This second of two volumes explores broader cultural, economic, and socio-political dynamics exchanged between Asian popular media and the world. The authors analyze how the said media navigate complex global markets and technological advancements. They discuss how dissemination and consumption of Asian popular culture, such as early Chinese-language movie theaters, Netflix, subtitling of Asian content, impact the popularity of cultural contents. They also examine the portrayal of ajummas (middle-aged women) in Korean TV and film, along with the varying representations of utopia and dystopia embedded in Asian science fiction. This volume illustrates the soft power of media in transnational exchanges.
"The current two volumes are the most comprehensive and authoritative academic publications on Asian popular culture. They aptly document the ways in which Squid Game plays a pivotal role in shifting cultural production, and how the Korean Wave around the globe keeps going strong, both practically and academically. The readers of the books will be able to utilize cutting-edge debates and empirical studies guided by some of the finest scholars in the field."
-Dal Yong Jin, Simon Fraser University, Canada
"Squid Game is a game-changer, and this essential two-volume collection pays tribute to the power of Asian popular media to speak to audiences far beyond the region about the precarious lives we share in the second decade of the twenty-first century."
-Gina Marchetti, Pratt Institute, New York, USA
"Contemporary Asian Popular Culture is essential for anyone seeking to understand the profound influence and intricate narratives of contemporary Asian popular media. Together, these volumes provide a crucial resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike."
-Eunyoung Kim, Auburn University at Montgomery, USA
This volume explores the broader cultural, economic, and socio-political dynamics exchanged between Asian popular media and the world. The authors analyze how the said media navigate complex global markets, technological advancements, and cultural exchanges. It brings together interdisciplinary voices discussing various facets of Asian popular culture and illustrates the media's soft power in transnational exchanges.
Yeojin Kim is an associate professor in Communication at Central Connecticut State University, USA.
Dharshani Lakmali Jayasinghe is an assistant professor of Anglophone and World Literatures in the Department of English at Central Connecticut State University, USA.
Hiba Aleem is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of English, Writing, and Communication at Emmanuel College in Boston, USA.
Karen A. Ritzenhoff is a professor in Communication and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Central Connecticut State University, USA.
