OFFSTONE JAN EDITION 2025

61 EXPLORING MALAY MUSLIM WOMEN’S ENGAGEMENT WITH KOREAN DIGITAL CULTURE: LESSON FROM IHYA ULUM AL-DIN By: Hazwani Abdul Wahab & Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nur Kareelawati Abd Karim hazwaniwahab@usas.edu.my Hazwani Abdul Wahab is a lecturer in Communication and Media at the Faculty of Islamic Studies and Social Sciences, Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah (USAS), Perak. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Communication at the Faculty of Leadership and Management, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). Her research focuses on media and broadcasting, cultural and religious studies, and Islamic communication. ABSTRACT In today’s globalized world, Malay Muslim women face challenges in maintaining their Islamic identity, especially under the influence of Korean digital culture. This article highlights the role of Ihya Ulum Al-Din by Imam Al-Ghazali, which encourages modesty, morality, and self- control, serving as a guide for women to selectively engage with foreign media. Finally, this article recommends strategies for adapting trends that align with Islamic values, enabling women to preserve their faith while embracing cultural changes responsibly. Introduction Living in a globally assimilated culture presents challenges for many individuals striving to maintain their original identity. Women, in particular, often face societal accusations linked to temptation and sin. To resist negative cultural influences, they require strong faith and extensive Islamic knowledge. Korean digital culture is one of the most influential foreign cultures widely embraced in Malaysia. The Korean Wave (Hallyu) has permeated various aspects of life, including films, dramas, reality shows, music, lifestyle trends, food, language, skincare, and fashion. This cultural integration has become so prevalent that some individuals, particularly women, fail to