K-wave 1 PDF

Week 10: Korean Wave 1 1 1. The Rise of Korean Cinema in the Global Landscape# ◎ Success and Growth of South Korean Cinema -Korean cinema has achieved global acclaim with directors like Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho. - Domestic films hold a 60% market share, showcasin...

Week 10: Korean Wave 1 1 1. The Rise of Korean Cinema in the Global Landscape# ◎ Success and Growth of South Korean Cinema -Korean cinema has achieved global acclaim with directors like Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho. - Domestic films hold a 60% market share, showcasing the popularity and quality of Korean cinema: making Korea one of the largest non-Hollywood box offices globally. -In 2013, movie admissions reached 212 million, making Korea's per capita moviegoing rate the highest in the world. - With a relatively small population of 48 million, South Korea competes among top global film-producing nations, releasing around 200 titles yearly. - # Kim, K. H. (2016). South Korean Cinema Story in the Digital Age: 21st-century success on a 20th-century medium?. In Routledge Handbook of Korean Culture and Society (pp. 206-217). Routledge. 2  2. Korean Movie Hallyu* ◎ Korean Movie Export Trend** - Highest Record in 2022: in the Asian movie market traditionally leading by Japan - Due to increasing supply of delayed movies release during the Pandemic, and rise of K-movie brand value (Unit: USD) Total Sum Sum of Contract Local Overage Increase/Decrease # of Movies Average Price *KOFICE. (2023). Hallyu and multiculturalism. ** KOFIC. (2023). Report of Korean Movie Industry 2022. 3 2. Korean Movie Hallyu* ◎ Korean Movie Export Trend by Region** ETC & Worldwide ETC & Worldwide Central & South America Oceania(0.2) (Unit: %) Europe Middle East & Africa(0.2) North America Central & South America Europe Middle East & Africa(0.4) North America Asia Asia 4 2. Korean Movie Hallyu* ◎ Korean Movie Export Trend by Country** (Unit: USD, %) Taiwan China Taiwan Japan Japan Japan Singapore Taiwan U.S. Hong Kong Singapore Singapore China U.S. Hong Kong U.S. Hong Kong France Vietnam Germany China Germany Malaysia Russia Malaysia Thailand Uruguay Philippine Philippine Vietnam 5 3. Global Influence on Korean Movies# ◎ European Art Cinema Influence - Directors like Kim Ki-duk, Hong Sang-soo, and Lee Chang-dong explore themes of post-war poverty and industrialization. - Their works resonate with post-war European art cinema styles, similar to Italian Neorealism and the French Nouvelle Vague. ◎ Third Cinema and National Resistance - Korean cinema aligns with 'Third Cinema' by critiquing neoliberal capitalism and Hollywood dominance. - Directors like Im Kwon-Taek emphasize traditional Korean themes, exemplifying Korean cinema as a form of cultural resistance. 6 3. Global Influence on Korean Movies# ◎ Dual Influence: Ignoring and Imitating Hollywood - Korean cinema both resists and imitates Hollywood, often outperforming it locally. - Its ability to attract Hollywood interest for remakes shows its dual influence and adaptability. 7 4. The Transformation of Cinema in the Digital Era# ◎ Impact of the Digital Era Over - The rise of digital platforms like Google, YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon has reshaped cinema. -Secondary platforms such as TV, cable, and DVDs have become primary platforms. - Consumers are now more inclined towards streaming subscriptions than cinema tickets, altering film production, distribution, and consumption. - This digital infrastructure allows Korean cinema to thrive and coexist with new media, not in conflict but in harmony with internet technologies. 8 4. The Transformation of Cinema in the Digital Era# ◎ New Aesthetics in Media Studies - As cinema's influence wanes, new theories like 'post-media aesthetics' and 'afterimages' have emerged. - These concepts introduce alternative visual experiences that shift beyond traditional cinephilia. - Digital technology has shifted the cinematic experience, reducing reliance on photorealism and photographic credibility. 9 5. Korean Cinema’s Adaptation to Digital Trends# ◎ The Internet’s Impact on Global Cinema -The rise of the Internet and social media platforms has transformed global cinema. - Viewers can now access films from home, bypassing traditional theaters. - Consumers also became producers, editing and sharing content on social media. - Unlike other cinemas, Korean cinema has thrived in the digital age. - Fans create blogs and mash-ups, promoting viewership and supporting local films: This adaptation has strengthened rather than diminished Korean cinema's popularity. 10 6. Unique Features of Korean Movie ◎ Genre Diversity# -Western audiences may recognize films like *Oldboy* for their intensity, but Korean cinema covers diverse genres and appeals widely across Asia. - Films are distinct for their realism, depictions of violence and tragedy, and a deep melancholy rooted in 'han,' contributing to its unique global appeal. - Directors like Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho emerged in a post- dictatorship era, free from overpowering influences, allowing their unique styles to flourish. - This creative freedom has shaped Korean cinema's acclaimed diversity today. 11 6. Unique Features of Korean Movie ◎ Psychological Realism and Emotional Intensity% - Korean films are known for emotional depth, rooted in 'han' (sorrow) and 'heung' (joy). - This realism resonates with Asian audiences, while Western fans are drawn to intense and morally complex themes, particularly in works by directors like Park Chan-wook. % Tudor, D. (2012). Korea: The impossible country: South Korea's amazing rise from the ashes: The inside story of an economic, political and cultural phenomenon. Tuttle Publishing. 12 6. Unique Features of Korean Movie ◎ Psychological Realism and Emotional Intensity& - Korean cinema delves deeply into the psychological aspects of its characters, particularly in thrillers and crime dramas, which emphasize emotional and psychological realism. - Korean films frequently explore the internal lives of characters, focusing on their psychological and emotional struggles. - This realism goes beyond surface-level emotions to reveal characters’ deeper motivations, traumas, and fears. & Kim, K. H. (2004). The remasculinization of Korean cinema. Duke University Press. 13 6. Unique Features of Korean Movie ◎ Psychological Realism and Emotional Intensity&& - Directors use narrative and visual techniques to immerse audiences in characters’ minds, making their psychological journeys central to the story. - Mother (2009) by Bong Joon-ho is a thriller that delves into a mother’s psychological journey as she seeks justice for her son, blending suspense with emotional realism. && Kim, K. H. (2011). Virtual hallyu. Durham: Duke University Press. 14 6. Unique Features of Korean Movie ◎ Genre-Bending&& - Korean cinema has a tradition of melodrama, with most films traditionally belonging to this genre. - Melodramas have defined Korean cinema, often featuring intense emotions and heart-wrenching themes, becoming ingrained in Korean cultural identity. && Paquet, D. (2000). Genrebending in contemporary Korean cinema. TAASA Review, 9(1), 12. 15 6. Unique Features of Korean Movie ◎ Genre-Bending&& - Even in Korean art films, melodrama has left an influence, with many arthouse directors rejecting its conventions to create realism, filling their works with mundane, understated emotions rather than melodramatic excess. - Korean filmmakers continue to experiment with genres, supported by audiences who appreciate this innovation. - As a new generation of directors shapes the industry, Korean cinema’s identity will likely continue to evolve, embracing and redefining genre conventions. 16 6. Korean Cinema’s Globalization Strategy and Challenges# ◎ Localization as a Strategy for Global Reach - To expand internationally, Korean cinema has adopted a 'localizing' approach, adapting films for specific markets by changing language and cultural elements. -For example, *A Wedding Invitation* (2013), a Korean-directed, Chinese-language film, became a major hit in China, despite limited success in Korea. - Korean cinema is increasingly targeting the Chinese market, producing Chinese- language films with local actors. - While financial products can adapt locally, films risk diluting their national identity when tailored for foreign audiences. - This trend raises concerns about losing Korean cultural elements in the process of appealing to the Chinese market. 17 6. OTT Market and Korean Movies* ◎ Changes by OTT Market Growth - Blurred boundaries between movies and dramas: Integration to OTT contents - Inclusion of OTT contents in international film festival and awards ◎ Korean Movies in the OTT Market: Strong genre films - Action movies in 2022: Yaksha: Ruthless Operations (야차), Carter (카터), Seoul Vibe(서울대작전), The Pirates : The Last Royal Treasure (해적: 도깨비 깃발) - Romance movies in 2022: Love and Leashes (모럴 센스), 20th Century Girl (20세기 소녀) 18 7. Korean Movies in International Film Festivals ◎ Award Winnings of Korean Movies in 2022** Festival Name When Region Title Director Award Berlin Film Festival 19  7. Korean Movies in International Film Festivals ◎ Award Winnings of Korean Movies in 2022** Festival Name When Region Title Director Award Cannes International Film Festival 20  7. Korean Movies in International Film Festivals ◎ Award Winnings of Korean Movies in 2022** Festival Name When Region Title Director Sundance Film Festival The Novelist’s Hong Kong Film International Aloners Film Festival House of Existence Hot Docs International Documentary Festival 21  7. Korean Movies in International Film Festivals ◎ Award Winnings of Korean Movies** - The Movelist’s Film (2022): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQG4NRteazo - Decision to Leave (2022): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmoy73lhs-s - Broker (2022): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9cU4F0gIkw - Aloners (2021): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHGbKZKr3Ag - Next Sohee (2022): Best director in Fantasia International Film Festival of 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-_HDzEhC7c 22 8. Remake and IP Export of K-Movies ◎ Remake A Hard Day (끝까지 간다, 2014) - Based on Korean Webtoon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP4Y-fExtR4 - Peace Maker (破局, 2017) in Hong Kong : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeYx6InAMhA&t=3s 23 8. Remake and IP Export of K-Movies ◎ Remake A Hard Day (끝까지 간다, 2014) - Restless (Sans Repit, 2021) in France: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8tCoWmooRE - A Hard Day (2021) in Philippine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw9jkEYlr3s - Hard Days (最後まで行く , 2023) in Japan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwPZ8wCl4Ro 24 8. Remake and IP Export of K-Movies ◎ Remake Miss Granny (수상한 그녀, 2014) : The first movie produced in 8 languages - 重返20岁 (2015) in China, Em là bà nội của anh (2015) in Vietnam, あやしい彼女 (2016) in Japan, เบื ้องหลัง 20 (2016) in Thailand, Sweet 20 (2017) in Indonesia, Miss Granny (2018) in Philippine, Oh! Baby (2019) in India - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbP5PbjJTF4 ◎ IP Export Movie, Moon Man: Based on Korean webtoon, Moonyou - Produced as 独行月球 in China and the No. 2 spot at the box office in 2022 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEe7_BFcDPM 25 1. Korean TV Show## ◎ On global OTT (Over-the-top media service): from ‘produced in the U.S. and distribute globally’ to ‘locally produced, distribute globally’ - Netflix originals: Squid Game (오징어게임), Hell Bound (지옥), All of Us are Dead (지금 우리 학교는) - Disney Plus original: Casino (카지노) - Apple TV: Pachinko (파친코) : based on a novel by Korean American, produced by an American company, Korean actors featured ## KOFIC. (2023). Hallyu White Paper 2022 26 1. Korean TV Show## ◎ Variations on distribution: Challenges to prevent contents IP leakage - Business Proposal (사내맞선) on Netflix: based on a web novel, first released on a Korean OTT, Waive and tv station, sold to Netflix later - Extraordinary Attorney Woo (이상한 변호사 우영우) on Netflix: based on a webtoon, produced by a Korean independent company holding content IP (Intellectual Property) - Reborn Rich (재벌집 막내아들): Released in Rakuten Viki, sold by an Asian OTT, VIU to the other platform * KOFIC. (2023). Hallyu White Paper 2022 27 2. Korean TV Show Remake ◎ 미 스터 리 음 악쇼 복 면가 왕 : T H E M A S KE D S I NG ER - R E MA K ED IN 27 C OU N T R I ES A N D E XP O RT E D T O 54 C OU N T R I ES 28 2. Korean TV Show Remake ◎ 미스터리 음악쇼 복면가왕 (King of Mask Singer): The Masked Singer - Exported to 54 countries - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDJK2o8kUcE ◎ 너의 목소리가 보여 (I Can See Your Voice) - Remaked in 27 countries: Canada, Mexico, U.S., Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Lithuania, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Spain, U.K. ◎ 히든 싱어 (Hidden Singer) - Exported to 5 countries: U.S., Italy, China, Vietnam and Thailand - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBCsrkmTfcE 29 3. What’s the Secret Behind the K- Drama Wave?* ◎ Global Appeal and Quality Storytelling - K-dramas resonate globally due to high-quality storytelling and universal themes like inequality, power dynamics, and human resilience. - Shows like Squid Game and Parasite exemplify this by addressing socioeconomic issues that resonate across cultures. ◎ Female Perspective - K-dramas often portray stories from a female perspective, which has drawn international female audiences. - This approach contrasts with Hollywood’s typical male-centric storytelling and reflects the fact that most K-drama scriptwriters are women. 30 3. What’s the Secret Behind the K- Drama Wave?* ◎ Visual Appeal and Production Quality - K-dramas emphasize visual aesthetics, with meticulous attention to costume and set design that creates memorable imagery, such as the iconic costumes in Squid Game. - Investment from streaming platforms like Netflix has further boosted production quality. 31 3. Challenges of K-Drama* ◎ Impact of Netflix - Netflix has played a major role in promoting K-dramas internationally, funding productions, and ensuring accessibility worldwide. - While this has broadened K-drama’s reach, it has also created a dependency on the platform, with potential risks of monopolization. ◎ Financial and Cultural Challenges - The industry faces challenges, including rising production costs, reliance on foreign investments, and pressures from international audiences for more diverse and inclusive narratives. - There is concern that high expectations from foreign audiences could dilute K-dramas’ unique cultural identity. 32 3. Challenges of K-Drama* ◎ Long-term Sustainability - K-dramas are at a crossroads where they need to address issues like inclusivity, mental health in the entertainment industry, and broader representation of social minorities. - The industry’s future may depend on how it adapts to global standards while retaining its unique appeal. 33