Hegemonic Mimicry: Korean Popular Culture of the Twenty-First Century

Kyung Hyun Kim's book "Hegemonic Mimicry" explores the global success of Korean popular culture, known as the Korean wave, from a transnational and transcultural perspective. He argues that Korean cultural subjectivity has shifted from national to ethnic identity and that K-pop, Korean cinema, and television serials have created a hegemonic global ethnic identity through transformative acts of reappropriation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 11 November 2021
Publisher: Duke University Press

Kyung Hyun Kim examines the recent global success of Korean popular culture, known as the Korean wave of pop music, cinema, and television, from a transnational and transcultural perspective. He explores how the commercialization of Korean popular culture has disrupted the traditional dynamics of cultural influence, allowing it to become a dominant global phenomenon. At the same time, its widespread popularity has made its Koreanness ambiguous. Kim argues that Korean cultural subjectivity has shifted over the past two decades towards an emphasis on ethnic identity rather than national identity. He demonstrates how South Korea has overcome linguistic and cultural barriers to achieve global prominence, positioning K-pop, Korean cinema, television serials, and even electronics as transformative acts of reappropriation that have shaped a hegemonic global ethnic identity.

Kyung Hyun Kim delves into the captivating phenomenon of hegemonic mimicry, shedding light on the recent global triumph of Korean popular culture, commonly referred to as the Korean wave. Through a transnational and transcultural lens, he explores the profound impact of hallyu, encompassing pop music, cinema, and television, on the global stage. By employing the concept of mimicry, Kim uncovers how hallyu has adeptly adapted American sensibilities and genres, transforming itself into a dominant cultural force. This transformative journey has upended the traditional hierarchy of cultural influence, elevating hallyu to a prominent global phenomenon. However, its widespread popularity has also obscured its Koreanness, creating a complex interplay between cultural identity and globalization.

Kim's analysis reveals that Korean cultural subjectivity has undergone a significant shift over the past two decades. He argues that Korean cultural identity is intricately intertwined with ethnic identity, rather than being solely national. This shift is evident in South Korea's remarkable journey, as it has leapfrogged over linguistic and cultural barriers to achieve global ascendance. K-pop, Korean cinema, television serials, and even electronic devices have emerged as powerful agents of reappropriation, reshaping the landscape of global ethnic identity. Kim's insights offer a profound understanding of the complex dynamics at play, as Korean popular culture navigates the crossroads of cultural exchange, adaptation, and dominance.

In conclusion, Kyung Hyun Kim's work on hegemonic mimicry provides a valuable perspective on the global success of Korean popular culture. Through his exploration of mimicry, he unveils how hallyu has reshaped the cultural landscape, challenging traditional power dynamics and creating a hegemonic global ethnic identity. Kim's insights shed light on the intricate interplay between cultural identity, globalization, and the power of cultural reappropriation, offering a rich understanding of the complex dynamics driving the Korean wave's global impact.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478014492