Popular Culture and the Transformation of Japan-Korea Relations

This book explores the ways in which popular culture reflects and engenders changes in Japan-Korea relations, covering a broad temporal coverage from the colonial period to the contemporary. It examines the contradictory roles that popular culture has played in promoting or impeding nationalisms, regional conflict, and reconciliations. It also expands its focus from mainstream entertainment media to the lived experience of daily life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of Japan-Korea relations, unveiling the profound ways in which popular culture shapes and influences these dynamic bilateral ties. Spanning a vast historical expanse from the colonial era to the present day, the book's chapters meticulously examine the multifaceted roles that popular culture has played in fostering or hindering nationalisms, regional conflicts, and reconciliation between Japan and Korea. Contributors skillfully connect various critical areas of study in East Asian Studies, including the intricate dynamics of historical memory, the resilience of grassroots challenges to state ideology, and the transformative impact of digital technology in Japan and South Korea.

By broadening its lens beyond mainstream entertainment media, this book delves into the lived experiences of daily life, where sentiments and perceptions of the popular are intricately woven. It serves as a valuable resource for students and scholars of Japanese and Korean studies, as well as those engaged in film studies, media studies, and cultural studies, offering a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between culture, society, and politics in this region.

Chapter 3 of this remarkable work is graciously made available as a freely downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com. Embracing a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license, it allows for widespread dissemination and scholarly exploration of the insights contained within.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367520250