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
This paper explores the McCune-Reischauer, Revised, and Yale Romanizations to establish whether the Yale Romanization of Korean, the current standard in linguistics, is truly suitable for this...Show moreThis paper explores the McCune-Reischauer, Revised, and Yale Romanizations to establish whether the Yale Romanization of Korean, the current standard in linguistics, is truly suitable for this field in the Netherlands. The author looks at this issue from a pronunciation accuracy perspective, by having linguistics students and professionals at Leiden University read out phrases in the three transcription systems and quantifying their struggles in pronouncing the different romanizations. Additionally, a survey has been conducted, which asked participants from 3 Dutch universities to choose a preferred transcription system after listening to a Korean word. Both methods found that McCune-Reischauer was pronounced the most accurately and was most preferred by linguistic students. Yale Romanization was the least accurate and least preferred. The author thus argues that while Yale Romanization certainly has its distinct benefits, it is critically lacking in pronounceability and legibility, and is therefore not suitable for all parts of linguistics in its current state.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 to what extent and how self-expression is portrayed in K-Pop choreography. The theoretical framework takes into account K-Pop idols' professionalism, the influence of modern...Show moreThis thesis explores to what extent and how self-expression is portrayed in K-Pop choreography. The theoretical framework takes into account K-Pop idols' professionalism, the influence of modern dance education, and the sociological dynamic combination of “collectivism” and “individualism” as represented in relation to the concepts of “holism” and ilmu. Additionally, an analysis of K-Pop choreography through four generations was performed to reveal a development in the incorporation of self-expressive aspects. The first generation exhibits subtle signs of semiotic use and point choreography. A more defined framework for K-Pop choreography is established in the second generation, which also includes individualistic concepts like the "domino effect." The third generation features choreography that utilises sign language and different dance genres, while the fourth generation shows an increase in the showcasing of individuality when taking into account changes made to official choreography. The research therefore shows that the scene of K-Pop choreography is developing in terms of showing self-expression, allowing idols to express their uniqueness while retaining collective harmony.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 paper examines the notable shifts that have occurred in the Korean literary industry throughout the last three decades, in relation to the scale shifting of Korea’s outbound literature in...Show moreThis paper examines the notable shifts that have occurred in the Korean literary industry throughout the last three decades, in relation to the scale shifting of Korea’s outbound literature in translation, resulting in the increase of interest in Korean literature worldwide. This is analyzed through the three infrastructures, stated by Levitt and Shim, (1) a shift in policy through export and promotion, (2) a shift in tone through discovery and consecration and (3) a shift in the vernacular through connection and vernacularization. This study also articulates how Korean literature’s emergence worldwide has not yet gained the desired recognition due to a series of transnational factors. Consequently, it will reveal the different stances in the discussion surrounding the limits and issues within the Korean literary circle (mundan) and finally, it points out how Korean literature in translation can accomplish both domestic and international prestige and leave its footprint on the global literary market.Show less
This thesis will examine South Korean society through sagŭk dramas, focussing on the question: “How is history represented in sagŭk dramas and what can the changes over time tell us about the...Show moreThis thesis will examine South Korean society through sagŭk dramas, focussing on the question: “How is history represented in sagŭk dramas and what can the changes over time tell us about the targeted society?”. To answer this question, a macro-perspective approach is combined with a case study. The macro-perspective analysis involves a comprehensive examination of the development of sagŭk dramas over time, aiming to identify overarching trends and shifts in the genre. The case study is structured as a comparison of three sagŭk dramas (The King of Chudong Palace (MBC, 1983), Jeong Do-jeon (KBS1, 2014), and My Country: The New Age (JTBC, 2019)) each depicting the same period, events, and historical characters. Specific examples of each of the dramas’ use of narration, on-screen text, language, costume design, music, and cinematography are used to point out changes in Korean society over time.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
The way criminals are treated has been changing for centuries. When the West started to abolish corporal punishments and treat prisoners with more respect, Japan wanted to follow to gain respect...Show moreThe way criminals are treated has been changing for centuries. When the West started to abolish corporal punishments and treat prisoners with more respect, Japan wanted to follow to gain respect and be seen as a world power. Nowadays, there is a UN document that states how to treat prisoners in a humane way, But during the early 20th century this was not yet in use. When Japan colonized the Korean peninsula and reformed their prison system, it was more humane, but whether that is true has not been researched yet. Neither is the question if Japan treated the prisoners on the Korean peninsula the same as they treated the prisoners on the mainland of Japan. This study found out that there was a significant difference in treatment in both the prison systems, mainly due to the use of torture. Thus, the treatment of Korean prisoners in Korea cannot be deemed humane when compared to the definition of the UN.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
