Midterm (there will be 5 questions)
>What’s the meaning of the word, “Hallyu”?
Hallyu is a Chinese term which, when translated, literally means “Korean Wave”. It is
a collective term used to refer to the phenomenal growth of Korean culture and
popular culture encompassing everything from music, movies, drama to online
games and Korean cuisine just to name a few
>The negative critique that K-pop faces today
In 2002, Korean TV producers Hwang Yong-woo and Kim Jong-jin were arrested for
accepting bribes in the music industry
K-pop management companies have faced criticism for exploiting idols through
overwork and restrictive contracts. This has been referred to as "slave contracts" in a
BBC report. In the past, K-pop stars, including teenage idols, have been known to
rehearse and perform without sleep. In response to these issues, regulations have
been put in place, such as the release of contract templates and a law protecting
underage idols from unhealthy labor practices and sexual performances.
Non-compliance with these regulations can result in hefty fines.
SM Entertainment's CEO Kim Young-min and other industry professionals defend
the idol training system, comparing it to after-school programs that help students
prepare for college entrance exams. They argue that the expenses incurred by the
company during the trainee period, such as facilities and costumes, should be taken
into consideration. In response to concerns over unfair terms and working conditions,
the South Korea Fair Trade Commission passed new regulations in 2017 to protect
trainee idols. These regulations allow trainees to seek contracts at other agencies
and prevent agencies from terminating contracts arbitrarily. However, idol agencies
have raised concerns about the risk of trainees undergoing training at multiple
agencies, which poses additional challenges for the agencies.
K-pop management tightly controls the public image of their groups, leading to
restrictions on dating and personal freedom for stars. Making controversial
statements can result in a loss of fandom. K-pop groups may be more vocal about
social issues outside of South Korea due to this strict control. The industry has faced
criticism for the sexualization of idols, including minors, with concerns about
revealing clothing and provocative dancing. However, compared to Western music,
K-pop is generally more parent-friendly and avoids explicit content. The pressure on
appearance in K-pop has raised questions about the effects on children and teens,
including the promotion of cosmetic surgery. The South Korean government has
introduced guidelines to address these concerns, but this has caused backlash from
fans.
Some K-pop artists believe that the demands and uncertainties of their careers can
have negative effects on their mental health. Musician Park Kyung shares that many
entertainers struggle with a loss of freedom and self-identity due to constant scrutiny.
BTS member Suga also acknowledges his lifelong battle with anxiety and loneliness,
stating that emotions constantly fluctuate. Tragically, several K-pop musicians have
taken their own lives, highlighting the pressures of the industry. Singers like Seo
Ji-won and Kim Jong-hyun, who had a history of depression, succumbed to suicide.
In response, the Korean music community organized free concerts promoting suicide
prevention. However, the deaths of Sulli and Goo Hara, who faced cyberbullying
after being in relationships, renewed calls for change. The intense competition and
perfectionistic standards in K-pop exacerbate existing societal pressures. The
industry culture can breed jealousy and bullying towards successful individuals. Sulli
expressed her emptiness and deception in pretending to be happy, while K-pop idols
frequently face threats and hate mail.
>Pansori
K-pop History - The sound of Korea, Pansori
It is a Korean genre of musical storytelling performed by a vocalist and a drummer.
Pansori is usually performed by one sorikkun (a singer) and one gosu (a drummer
playing a barrel drum called “buk”). The term pansori is derived from pan (meaning
"a place where many people gather"), and sori (meaning "sound"). Pansori
originated in the 17th century, in the middle of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). The
more 'mature' forms of pansori emerged only in the 18th century.
>Screen-quota system in Korea
Screen Quotas is a legislated policy that enforces a minimum number of screening
days of domestic films in the theater each year to protect the nation’s films. The
screen quota system is enforced to prevent foreign markets from making inroads into
the domestic film market. The screen quota system was started in the United
Kingdom in 1927. Other countries enforcing quotas include France, South Korea,
Brazil, Pakistan and Italy.
Screen quotas in South Korea
The screen quota system has been in force in South Korea since 1967. The system
is:
* screening more than 6 Korean films each year and more than 90 screening days
each year (1966)
* screening more than 3 Korean films each year and more than 30 screening days
each year (1970)
* more than 1/3 of screening days each year (1973)
* more than 2/5 of screening days each year and reciprocal screening of Korean and
foreign films in cities of more than three hundred thousand of population (1985)
In South Korea, the screen quota has contributed to the rapid increase in the film
market in Korea. Until the 1990s, the Korean film market had lacked the ability to
raise capital funds for films. The quality of Korean films has increased, with an inflow
of capital funds into Korean film market since 2000. The government has decided to
reduce its 40-year-old screen quotas from 146 days to 73 days in 2006. As a result
of the free trade agreement between Korea and the United States, which was agreed
on April 2, 2007, the screen quotas in Korea will not be subject to change from the
current 73 days.
>Soft Power
In addition to reaping economic benefits from the popularity of K-pop, the South
Korean government has been taking advantage of the influence of K-pop in
diplomacy. In an age of mass communication, soft power (pursuing one's goals by
persuading stakeholders using cultural and ideological power) is regarded as a more
effective and pragmatic diplomatic tactic than the traditional diplomatic strategy hard
power (obtaining what one wants from stakeholders through direct intimidation such
as military threat and economic sanctions).[74] Cultural diplomacy through K-pop is a
form of soft power.
According to an article published by the international relations magazine Foreign
Policy, the spread of Korean popular culture across Southeast Asia, parts of South
America, and parts of the Middle East are illustrating how the gradual cessation of
European colonialism is giving way and making room for unexpected soft power
outside of the Western world.[426] On the other hand, an article published by The
Quietus magazine expressed concern that discussions about Hallyu as a form of soft
power seems to bear a whiff of the "old Victorian fear of Yellow Peril."[427]
>Democracy Movement in 1987
The June Democracy movement in South Korea, which took place 30 years ago,
holds great significance in the country's history. It marked a turning point towards
democracy as millions of brave citizens took to the streets demanding a government
that represents the people. The movement intensified after the military regime
announced the next president without consulting the public. The protests spread to
over 30 cities and despite clashes with the police, the regime eventually gave in and
agreed to restore direct elections. Today, the sacrifices made during this movement
are honored through academic and cultural projects, open discussions, and the
preservation of artifacts and documents. The spirit of the movement is kept alive
through ongoing street protests, including recent candlelight vigils against corruption.
While Korea has made progress towards an ideal democracy, there is still work to be
done, and the new administration's efforts and public demands indicate a positive
direction for the future.
>Korean movie that depicts a strong female character (provide an example)
Happy End (Jung Ji-woo, 1999) portrays a married woman with a professional job
and financial power, showing changes in Korean society and the possibility of
changes in gender roles.
After Mayonnaise (Yun In-ho, 1999), which breaks down the traditional motherhood
myth of endurance and sacrifice, movies appeared that raised issues about
motherhood mythology and established women’ s image as strong subjects in horror
movies.
Strong Girl Bong-Soon stars Do Bong-soon, a woman who has unnatural super
strength, a trait that is passed down through the women in her family. Her dream is
to create a video game that stars herself, which becomes a possibility when she
meets Ahn Min-Hyuk, the CEO of a gaming company. Seeing her in action, he offers
her a deal: she becomes his bodyguard in exchange for a position in his company.
The relationship is beneficially mutual, but becomes more complicated when the two
start to develop feelings, and when a series of kidnappings occur in Bong-soon's
neighborhood.
Bong-soon is literally the strongest woman on this list. But beyond that, she's also
incredibly brave, with an instinct to help anyone she sees in need, no matter what
physical harm it puts her in. This includes going after the criminal in her
neighborhood after he targets her best friend.
>Describe an example of K-pop music artist or music video, incorporating with
traditional Korean culture
“IDOL.” The music video features an abundance of references to Korean myths and
folklore as well as other intricacies that non-Korean fans may not pick up on
originally. The members can yet again be seen wearing hanbok in some scenes in
the video.
One of the most notable live performances of "IDOL" was at the 2018 Melon Music
Awards, which featured all the elements of traditional Korean culture including
folding fans and plenty of traditional-style hanboks. For a unique twist, each member
of the group showcased a different style of traditional dance.
J-Hope started the intro with 북춤, bukchum, a traditional drum dance, Jimin
showcased 부채춤, buchaechum, a traditional fan dance, Jungkook gave us 탈춤,
talchum, a traditional mask dance with ribbons, and the intro ended with a 농악,
nongak, dance performance, which is classified as a style of pungmul (풍물) dance
which was popular among traditional farming culture.
BTS carried out the remainder of the performance, dressed in hanbok along with
their backup dancers, showcasing how traditional Korean culture can be
incorporated in a modern entertainment setting.
>The theme of the movie, <Parasite> by Bong Joon-Ho
The main themes of Parasite are class conflict, social inequality and wealth disparity
>Why the K-drama <Winter Sonata> was extremely popular in Japan?
(specially for middle aged women)
Winter Sonata was filled with such symbolisms. Japanese middle-aged women were
particularly attracted by these subtle descriptions of “pure love,” a counter to explicit
sexual portrayals of affection
Our analysis identified four recurring, mutually nonexclusive thematic reasons for the
popularity of Winter Sonata: (1) A heart-warming depiction of “pure love,” (2) overall
aesthetic and poetic beauty of the television series, (3) character portrayals that
resonated with traditional Japanese values, and (4) a sense of nostalgia for the past
and a longing for a life that was not to be.
