Introducing Korean Popular Culture

A new textbook provides an introduction to Korean popular culture, exploring its multifaceted meaning at micro and macro levels and the process of cultural production, representation, circulation, and consumption in a global context. Drawing on perspectives from the humanities and social sciences, it offers a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of Korean popular culture and its historical underpinnings, changing roles, and dynamic meanings in the digital social media age.

Format: Hardback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking new textbook is a timely and interdisciplinary guide for students seeking an introduction to the vibrant world of Korean popular culture. It delves into the multifaceted essence of Korean popular culture, exploring its significance at both micro and macro levels, as well as the intricate process of cultural production, representation, circulation, and consumption within a global context.

Drawing upon perspectives from a diverse range of humanities and social sciences, including media and communications, film studies, musicology, cultural studies, sociology, anthropology, history, and literature, this book offers a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of Korean popular culture and its historical roots, evolving roles, and dynamic meanings in the contemporary era of digital social media.

The textbook is organized into several compelling sections, each shedding light on different aspects of Korean popular culture. These sections include:

K-pop Music: This section explores the global phenomenon of K-pop, examining its origins, evolution, and cultural impact. It discusses the rise of K-pop stars, the music industry, fan culture, and the influence of K-pop on global music trends.

Popular Cinema: This section examines the rich and diverse landscape of Korean cinema, exploring its historical development, key genres, and notable filmmakers. It explores the themes and narratives prevalent in Korean films, as well as their contributions to global cinema.

Television: This section explores the evolution of Korean television, from its early days to the present. It discusses popular dramas, variety shows, reality TV, and the impact of television on Korean society and culture.

Web Drama, Webtoon, and Animation: This section delves into the growing popularity of web-based entertainment in Korea, including web dramas, webtoons, and animated series. It explores the creative processes, storytelling techniques, and cultural significance of these forms of media.

Digital Games and Esports: This section examines the rapidly growing world of digital gaming and esports in Korea. It discusses the industry's growth, the popularity of games such as League of Legends and Overwatch, and the impact of esports on Korean culture and society.

Lifestyle Media, Fashion, and Food: This section explores the intersection of popular culture and lifestyle in Korea. It discusses the influence of fashion, food, and lifestyle media on Korean society, as well as the role of these industries in shaping Korean identity and culture.

Nation Branding: This section examines the strategies and practices employed by Korea to promote its national brand and image abroad. It explores the role of government, media, and cultural institutions in shaping Korea's reputation and influence in the global arena.

An accessible, comprehensive, and thought-provoking work, this textbook appeals to students of popular culture, media studies, and Korean culture and society more broadly. It provides historical and contemporary contexts, key issues and debates, and offers insights into the complex dynamics that shape Korean popular culture in the 21st century.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking textbook is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the rich and diverse world of Korean popular culture. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective, shedding light on the historical roots century, evolving roles, and dynamic meanings of Korean popular culture in the contemporary era of digital social media. Whether you are a student, educator, or enthusiast, this book will provide you with a deeper understanding of the cultural phenomena that continue to captivate audiences around the globe.

Weight: 750g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032274058