Korean Wave 1: The Rise of Korean Cinema

Week 10: Korean Wave 1

• Korean cinema has gained global recognition, particularly with directors like Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho.
• Korean films hold a 60% market share, making Korea a significant global box office outside of Hollywood.
• In 2013, movie admissions reached 212 million in South Korea, and per capita moviegoing was the highest in the world.
• South Korea produces approximately 200 films annually, despite a relatively small population of 48 million.

The Rise of Korean Cinema in the Global Landscape

• Korean cinema has achieved global recognition.
• Domestic Korean films hold a significant 60% market share.
• In 2013, Korean movie admissions reached 212 million.
• South Korea competes with major global film-producing nations, releasing around 200 films yearly.

Korean Movie Hallyu

• Korean movie exports set a record high in 2022, exceeding Japan's traditional dominance in the Asian market.
• This was partially due to the increased supply of delayed movies and the rising value of K-movie brand recognition.
• Various figures for 2018–2022 are provided (e.g., Total Sum, Sum of Contract, Local Overage).

Korean Movie Export Trend by Region

• Data is presented graphically (charts) showing export trends across different regions (Asia, North America, Europe, etc.) over several years.

Korean Movie Export Trend by Country

• Data (e.g., amounts, percentages) presented in tables, showing trends across various countries over 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Global Influence on Korean Movies

• Korean directors, like Kim Ki-duk, Hong Sang-soo, and Lee Chang-dong, are exploring themes of post-war poverty and industrialization.

• Their films echo European art cinema styles (Italian Neorealism, French Nouvelle Vague).

• Korean cinema aligns with Third Cinema, challenging neoliberal capitalism and Hollywood dominance.

• Directors like Im Kwon-Taek emphasize traditional Korean themes.

• This reflects a form of cultural resistance.

• Korean cinema resists and imitates Hollywood.

• It outperforms Hollywood locally, and has attracted Hollywood interest for remakes, showcasing adaptability and influence.

The Transformation of Cinema in the Digital Era

• The rise of Google, Youtube, Netflix, and Amazon has reshaped cinema.
• Secondary platforms (e.g., cable, DVDs) are less significant.
• Consumers prefer streaming subscriptions to cinema tickets.
• Digital infrastructure allows Korean cinema to co-exist with new media.
• The digital era has introduced new forms of aesthetic approaches in media studies, like 'post-media aesthetics' and 'afterimages,' which shift beyond traditional ways of experiencing cinema.
• These new trends reduce photorealism for photographic reliability and credibility, reshaping film productions, distribution and consumption.

Korean Cinema's Adaptation to Digital Trends

• The rise of the internet and social media platforms has transformed global cinema.
• Viewers can watch films from home.
• Domestic consumers are content creators as well.
• K-cinema has embraced the digital era successfully.
• This has strengthened rather than diminished its popularity.

Unique Features of Korean Movie

• Korean cinema demonstrates genre diversity; audiences respond to the intensity, realism, violence, tragedy, and deep melancholy.
• K-drama directors often present female perspectives, contrasting Hollywood's typical male-centric storytelling approach.
• Korean cinema delves deeply into the psychological aspects of its characters, especially in thrillers and crime dramas.
• Deep emotional realism resonates among audiences.
• Contemporary Korean films often combine diverse genres as part of their artistic identity.

Korean Cinema's Globalization Strategy and Challenges

• To expand globally, Korean cinema adopts a localization approach.
• Films are adapted for specific markets, changing language and cultural elements.
• One example is A Wedding Invitation (2013).
• Korean cinema is actively targeting the Chinese market, producing Chinese-language films with Chinese actors.
• This approach challenges national identity and cultural elements, raising possible concerns about diluting Korean culture.

OTT Market and Korean Movies

• OTT market growth is blurring boundaries between movies and dramas.
• K-movies are integrated in international film festivals and awards.
• Strong genre films in the 2022 market are identified.

Korean Movies in International Film Festivals

• Data is presented in tables or a chart showing specific titles with awards, directors, and dates of entries in international film festivals (Berlin, Cannes, Sundance, etc.).

Remake and IP Export of K-Movies

• Various K-movies, including A Hard Day (based on Korean webtoon), have been remade in other countries (e.g., France, Philippines, Japan).
• Other Korean movies from webtoons have been remade for export and are identified.
• Specific links to YouTube trailers and other online videos are cited.

Korean TV Shows

• Global OTT services like Netflix and Disney Plus are featuring Korean TV shows that are produced either for global audiences or adapted for specific regions.
• Several popular shows produced and popularized globally from Korea are identified.
• OTT challenges and variations of distribution to prevent IP leakage are noted.

What's the Secret Behind the K-Drama Wave?*

• K-dramas' global appeal stems from high-quality storytelling, universal themes (inequality, power dynamics, human resilience), and socioeconomic issues that resonate widely.
• Female perspectives in K-dramas are a significant draw for international female audiences.
• This contrasts with Hollywood's typical, male-centric storytelling approach.

Challenges of K-Drama

• K-dramas have benefited from production funding by a global company, Netflix, which has broader audiences worldwide.
• However, the increasing reliance on foreign investments, potential monopolization, and pressure from audiences to diversify and include may present a long-term challenge.
• The need to adapt while retaining unique cultural identity is an ongoing concern.