Week 2 - Shannon Trinh

Japan’s government is a constitutional monarchy, where the Emperor’s power is limited and the government is broken up into three branches, similarly to the United States: the Executive branch, the Legislative branch, and the Judicial branch. Although the people of Japan are not included in major voting systems, Japan seems to set the example for other countries’ attempt of re-branding economically, culturally, and socially.

What makes Japan so popularized is their fortified and unique national identity, an important component to globalization and branding. In order to achieve this, I think that governments (Like Japan’s) need to promote the right amount of balance between tradition and innovation, in order to make way for both tremendous economic/social/cultural growth and preservation of national pride and identity.  For example, Haksoon Yim states that a lot of countries get caught up in competitive economic progress and often lose touch of their traditional virtues such as spirituality: “Governments have tended to attribute social problems to the deserted spiritual world and the confused ethics caused by economic growth. Thus, the government has stressed that the enrichment of the spiritual world by culture and arts was necessary to counteract the negative effects of materialism and commericialism.” Japan’s government and people practice the well-known virtue of “Kodawari”(The Worldfolio), which pushes Japanese citizens to hold strong work ethic and to drive the economy (especially in upcoming technology). Japan has always been known to be one of the most over-worked countries in the world, always presenting themselves with the newest and coolest technologies. Although many other countries have been beginning to do the same, Japan’s people have made sure that this work-driven mentality is balanced with the integration of traditional, spiritual values of Shinto and Buddhism in every day life by keeping private traditions alive in almost every household. Japanese culture also consists of the preservation of its beautiful gardens, distinctive food, and traditional theatre, major aspects of Japan’s branding. The arts, which have also made up Japan’s identity for years, have pushed domestic companies in Japan to rapidly break into the international market, creating a popularized reputation for the country as the birthplace of anime and manga (The Worldfolio). A combination of 1. the ability for Japan to stay true to their culture and 2. their growing investments that are put into the “right” things, such as entertainment (J-pop), fashion, food, and technology, have fortified Japan’s national identity, and have ultimately, created a strong brand for itself. I think that although “progress” and a transformative mentality is a big part in re-branding, it is still important to incorporate traditional ethics and values into the new image.

Question: Which countries sacrificed their traditions completely in attempts of re-branding?

https://www.tsunagujapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/ecfc72c744f341c50e96528e45dd3fcb.jpg

http://www.theworldfolio.com/news/cultural-uniqueness-essential-to-japans-rebranding/4110/

Haksoon Yim. “Cultural Identity and Cultural Policy in South Korea.”

                                           

Week 1 - Regina Kwon

Startups give birth to a new idea or ideal goal which eventually blossoms into a monumental change in a designated environment. Yet there is no infrastructure or incubators installed just yet. However, Paul Graham argues that growth is deeply connected to and the main result of startups, which makes sense; it only goes up from here. Korea as a whole went through a lot of devastation in its past history, and like Eung Hong claims, Korea wasn’t technically born cool. Korea became cool over the years as it remade itself. In fact, its national identity keeps changing and demanding higher standards. Perhaps, Korea keeps the past in the past by looking forward to and becoming the future. After all, Korea got in touch with its people and got down to business. They focused on particular desires—the desire to look and feel beautiful, to make millions, and to elevate one’s standing in society. There are a lot of talent/T.V. shows that often highlight this idea of appealing to desires. Graham briefly mentions the importance of knowing what customers want. “Want” is the keyword here. The reality that Korea is essentially the number one nation to provide and undergo plastic surgery reflects this idea. Again, Graham mentions that it’s important to have credible people in the industries. But how do credible people land those jobs and opportunities? It might have a lot to do with the ideals that the country stands by, for the most part, such as higher education as well as plastic surgery. I’m thinking it starts with the Korean people—making them "rebranded"—in order to actually rebrand the country. For Korea to be even more on top and achieve the maximum level of “national aesthetics,” the country would have to promote/encourage the idea of the self-made man noticeably here in America. As a result, more and more common people will be unified because they’d be able to express their talents or ideas that aren’t necessarily linked or tied to family connections or other common privileges. 

Question: Is it potentially dangerous or impractical that Korea relies on mere labels like the “Korean Wave” for its pride and dollars? 

Sources: Graham, Paul. “Startup = Growth.” 2012. & “How to Start a Startup.” 2005. 

Hong, Eung. The Birth of Korean Cool: How One Nation Is Conquering the World Through Pop Culture.” Picador: New York. Print. 
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Week 2-Government System-Ia Lo

      All government systems have potentials to achieve in rebranding its nation. Because I am more familiar with a democratic society, I claim that a democratic government allow growth in various aspects (politics, economy, socially) in nation rebranding. However, a democratic model itself cannot fully succeed in achieving national greatness as we have discussed in class. My familiarity with Thailand, a democratic and constitutional monarchy, has led me to believe that they have great opportunities for rebranding.

       Although Thailand’s entertainment has not taken off like Korea, Thailand’s tourist attraction has really flown off the roof in which Thailand is really known for. Round trip flight tickets are especially annually low around March to April which is around the time of Thai Lunar New Year to witness Water Festivals across the country attracting thousands. Thailand is known for coastal paradises especially Phuket with luxurious hotel & spa to attract Westerner’s tastes. Their markets such as night market and Floating Market catered to domestic consumers, but have been a top location for tourists where products are affordable for tourists. Bhuddism is Thailand’s national religion and temples are ubiquitous. The government made many temples public to exhibit Thai architecture and Buddhist values. Westerner’s fascination of ethnic tribes in Thailand fueled tourist attractions especially in Chiang Mai. The Government have improved road infrastructures to reach these difficult destinations and in shorter time. Thailand brands itself by glamorizing what was already in Thailand in which the government and the people worked together to foster a space and experience of tourism. 

     However, Thailand has really opened doors for education. Numerous foreign university programs have partnered with Thailand universities for study abroad, volunteer abroad, and internship abroad. Thailand proves itself to be more than just an exotic country. According to a NY Times, Muay Thai is now recognized by the Olympics Committee and could be an official Olympic sport (Ruiz). What Thailand really brands itself to be is a country of dignity. After the death of the late King Adulyadej’s death, the country was on pause to mourn and the King’s photo was on every corner of Thailand according to a friend of mine who recently visited Thailand. King Adulyadej ruled with limited power among the parliament, but has devoted most of his life to genuinely improve the lives of his people and created good standing international relations. The world was amazed by the people of Thailand’s love and devotion for their king for which have rebranded the country.

Can a startup begin accidentally or without true intention/idea?  

(Holding the bill of King Adulyadej's face in mourning and honoring him)

http://media2.s-nbcnews.com/j/newscms/2016_41/1751046/ss-161014-thailand-mourning-kings-death-cr_04_bdd9ff19ef5726a80c179d115c3dab23.nbcnews-ux-1024-900.jpg

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/06/sports/olympics/cheerleading-muay-thai-provisional-olympic-status.html?_r=0

Week 1- What is a startup (Korea) Ia Lo

Generally, a startup is a new initiative aiming to serve a community and/or contribute to a cause. Startups don’t necessarily have to be “brand new” or an original idea. For instance, there is an existing entertainment industry in Korea when Korea was “not cool”. Creating a cultural identity for Korea had become a top priority for leaders in the early 90’s in which there were great investments into information technology (Yim 40). Technology transmitted Korean entertainment into foreign countries. With time and luck, many countries received Korean drama with high ratings especially The Jewel in the Palace, tuning into royal monarchy, traditions, caste system, resistence, and national unity that relates to their foreign audiences. Enhancing the pre-existing entertainment industry feeds back into achieving a more unified sense of identity for Koreans.

            Korea branded their cultural identity as a proud nation. There are numerous dramas and movies (Rooftop Prince, Arrow of War, The Tiger: The Old Hunter’s Tale) that exhibit Korean nationalism of resentment against Japan imperialism and rich culture of Korean politics and court. More into the late 90’s, young and hip teen vocal groups (usually unisex) like Baby V.O.X, H.O.T, and the famous S.E.S have set the new image for Korea as breaking the boundaries of Korean traditions and formalities to a cool vibe resonant to Western images. According to Yim, the Korean government believed in creativity and was receptive to foreign influences into Korea. Korean music was revolutionized from this point on and Korean economy and social welfare was an all time high compared to the 70’s (Yim 45).

            Graham states that it is important to be able to recognize different issues (3). Flexibility is a quality crucial to startup projects, having multiple perspectives and ideas to solve different issues. The Korean entertainment did not just thrived in film, but in all genres of film (historical, action, romance, contemporary, HORROR), in Pop music, but also through their music videos and commercialization of KPop fashion and beauty. The Hallyu have pushed for more exposure of Korean cuisine, especially here in the states, but this is for another blog.

Now that Korea has achieved in establishing a strong entertainment industry as a foundation of their country, is there anything else that the Korean government could look into starting a new startup?

http://img.kpopmap.com/wp-content/uploads_kpopmap/2016/11/kpop-poll-1st-generation-idols-ses-hot-finkl-sechs-kies.jpg

Week 1 - Shannon Trinh

As discussed in class, start-ups are intended to lead to the next “big thing” – something that is believed to be revolutionary, different, and influential. They are created by devoted people with big ideas and the ambition to create.  However, startups don’t survive off of one idea alone – they have to grow and develop, and fast. One of Paul Graham’s important strategies behind building a start-up is to know what the users want, and to cater to just that. As an analogy, one can think of the country of Korea as one big start-up by these definitions – the government and industry seem to know exactly what the people want, and are willing to allocate any given amount of money and resources towards it.  Once serving a country struck by war and poverty, the government eventually succeeded at bringing Korea to their potential “national aesthetic” by making enormous investments in certain systems that would appeal to the people. For example, because the international spread of Korean culture is so reliant on the Internet, Korea’s government ensures all people (rich or poor) a way to access the web in their households. Furthermore, they pour loads of money into the entertainment industry, cranking out “perfect” Korean pop stars by the dozens, and ultimately building a distinct reputation for Korean pop culture and increasing national pride. The overall history of the re-branding of Korea’s culture and economy shows quick progression, just like a successful, growing startup. Just in a few decades, Korea was almost completely transformed with new values, products, and people. They have rapidly come up with entertainment groups, trends, and technology that are exclusively known to be from Korea. The masses of individuals behind this “start-up” have ultimately created something that would transform the face of nationalism for generations to come.  

Question: In which cases have “national start-ups” failed? Have other countries tried to do the same but fell unrecognized?

Sources used: 

Eung Hong. "The Birth of Korean Cool: How One Nation Is Conquering The World Through Pop Culture." 

Paul Graham. "How to Start a StartUp" & "Startup = Growth" 

http://www.recruitmentagencynow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/growth.jpg