[HanCinema's Digest] Culture Corner

Published on 2016/02/27

Korean nerd culture gets the respect it deserves, see how cultural diplomacy helps foster new economic relationships, the Jakarta Globe gets behind the Korean Wave, and the Seoul Global Culture Centre has lots of activities and classes planned for the month of March.

"Zero to hero"

Are South Korean nerds finally getting the respect they deserve? The term "deukhu" has had negative connotations in the past and is used to describe those members of society who "pursue obsessive interests", but the times they are a changing: "Stars are helping to push the idea that geekishness is cool. But beyond that, Mr Kim says, is the growing cachet of not following mainstream taste: a turnaround for South Koreans under powerful social pressure to conform".

...READ ON THE ECONOMIST

"Culture is new growth engine"

What is "cultural diplomacy" and how it is being used to develop overseas markets? In this post, Kang Seung-woo reports on President Park Geun-hye's hopes for the Culture Creation Convergence Belt that aims "to create more jobs and develop more overseas markets for Korean cultural content".

...READ ON THE KOREA TIMES

"Behind the Korean Wave"

Korean culture is fascinating and rich, but so is the story of how some of its biggest exports (e.g. K-pop) have evolved over the decades. Korea's cultural industry, "Hallyu", is a multi-trillion won industry that is expected to continue to rise, but for how much longer? "Voices of caution state that if Hallyu is to continue and become a true global culture, the effort to respect and understand different cultures should precede it. The endeavor to share the true value and spirit of Korea is the only way for Hallyu to last".

...READ ON JAKARTA GLOBE

"What's on in March at the Seoul Global Culture Centre"

If you plan to be in or around Seoul in March, why not pay the Seoul Global Culture Centre a visit and sign up for one of their class or courses related to K-culture! Fancy trying your hand at making kimchee? How about learning some moves from your favourite K-pop stars? Go get clued up on K-culture first-hand!

...READ ON 10 MAGAZINE