South Korea's rise to becoming a global exporter of pop culture is explored in this episode. Topics include the impact of the Korean War on Korean culture, the intentional investment in soft power by the South Korean government, the economic transformation of Korea under Park Chung-hee, the unintended consequences of globalization, and the rise of Korean cultural products globally.
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Quick takeaways
The impact of the Korean War and Japanese occupation shaped Korean society and attitudes towards Americans, leading to a surge in American media exposure.
South Korea's investment in cultural industries, along with the rise of K-pop, resulted in the Korean wave, making Korean beauty trends and entertainment globally popular.
Deep dives
Part 1 - The Korean War and Japanese Occupation
The podcast discusses the impact of the Korean War, where the US dropped more bombs on North Korea than in WWII, and the harsh Japanese occupation on shaping Korean society. The war caused devastation and loss for many Korean families, leaving a lasting impact on their lives and attitudes towards Americans.
Part 2 - Park Chung-hee and Economic Development
The podcast explores how the South Korean president, Park Chung-hee, implemented policies to rebuild the economy, focusing on rapid development and transforming Korea into an economic powerhouse. Despite restrictions on civil liberties, Park's government promoted a night culture that embraced foreign influences, leading to a surge in American media exposure.
Part 3 - Kim Dae-jung and the Korean Wave
The podcast details how President Kim Dae-jung harnessed the growing popularity of Korean dramas and movies to create a global market for Korean culture. Deep investments in cultural industries, along with the rise of K-pop, resulted in the Korean wave, with Korean beauty trends and entertainment captivating audiences worldwide.
Conclusion - Economic Shifts and Global Impact
The podcast analyzes the economic shift in South Korea and the impact of Korean cultural exports, such as Parasite and Squid Game, gaining global recognition. As South Korea rises as a cultural force, there is a simultaneous tension between the US and Asia, with fears of competition and the need for shared prosperity.
From BTS to Squid Game to high-end beauty standards, South Korea reigns as a global exporter of pop culture and entertainment. Just 70 years ago, it would have seemed impossible. For the next episode in our "Superpower" series, exploring U.S. connections to East Asia, we tell the story of South Korea's rise from a war-decimated state to a major driver of global soft power: a story of war, occupation, economic crisis, and national strategy that breaks around the world as the Korean Wave.