In the1950’s, following
the Korean War, found itself in finical crisis and was one of the poorest
countries in the world. Yet, South Korea is currently in the throngs of a cultural
phenomenon popularly coined the “Korean Wave” that reaches far beyond their
borders. South Korea is now an epicenter for fashion, music, food, entertainment, and technology.
This incredible transformation, is in my opinion, due largely to the South Korean
Government, and their ability to see the importance of developing cultural
policy and identity. Starting in the 60’s South Korea focused their efforts on “economic
growth and cultural development” which laid foundations for such successful
brands as LG and Samsung (Tran). This trend continued with “a period of major
growth in the role of the state in providing support for the arts” (Yim 40) which
lead to “the coming of age of Korean popular culture” in the late 1990s (Joo
490). The South Korean government is currently “one of the only countries in
the world that has a Ministry of Culture” and places great emphasis on being
the lead exporter of popular culture by earmarking “20-30% of a 1-billion-dollar
fund to nurture and export popular culture” (“Korean Wave”). Even in my small
isolated home town the local dance studios now offer K-Pop classes that feature
dance moves and music from South Korean popular culture. In order to increase
their “national aesthetics” status, South Korea could expand their grape production
and develop a market of red wine promoted by some of their many superstars. Why
not, it does seem there isn’t much that South Korea can’t do these days.
Question: Why is South Korea one of the only countries with a Ministry of Culture? Why haven't other countries placed as much focus governmental emphasize on culture?
Joo, Jeongsuk. “Transnationalization
of Korean Popular Culture and the Rise of “Pop Nationalism” in Korea.” The Journal of Popular Culture. Vol. 44,
No. 3, 2011.
“Korean
Wave (Hallyu) - Rise of Korea's Cultural Economy & Pop Culture.” Martin Roll, 12 Aug. 2017. 1 Oct. 2017.
Noland,
Marcus. “Six Markets to Watch: South Korea.” Foreign Affairs, 15 Sept. 2015.
Web. 1 Oct. 2017.
Tran,
Mark. “South Korea: a Model of Development? | Mark Tran.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 28 Nov. 2011. Web. 1 Oct. 2017.
Yim, Haksoon. “Cultural
Identity and Cultural Policy in South Korea.” International Journal of Cultural Policy. Vol. 8, 2002. pp. 37-48.
Yonhap.
“Korean Wave Exports Boom.” Inside Retail Asia, 29 Aug. 2016.
1 Oct. 2017.
Cultural branding is a smart strategy of nation branding of Korea. President Lee Myung Bak stated: “if the nation wants to be labeled an advanced country, it will be necessary to significantly improve its image and reputation". Ones have to find something very special about themselves to mark the differences, and in case of Korea, they chose their culture (tradional and contemporary cultures). That's is the strategy of the nation, and there is even a ministry for that. It is smart because it will also encourage the people to conserve their traditional culture, even after the modernization process. You can find more information here (pdf file)
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And not only Korea has Ministry of Culture. Vietnam also does, but in my opinion, the ministry hasn't had 'briliant' projects for nation branding. (TA)
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