This study aims to empirically assess the influence of K-pop music on the perception of South Korea as a desirable travel destination among foreign K-pop fans. Investigating the multifaceted...Show moreThis study aims to empirically assess the influence of K-pop music on the perception of South Korea as a desirable travel destination among foreign K-pop fans. Investigating the multifaceted factors that attract visitors, including the roles of government initiatives and corporate efforts, the research explores the significance of K-pop within the broader context of influences on foreign K-pop fans’ decisions to visit South Korea. Through survey data collected from 1751 K-pop fans, the results demonstrate that K-pop has a substantial impact on their perception of South Korea, contributing positively to the country's image as a tourist destination. Furthermore, the research underscores the continued value of government and corporate efforts to attract visitors, particularly through the creation of K-pop-related locations for fan visits. While K-pop does not emerge as the primary motivational factor for half of the respondents, it emerges as the most influential factor shaping the intention to visit South Korea.Show less
This study examines how the obsession with education affects the total fertility rate in South Korea. Among many factors, educational expenses weigh heavy when it comes to deciding to have another...Show moreThis study examines how the obsession with education affects the total fertility rate in South Korea. Among many factors, educational expenses weigh heavy when it comes to deciding to have another child. This study shows how education has been a means of social mobility throughout Korea’s history, how traces of this are still visible in contemporary South Korea, and how educational developments during the last century have caused private educational expenses to rise significantly. The results show that the societal preoccupation with status and education brings about excessive educational expenditures, causing parents to hold off on having a child or to give up on having another child completely, and thus lowering the total fertility rate.Show less
The adoption of UNSC Resolution 2375 and 2397 in 2017 marked the intended beginning of the end for North Korea’s lucrative labour exports, to dissuade the country from continuing its nuclear...Show moreThe adoption of UNSC Resolution 2375 and 2397 in 2017 marked the intended beginning of the end for North Korea’s lucrative labour exports, to dissuade the country from continuing its nuclear weapons programmes. However, incongruent outcomes after the repatriation deadline (December 22, 2019) pose the question of how effective sanctions targeting overseas labour have been in practice. Two empirical case studies analyse disruptions and continuities in North Korean overseas labour in (1) Russia as a whole by using visa issuance statistics, and (2) in the restaurant sector, using online review data, to gain insight into the sanctions’ effects. The findings of the first study suggest that Russia has altered its way of registering DPRK workers, rather than banning the phenomenon. Similarly, the second study shows that onethird of the North Korean overseas restaurants with online reviews is still operational far beyond the deadline. These are concentrated in China, Russia and Laos, while more distant countries have mostly closed the restaurants in connection with the sanctions. Overall, despite tangible effects, and keeping in mind hindrances posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the effectiveness of the sanctions is most substantially undermined by China and Russia.Show less
This thesis examines the representation of kisaeng in contemporary Korean film. It focuses on the cultural significance of their image and takes a feminist approach. The narratives of feminism,...Show moreThis thesis examines the representation of kisaeng in contemporary Korean film. It focuses on the cultural significance of their image and takes a feminist approach. The narratives of feminism, modernism, nationalism, and traditionalism, which originate from the colonial period and that kisaeng came to be an icon for, are described. Then in the analysis, the films Hwang Jin Yi (2007) and The Treacherous (2015) are checked for the presence of these narratives as well as the depiction of the kisaeng institution. The analysis is conducted utilizing Social Semiotics and MCDA for visual analysis, and also Discourse Analysis. The observational data showed a pattern of the narratives being very present in the films as well as an inaccurate depiction of the kisaeng institution.Show less
Among Korea’s historical figures Yi Sunsin is one of its most revered heroes. Admiral Yi made his name during the Imjin War (1592-1598) by giving his life to fend off the Japanese navy and thereby...Show moreAmong Korea’s historical figures Yi Sunsin is one of its most revered heroes. Admiral Yi made his name during the Imjin War (1592-1598) by giving his life to fend off the Japanese navy and thereby saving the Korean Peninsula. His spirit of overcoming national disaster was revived at the dawn of Japanese colonial rule through the research of Korean elites pleading for Chosŏn to become a modern and strong nation. This same task was continued by Park Chung-hee who once again called upon the spirit of Admiral Yi Sunsin, and made him the hero of the modern nation: Republic of Korea. This strategy of using a historical figure to fit political goals can be seen as an example of politics of memory. When analysing the image of Yi Sunsin presented over the last decennia, it becomes clear the admiral has been continuously used for the politics of memory: the image of Admiral Yi is recreated to support the policies and political agendas of the ruling government.Show less
This thesis explores the relations between parasocial relationships and sasaeng behaviour in the Korean entertainment industry. As K-pop has become more popular than ever through the Korean Wave,...Show moreThis thesis explores the relations between parasocial relationships and sasaeng behaviour in the Korean entertainment industry. As K-pop has become more popular than ever through the Korean Wave, companies have started to introduce more and more ways for fans to create strong attachments to idols through the form of parasocial relationships. However, because of these strong parasocial relationships, some fans have started to show obsessive behaviour towards idols. These so-called sasaeng fans will engage in all kinds of socially unacceptable behaviour to get close to their idol. Through three separate case studies, this thesis illustrates a connection between parasocial relationships and sasaeng fans. All the sasaeng fans that have been observed have some kind of parasocial relationship with the person of their affection. It can therefore be concluded that while not every fan will fall into sasaeng behaviour because they show a parasocial connection to the idol, a sasaeng fan will usually have formed a parasocial bond with someone prior to showcasing sasaeng behaviour. Thus, there is a correlation between sasaeng fans and parasocial relationships.Show less
This research investigates the relation between regime stability and the maintenance of unfreedom in the North Korean regime. This has been done by first defining the relation between unfreedom and...Show moreThis research investigates the relation between regime stability and the maintenance of unfreedom in the North Korean regime. This has been done by first defining the relation between unfreedom and regime stability. Thereafter, this theory has been applied to understand its functioning in the Kim regime through a case study. From the research it is concluded that people tend to conform to a system of which they know what to expect since opposing this system has no assurance of being profitable. The North Korean regime creates political stability by ensuring elite support through ideology, the national position of the elite and economic benefits. Moreover, socially stability is dependent on the citizens and regime both abiding by the social contract. This is managed through ideology, propaganda, and repression. Using these tools, an expectancy of what the regime will provide is created and thus a tendency to conform is expected. However, there is a “tipping point” mainly caused by a loss of regime legitimacy. This has been illustrated through the case study on the systemic crisis of the 90’s, when a risk for instability occurred. North Korea has made several adaptations to bring back the regime stability. Firstly, sociopolitical power was ceded to the military under the banner of Sŏn'gun. Secondly, the regime had to make compromises that allowed new economic freedoms for the citizens through the integration of markets. Therefore, it is concluded that regime stability aids in the maintenance of unfreedom through creating certainty and dependency. However, once the regime becomes unstable one of the main regime adaptations that is being compromised on is making a shift in the freedom and power division of the state structures.Show less
In March 2022, Yoon Suk-Yeol became the 8th President of South Korea, with a 1% victory margin over his competitor. This result has become known as the most closely contested presidential election...Show moreIn March 2022, Yoon Suk-Yeol became the 8th President of South Korea, with a 1% victory margin over his competitor. This result has become known as the most closely contested presidential election outcome in South Korea. Then-candidate Yoon announced arbitrarily in January 2022 on his Facebook account the abolishment of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family as a campaign pledge. This case study has sought to illuminate motives behind this policy move and explain why this particular case highlights complex social issues central to gender equality in Korean society. A framework of analysis is offered for the reasons behind the high political and social upheaval in Korea concerning gender. Outcomes of the analysis point to a reorganization of the Ministry due to its contested position and a required renewed approach on gender equality.Show less
Although an under-researched subject, South Korea is one of only two countries able to make the most advanced chips fundamental for high-tech and innovation. Against a backdrop of the US-China...Show moreAlthough an under-researched subject, South Korea is one of only two countries able to make the most advanced chips fundamental for high-tech and innovation. Against a backdrop of the US-China trade war and the globality of the industry, South Korea has been forced to consider its partnerships. The country’s largest export industry faces challenges from China and is under growing pressure from the United States. Still, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, its two major semiconductor manufacturers, have invested substantially in the United States to take advantage of the country's protectionist subsidizing policies. As a result, South Korea has also implemented policies to boost the competitiveness of its domestic industry, such as the K-Semiconductor Strategy. Finding itself between its defence guarantor and largest trading partner, South Korea has slightly drifted towards the US. Nonetheless, this is not without risk and South Korean semiconductors remain under pressure.Show less
In preparation for the 2022 Philippine presidential election, K-pop fans nationwide united to campaign for presidential candidate Leni Robredo. The most crucial organisation that set this in motion...Show moreIn preparation for the 2022 Philippine presidential election, K-pop fans nationwide united to campaign for presidential candidate Leni Robredo. The most crucial organisation that set this in motion, K-pop Stans 4 Leni, created a community to talk politics, campaign for Robredo, and spread truthful information concerning the election. Through interviewing a member of this organisation and circulating a survey, this research aims to research how and why Filipino K-pop fans used K-pop as a tool for their political expression and activism during the 2022 Philippine presidential election and, therefore, how K-pop can be political. Results show that the participants in the organisation are politically active in character. The organisation became a political force using K-pop mechanisms to mobilise many fans swiftly. This research concludes that the organisation used K-pop since it effectively mobilises a large demographic who support their goals. Furthermore, this thesis concludes that K-pop fandom can be political, as shown by KS4GG. However, it cannot be concluded that all aspects of K-pop are political due to a lack of political participation. As this research primarily analyses participants involved with the organisation K-pop Stans 4 Leni, this should be noted as a limitation and allows for further research to be done.Show less
This thesis explores the influence of the portrayal of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the K-drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo on public perception and attitudes toward ASD in South Korean society...Show moreThis thesis explores the influence of the portrayal of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the K-drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo on public perception and attitudes toward ASD in South Korean society. The study begins by examining the ASD portrayal in Extraordinary Attorney Woo, aiming to comprehend its positioning and characteristics in relation to general criticisms of ASD portrayals. Subsequently, interview videos featuring Korean individuals with ASD are analyzed to identify similarities and differences between their lived experiences and the drama's portrayal. An online survey is then conducted among South Koreans to investigate the impact of the ASD portrayal in Extraordinary Attorney Woo on public perceptions and attitudes toward individuals with ASD. The findings reveal that the drama presents an authentic character with ASD, fostering understanding and awareness of ASD as a spectrum disorder. However, certain aspects of the portrayal, such as romantic relationships and savant skills, do not accurately reflect the realities of individuals with ASD. Nonetheless, the portrayal of ASD in Extraordinary Attorney Woo positively influences public perception and promotes improved understanding and knowledge of ASD in South Korean society.Show less
This thesis examines the best translation techniques for subtitling Korean dramas into English, that balance preserving culture-specific references with audience comprehension. The research...Show moreThis thesis examines the best translation techniques for subtitling Korean dramas into English, that balance preserving culture-specific references with audience comprehension. The research considers the significance of cultural preservation and audience comprehension to determine the best-fitting translation technique to achieve a good balance between the two. Four main groups of viewers are identified along with their level of familiarity and interest in Korean culture and language, with the majority valuing the preservation of culture. The study analyses frequently used translation techniques and shows that there is a tendency to favour target-oriented techniques, resulting in the loss of most of the culture-specific items. A case study on the drama Squid Game reveals how target-oriented techniques often fall short in preserving culture-specific items. The paper finds that it is best to use a balanced approach between cultural preservation and audience comprehension, avoiding the usage of omission, utilizing source-oriented techniques when possible, and supplementing with translator notes for accents and dialects. This balance will ensure that subtitles accurately convey the intended meaning of the dialogue with their cultural nuances whilst simultaneously ensuring audience comprehension.Show less
This thesis examines North Korean kŭrimch’aek, a topic that has yet to receive much scholarly attention. In particular, there will be a focus on the romantic aspects found in the narratives of...Show moreThis thesis examines North Korean kŭrimch’aek, a topic that has yet to receive much scholarly attention. In particular, there will be a focus on the romantic aspects found in the narratives of kŭrimch’aek. Five different kŭrimch’aek were closely analysed and the findings discussed in the case study of this thesis. Though North Korean fiction has to comply with official state ideology, in the kŭrimch’aek several aspects showed that this does not imply flawless stories. Furthermore, romance can be seen more frequently in stories that have elements that justify actions that would generally contradict North Korean ideology. Ambiguities were found to be more prevalent in female characters, while male characters are more homogeneous. As fiction has the function to educate and to present model individuals, romance functions to enable readers to identify with these ideal protagonists. Lastly, romance adds an extra layer of depth to otherwise quite monotonous narratives.Show less
This work looks at the South Korean PC bang in the theoretical framework based upon the third place theory created by Ray Oldenburg. After an introduction to the PC bang, their role in contemporary...Show moreThis work looks at the South Korean PC bang in the theoretical framework based upon the third place theory created by Ray Oldenburg. After an introduction to the PC bang, their role in contemporary South Korea will be explained by comparing them to the characteristics described in the third place theory. Numbers on the PC bang visitors were gained from official records from KOCCA (Korea Creative Content Agency). The research was done in two parts. First, a survey was deployed through online South Korean communities to find data on people’s feelings about the PC bang, and second, personal observations on the Korean PC bang were added. My conclusion is that the PC bang does not fully comply with the third place theory as set by Oldenburg, but that it provides a new form of third place. By bringing both the online and offline space in one place together, it gives way to new forms of socializing, for which revision of the original third place theory is necessary.Show less
