When you look at America and South Korea side by side, they seem like complete opposites, especially considering the fact that they are both sitting pretty on two different continents.

 Also, America is loud, experimental, and highly individualized, while Korea is disciplined, polished, and community-driven.

However, on a closer look, there are actually a lot of similarities. Both cultures seem to be running the same race in different shoes.

 From my observation, here are five examples of how America and Korea are cultural twins who simply refuse to accept it.

Celebrities are literal Role Models

You think celebrities in both countries are just entertainers? Think twice because they are really public life manuals. Let’s say one Kardashian posts a selfie with a green smoothie, all of a sudden, stores can't keep them on the shelves again or Jennie, from BLACKPINK, wears a ribbon in her hair, ribbons become a national obsession overnight.

It goes to say celebrities don’t create standards in both countries; they are the standards.

The Hustle Culture

Trust me when I say America’s unofficial motto could easily be “rise and grind,” because they work almost around the clock, and it has become a culture. Korea, on the other hand? Same. Almost every office worker stays late or works all weekend, students are famous for all-nighters before an exam, and the cycle of relentless hard work keeps hanging around.

Both cultures glorify the grind like their life depends on it (well, it literally does,) and if that’s not a twinning attribute, I don’t know what is.

Youth Obsession

This shared characteristic? You cannot overlook it. Both societies are obviously allergic to aging. In America, everyone wants to look 25 forever. In Korea, having a glass skin is the proper order of the day. Both cultures are dedicated to achieving flawless skin and eliminating wrinkles, although there is a slight difference in how they package youth; however, the obsession remains the same.

Unrivaled Global Influence

Do I have to start telling you how these countries influence the whole planet? I am sure that’s a straight NO. America gave us varieties from World Marvel to McDonald's to TikTok dances and more, while Korea gave us the Hallyu wave to sweep us all off our feet. Together, they're changing how the rest of the world eats, what the rest of the world wears, and how the rest of the world sings. The cultural domination is just unrivaled.

Reinvention

One thing both cultures approve of is reinvention. America reveres those who rebrand, think about Madonna, and think about Lady Gaga. Korea does it too, but in its own way. I mean, every K-pop comeback is a semi-permanent rebrand. Even K-Drama actors are required to reinvent themselves for every new role, and reinvention is not just accepted, it is required.

Both societies love the idea that you can always come back shinier, fresher, and better than before.

The two countries sure wear different vibes but the same truth, and if there is anything, the two countries show us, it's that as a culture, you don't have to pick sides. You can merely mix the best of both until you find your own flavor.