Cultural production in transnational culture: An analysis of cultural creators in the Korean wave | Culture and communication in digital worlds

Author(s): Dal Y. Jin

Year of publication: 2021

Keywords: Cultural production, Korean Wave (Hallyu), Cultural creators, Transnational culture, Global cultural economy

Methodology/Sample: _/_

Reference: Jin Dal Yong (2021). Cultural Production in Transnational Culture: An Analysis of Cultural Creators in the Korean Wave. International Journal of Communication, 15, 1810-1835. https://ijoc.org/index.php/ijoc/article/view/16369/3414

Abstract

By employing cultural production approaches in conjunction with the global cultural economy, this article attempts to determine the primary characteristics of the rapid growth of local cultural industries and the global penetration of Korean cultural content. It documents major creators and their products that are received in many countries to identify who they are and what the major cultural products are. It also investigates power relations between cultural creators and the surrounding sociocultural and political milieu, discussing how cultural creators develop local popular culture toward the global cultural markets. I found that cultural creators emphasize the importance of cultural identity to appeal to global audiences as well as local audiences instead of emphasizing solely hybridization.

> Summary

The paper explores cultural production and the role of creators in the Korean Wave, emphasizing their significance in global cultural markets .
It discusses the importance of cultural identity for appealing to both local and global audiences .
The research employs a cultural production approach within the global cultural economy framework to analyze Hallyu’s characteristics .
Interviews with cultural creators reveal insights into cultural policy, export roles, and the significance of hybridity .

> Problem statement

The paper emphasizes the need to evaluate production processes in cultural industries, not just media content and audiences .
It highlights the importance of understanding producers’ experiences and their working conditions .
The research aims to explore the political economic and sociocultural relations affecting cultural production .
It addresses the power dynamics between cultural creators and their sociocultural environment .
The study critiques the predominant focus on audience reception, advocating for a producer-centric perspective .

> Methods used

The paper employs cultural production approaches within the global cultural economy framework to analyze Hallyu’s characteristics .
It includes one-hour semistructured interviews with cultural creators to gather insights on cultural production .
In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 cultural creators, focusing on their roles in producing cultural content .
The research also reviews existing literature on audience reception, textual analysis, and industry studies related to Hallyu .
The methodology emphasizes understanding market arrangements, infrastructures, and governance in cultural production .

> Practical implications

The paper emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural creators’ experiences in the production process of Hallyu .
It suggests a comprehensive approach to cultural production, integrating various methodologies .
The research highlights the need for evaluating production processes alongside media content and audiences .
It calls for a theoretical synthesis that considers economic and organizational factors in cultural production .
The findings can inform strategies for cultural creators to appeal to both local and global audiences .