Leiden University Student Repository

Dasopang, Elfira (2022)

The Influences Of The Korean Wave Towards The Adoption of Soft Masculinity in China

Bachelor thesis | International Studies (BA)

The Korean Wave is a cultural phenomenon that emerged in Northeast Asia during the late 20th century impacting the entire Asian region. The term was created to show the successful influence of South Korean culture with the support of the South Korean government. For over 20 years, China and South Korea have had cultural communication and exchanges, further increasing both accessibility and popularity of South Korean culture and entertainment products in China. The success of the Korean Wave is associated with the spread of its products and the ability to influence the media environment and development of the cultural proximity. Korean drama (K-drama) and Korean Pop (K-pop) is strongly associated with soft masculinity, which has continued to inspire young Chinese males to exhibit their (inner) soft masculinity. The representation of soft masculinity as part of male gender, gives these young males a sense of belonging. The Chinese youth finds it easy to accept and emulate Korean idols...Show moreThe Korean Wave is a cultural phenomenon that emerged in Northeast Asia during the late 20th century impacting the entire Asian region. The term was created to show the successful influence of South Korean culture with the support of the South Korean government. For over 20 years, China and South Korea have had cultural communication and exchanges, further increasing both accessibility and popularity of South Korean culture and entertainment products in China. The success of the Korean Wave is associated with the spread of its products and the ability to influence the media environment and development of the cultural proximity. Korean drama (K-drama) and Korean Pop (K-pop) is strongly associated with soft masculinity, which has continued to inspire young Chinese males to exhibit their (inner) soft masculinity. The representation of soft masculinity as part of male gender, gives these young males a sense of belonging. The Chinese youth finds it easy to accept and emulate Korean idols and actors, for they feel empathy and cultural resemblances. However, the Chinese government is known for impeding the Korean Wave out of fear that the soft masculinity as portrayed through the Korean Wave will negatively influence Chinese teenagers and young adolescents.Show less

Masculinity

Hallyu

Cultural products

Music

Author

Dasopang, Elfira

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

East Asia

Supervisors

Jang, S.Y.

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en