Title: South Korean Influencer Finds Success in Mexico Amid Growing K-Wave
Subtitle: SuJin Kim (Chinguamiga) gains popularity, financial stability, and love through teaching all things Korean to millions of followers in Latin America.
Date: [Insert Date]
South Korean influencer SuJin Kim, known as “Chinguamiga,” has achieved internet stardom in Mexico, amassing over 24 million followers on TikTok and more than eight million subscribers on YouTube. While facing societal pressures and limited employment prospects in her homeland, Kim has found a relatable audience in Latin America, where the growing interest in Korean culture has propelled her to fame.
The South Korean government’s efforts to promote the nation’s popular culture globally, coupled with Mexico’s expanding Korean presence, has allowed individuals like Kim to bridge cultural gaps and become successful influencers. Renato Balderrama, head of the Center for Asian Studies at the Autonomous University of Nuevo León, credits Kim’s training in Korea as a crucial factor in her rise to popularity in Mexico.
Kim’s social media content focuses on teaching her Latin American followers about Korean soap operas, music, fashion, traditions, and social norms. She provides insights into the daily lives of Koreans, showcasing their study habits, culinary adventures, and more. Her success has brought her numerous opportunities, including event invitations, award nominations, magazine features, sponsorship deals, and a business teaching Korean language classes online. Additionally, she has expanded her empire to include an online store of Korean beauty products.
The growth of Korean influence in Mexico and the region is evident through the presence of over 2,000 Korean companies and the wide availability of K-pop, K-beauty, and K-dramas. K-pop concerts draw sold-out crowds, while newsstands cater to Mexican fans with magazines, posters, and merchandise featuring South Korean celebrities. Netflix even offers dubbed Korean shows with “Latin Spanish” voice-overs. The influence of Korean culture has enriched Mexico’s modern culture.
Kim’s journey to Mexico came after experiencing burnout in South Korea. Seeking a different way of life, she made the decision to move to Latin America and ended up finding success far beyond her expectations. The COVID-19 pandemic provided her with the opportunity to post Korean language lessons on YouTube, which eventually transitioned to TikTok, where her popularity skyrocketed.
Despite her achievements, SuJin Kim struggles with mental health issues, experiencing depression and anxiety. Her growing following has given rise to concerns over maintaining relevance and dealing with negative comments. Critics have accused her of exploiting Mexico’s lower living costs, contributing to gentrification, and avoiding taxes. However, Kim has done her best to address these issues, including showing proof of her legal residency status.
Although successful in her own right, Kim’s mother still sees her daughter as a disappointment due to societal expectations in South Korea. However, after meeting Kim’s boyfriend and his family and witnessing her success firsthand, her parents have shown support and promised to visit her in Mexico.
As the Korean wave continues to surge through Latin America, individuals like SuJin Kim are living testaments to the soft power of Korean popular culture. Through her relatable content and engaging teaching style, she has become a friend and teacher to millions, altering perceptions and spreading the influence of Korean culture worldwide.