This course explores the vibrant and ever-evolving world of Korean popular culture and its global phenomenon known as the Korean Wave or Hallyu. Through a comprehensive analysis of scholarly approaches and diverse media texts, we will explore how Korean popular culture has emerged, transformed, and resonated on a global scale. Through historical and theoretical frameworks, we will investigate how media productions intersect with broader sociocultural issues such as modernity, class, economy, gender, sexuality, and political dynamics. Students will critically examine a wide array of media forms, including films, television, music, and webtoons, analyzing their content, aesthetic strategies, and cultural impact. From a brief introduction of the origin of the Korean Wave, we will move to analyze the specific features of popular culture industries and productions in South Korea and their reception around the world. By linking media texts to their historical and sociocultural significance, we will uncover how Korean popular culture both shapes and is shaped by global media trends. Readings for this course will be available in English or in English translation. No previous knowledge of Korean history or culture is required. |