Korean Wave effects
This assignment considers the broader impact of the Korean Wave’s global popularity.
Readings
- Lecture Slides: Korean Wave Effects
- Russell, The Gangnam Phenom (foreignpolicy.com; PDF on reserve)
- China’s Plastic Surgery Industry Booms Thanks to K-Pop Obsession (jingdaily.com)
- Caramanica, Review: BigBang, Following the K-Pop Playbook With Flash (nytimes.com)
- Shepherd, Taeyang, G-Dragon, and More: A Guide to the Style Stars of K-Pop (nymag.com) [This article includes a slideshow of images.]
Reading Guide
Note that this guide is not meant to replace careful study of the assigned texts. Instead, this guide highlights some of the important ideas and information in the assigned texts. To do well on our tests, quizzes, and class discussions, you will need a thorough knowledge of all assigned texts.
According to Wikipedia, “Soft power is a concept developed by Joseph Nye of Harvard University to describe the ability to attract and co-opt rather than coerce, use force, or give money as a means of persuasion….The term is now widely used in international affairs by analysts and politicians.” As the Foreign Policy article argues, the Korean Wave is having ripple effects around the world, increasing the appeal of South Korean products like cars, TVs, phones, etc.
Quiz
Korean Wave Effects
