glass skin” as a concern. Girls as young as 10 are using BB creams, glow serums, rice packs, and sheet masks to emulate influencers.
A research firm has reported India has 11.9 million K-beauty buyers, expected to rise to over 27 million by 2030.
A mother from Gurugram revealed that her 12-year-old daughter wants every K-beauty product online.
Interest in Korean culture is driving children to learn the language as well. Data indicates that Korean is the sixth most popular language globally, with more than 65% of learners aged 13–22. While not inherently worrying, experts urge parents to intervene before interests turn into obsession.
K-dramas such as Squid Game, Crash Landing on You, and All of Us Are Dead, along with K-pop groups BTS, Blackpink, Stray Kids, and Red Velvet, have become household names.
Coping skills may weaken
Psychologists told media outlets that emotional investment in such content can weaken coping skills, identity, and reduce powers of resilience.
They also said that excessive obsession with Korean entertainment can affect children’s ability to handle frustration, academics, and relationships.
What’s more, kids may disconnect from their cultural roots.
Therapists advise parents to encourage curiosity responsibly. They believe parents should help children see Korean culture as multifaceted, not just entertainment, and openly discuss over-glamorisation.
Also Read: Ghaziabad Sisters’ Tragedy: Father Under Scanner For Inconsistent Statements https://www.vibesofindia.com/ghaziabad-sisters-tragedy-father-under-scanner-for-inconsistent-statements/
