American Internet Star Appears On Korean Television

The Korean Wave, or hallyu, has been an influential cultural movement that has done much to export modern Korean culture abroad. Korean film, music, and particularly television, have a wide international fan base in all parts of Asia, as well as Europe and North America. Natalie White, a 28 year old resident of Los Angeles, California, is one such fan of Korean music. White became somewhat of an overnight sensation when she sang covers of popular Korean songs and posted the videos on Youtube.com. She attracted such attention that producers of the Korean television program Star King of the Seoul Broadcasting System network, invited White to come to Seoul and appear on the show. White accepted and appeared on the episode of Star King which aired on March 2, 2009.

Having studied cognitive science and linguistics in Chicago in her youth, Natalie White, also known as "Pumashock," became fascinated with Korean television programs and pop music, thanks to an international channel which broadcasts such Korean programs locally in Chicago. White took it upon herself to learn the Korean language on her own, and if her performance videos on Youtube.com are any indication, she has quite a knack for hangul. She has performed covers of Korean pop musicians such as Hyori Lee, May Doni, and Wondergirls. White says, however, that while she may feel comfortable singing Korean lyrics, she is not yet confident enough in her language skills for conversation. Having made her mark in the Korean pop music scene, White one day hopes to release her own music that will be enjoyed by music lovers all over the world.

By Stephanie Chang