SCHWARZ, Michal. From oppression to freedom: changes in the use of Western symbols in Korean pop and East Asia. In SOAS GLOCAL CALA 2022, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City (part 1, online). 2022.
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Basic information
Original name From oppression to freedom: changes in the use of Western symbols in Korean pop and East Asia
Authors SCHWARZ, Michal.
Edition SOAS GLOCAL CALA 2022, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City (part 1, online), 2022.
Other information
Original language English
Type of outcome Presentations at conferences
Field of Study 60403 Performing arts studies
Country of publisher Philippines
Confidentiality degree is not subject to a state or trade secret
WWW Abstract
Organization unit Faculty of Arts
Keywords in English changes, symbols, train, apple, Korean pop
Tags International impact, Reviewed
Changed by Changed by: Mgr. Ondřej Srba, Ph.D., učo 403132. Changed: 20/1/2023 20:02.
Abstract
This paper analyzes East Asian modernity in the use of Western symbols accommodated in Korean culture, their gradual semantic as well as pragmatic shift and contemporary spread. As railway or train became the symbol of modernity in Europe (Weber 1976), it was also adopted as a sign of progress in South Korea (Han Seung-Mi 2004) when diesel locomotives and their sound represented negative control of people (Han Youngsue 2020). With more positive development at the end of the 20th century, this optically same motif has lost its negative value and now is more positive sign of the shift to better future (e.g. Twice: Likey + I can’t stop me) or symbolic gate to another space (BTS: Run). Similarly the Biblical parable of knowledge (= snake or eating of an apple) was adopted by Korean Christians. Despite their original motif of punishment (Gain, Paradise Lost), these symbols have also changed and might be connected to East Asian feminine modernity (cf. Lin & Avin 2008) and strength, when knowledge is equal to desire for a better future (e.g.: Twice: More & More). The analysis allows to conclude that these symbols are gradually disconnected from their original or moral content (GFRIEND: Apple; Gain: Apple; in secondary moments e.g. in Twice: Yes or yes; Blackpink: How you like that; Hyuna: Red). This semantical shift correlates with economic success of South Korea and analogical reception of these symbols in post-colonial Asia.
Links
GA19-07619S, research and development projectName: Mongolské rituální rukopisy v české sbírce: jejich edice, historie a středoasijské kořeny
Investor: Czech Science Foundation
PrintDisplayed: 15/10/2024 20:12