Article Summary

Ryan Chun

Mcom72

11/14/11

“Transnationalization of Korean Popular Culture and the Rise of 'Pop Nationalism' in Korea,” an article by Jeongsuk Joo that speaks upon the connection between the nationalism incorporated in South Korea’s popular culture. This article was published in the Journal of Popular culture volume 44 issue 3, pages 489 – 504 in 2011. He explains the development of Korean music and cinema and the rising popularity of South Korean television series across Asia.

The increase in Americanization since the 1900s is due to the amount of American soldiers that arose in South Korea. In the 1950s the Americans were radiating their culture and influencing Many Koreans with their Rock ‘N’ Roll. As time passed, Korea’s popular culture identity was found. They started a wave of drama and musical influence that has recently spread to countries throughout Asia and even America. This in turn strengthens the nation’s nationalism because the nation’s popular culture gives every Korean a sense of pride, and makes them happy to be a South Korean. Today, we see an influx of Korean celebrities. This is because more and more average citizens want to find ways to put themselves out into the world. They want to promote themselves to better the nation. This shows how far the nation has come and how it is continually growing its unity.