The Korean Wave in Southeast Asia: Consumption and Cultural Production

by Mary J. Ainslie (Editor), Joanne B. Y. Lim (Editor)

The Korean Wave in Southeast Asia offers fresh details and new perspectives on the globalization of Korean popular culture, better known as ‘Hallyu’. Focusing on the dissemination, localization, consumption and fandom of Korean TV dramas, films, pop music and other forms of youth culture within the cultural geography of Southeast Asia, the chapters in the book offer a compelling analysis of the globalization of Hallyu and detail the various social and cultural mechanisms involved.

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Siao · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some real gems in this one! The first few were quite weak, but thankfully the later half of the book picked up. My favourite was the analysis of the Vietnamese remake of Full House, and how it encouraged a renegotiation and reaffirmation of gender roles amongst young Vietnamese audience members. The concept of Confucion wu masculinity is very interesting as well and I hope to read more!! :)

[Haris Murshidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I’m gonna back for the reference part quite often once I started my study later.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting a more in-depth collection of academic papers on hallyu in SEA but this book disappoints. It only provides only a general overview and descriptions of hallyu influences a impacts in various SEA countries, and focuses on hallyu being a factor that could create a transnational identity in the region.

Even so, I have a favorite article, in which one of the authors put forth her hypothesis that Thai movies such as Sorry, Saranghaeyo and Hello Stranger can be read as criticism towards hallyu craze in Thailand, instead of just another commercial of riding the Korean wave.

[Eunice Yap · Rating 4 out of 5]

rather heavy read as its academic. but pretty insightful.