Hyundai Motor Company has teamed up with CNN to spotlight the explosive global rise of Korean culture through a new original documentary series, ‘K-Everything.’ The four-part series dives into the worldwide influence of K-pop, K-films, K-food, and K-beauty, targeting international audiences eager to understand the phenomenon behind Korea’s cultural boom.
According to Hyundai, the documentary premiered globally on May 9 through CNN International. The automaker exclusively sponsored the project as part of its broader effort to connect with global consumers through cultural storytelling rather than traditional advertising.
Hosted and executive-produced by Daniel Dae Kim, the series explores the creativity, resilience, and innovation that transformed Korean culture into a dominant force in global entertainment and lifestyle industries.
K-Pop Episode Features Psy, Taeyang, and Jeon Somi
The first episode focuses on K-pop’s rise from a regional music industry to a worldwide cultural powerhouse. Artists including Psy, Taeyang, and Jeon Somi appear in the documentary to discuss the evolution of K-pop and the massive influence of global fandom culture.
The episode examines how Korean artists built passionate international fan communities and reshaped the modern music business through digital platforms and social media engagement.
Korean Film and Drama’s Global Breakthrough
The second installment, ‘K-Film,’ highlights Korea’s entertainment industry and its journey from domestic success to international acclaim.
Featured figures include actor Lee Byung-hun, filmmaker Yeon Sang-ho, screenwriter Kim Eun-sook, and Miky Lee. The documentary explores how Korean creators overcame censorship, limited budgets, and industry barriers to produce globally celebrated films and dramas.
K-Food and Michelin-Starred Korean Cuisine
The third episode focuses on K-food and the globalization of Korean cuisine. Renowned chefs including Corey Lee, Kang Min-goo, and Cho Hee-sook discuss how traditional Korean flavors evolved into a premium global dining trend.
The documentary also explores how Korean food expanded beyond kimchi and barbecue to become a mainstream culinary movement embraced worldwide.
K-Beauty’s Influence on the Global Cosmetics Industry
The final episode examines the rapid growth of K-beauty and its impact on global beauty trends. Influencers including Irene Kim and LeoJ share insights into how Korean skincare, makeup routines, and beauty philosophies transformed the international cosmetics market.
The series highlights the role of innovation, social media, and consumer engagement in helping Korean beauty brands dominate younger global audiences.
K-Everything is currently airing on CNN International. Korean viewers can stream the series through Coupang Play, while international viewers in supported regions can watch via Max
KOREA FBI Editor’s Comment
K-culture is no longer just a trend — it has become a global industry influencing music, beauty, fashion, food, and entertainment worldwide. Hyundai’s collaboration with CNN reflects how major Korean companies are now using cultural storytelling as a powerful form of global branding. As interest in Korean lifestyle continues to grow, projects like K-Everything may help introduce even more international audiences to the next wave of Korean creativity.
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