Cultural Production of Hallyu in the Digital Platform Era explores how histories, industry structures, and politics interact in the platformization of the Korean Wave. Dal Yong Jin argues that while much research centers on the Korean culture takeover and the dominance of Korean products on premier global media platforms, Korean cultural industries also experience reshaping and … [Read More]
Booklist: Non-Fiction (page 7)
The Midnight Shift
A bestseller in Korea, a biting, fast-paced vampire murder mystery exploring queer love and the consequences of loneliness. When four isolated elderly people die back-to-back at the same hospital by jumping out of the sixth-floor window, Su-Yeon doesn’t understand why she’s the only one at her precinct that seems to care. But her colleagues at … [Read More]
From Manners to Rules: Advocating for Legalism in South Korea and Japan
From Manners to Rules traces the emergence of legalistic governance in South Korea and Japan. While these countries were previously known for governance characterized by bureaucratic discretion and vague laws, activists and lawyers are pushing for a more legalistic regulatory style. Legalism involves more formal, detailed, and enforceable rules and participatory policy processes. Previous studies … [Read More]
Rebranding North Korea: Changes in Consumer Culture and Visual Media
“Everything for the people, everything according to the people!” —Kim Jong Un Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea has undertaken significant efforts to elevate the standard of living for its citizens. This shift has led to notable advancements in production and the quality of visual media, teaching North Koreans the “language” of consumerism and new … [Read More]
The Sensational Proletarian: Leftist Cultures in Colonial Korea
Starving ghosts, anguished farmers, and grieving mothers. Floating heads, gaunt bodies, and masses of bodily fluids. Such are the visceral sensations, exaggerated affects, and suffering subjects that characterized leftist Korean cultural production in the 1920s and 1930s. In popular fiction, print cartoons, reportage, and other emergent forms of mass culture, scenes detailing the spectacular bodily … [Read More]
The Identity and Emergence of K-pop
By analyzing the various factors contributing to K-pop’s unprecedented global rise, this book delves into key elements such as cultural hybridity, digital connectivity, and the role of fan engagement, while also interrogating the ways these factors have shaped K-pop’s unique position within the global music industry. In addition to exploring K-pop’s identity, the book addresses … [Read More]
Flashlight
The astonishing story of one family swept up in the tides of the twentieth century, ranging from post-war Japan to suburban America and the North Korean regime One evening, ten-year-old Louisa and her father take a walk out on the breakwater. They are spending the summer in a coastal Japanese town while her father Serk, … [Read More]
Korean Culture in the Global Age: K-Pop, K-Drama, K-Film, and K-Literature
Since the late 1990s, South Korean cultural products such as pop music, TV drama, and film have shaped the country’s image around the world. This book explores these three internationally best-known media of the Korean Wave global phenomenon, along with a less commonly featured aspect, K-literature. Iconic images of South Korea today include stylish music … [Read More]
Against Abandonment: Repertoires of Solidarity in South Korean Protest
Across the world, protest has become a much-debated tactic in struggles against inequality, political corruption, and ecological disaster. In South Korea, protest is a ubiquitous and essential form of political expression. In 1987, mass protests forced reforms that led to democratizing government. In 2017, the Candlelight movement removed the sitting president. Beyond these spectacular national … [Read More]
The Self-Esteem Class: Simple Lessons for a Lifetime of Contentment
The Self-Esteem Class teaches us about the influence of self-esteem on our lives and provides practical guidance for building the strongest image of yourself. This book will help anyone who would like to attain higher self-esteem but doesn’t know how to overcome the obstacles they face, as well as help recover the self-esteem of people who … [Read More]
One Meal, One Memory: The Taste of Survival in North Korean Cuisine
One Meal, One Memory: The Taste of Survival in North Korean Cuisine. In North Korea, food is complicated. For Ae Ran Lee, it’s life and death, pain and comfort, guilt and hope. Born into privilege in Pyongyang, Lee’s idyllic childhood ended abruptly when her family was exiled to a remote village, plunging them into unimaginable … [Read More]
Korea: War Without End
A ground-breaking history of this global conflict including the errors and miscalculations made on both sides. Korea: War Without End examines the stand-off between East and West in Korea that ultimately defined the second half of the 20th century. It provides a critical analysis of the lack of preparation by the West for war; the … [Read More]
Every Moment Was You: Notes on Loving and Parting
The Korean best-selling title since 2018 and the winner of the 2018 YES 24 Book of the Year Award, that encourages us to celebrate our ordinary life and love in every moment, Every Moment Was You, is finally available in English! ✨ Captured the hearts of more than 500,000 readers in South Korea. ✨ As … [Read More]
Modern and Contemporary Korean Art in Context (1950 – Now)
Including over 120 full-colour images throughout, this is a vividly illustrated, in-depth and up-to-date introduction to the world of Korean art from 1950 to the present day. The book covers such as topics as: Historical, political and social contexts in Korea from the military dictatorship through the post-Olympics period to the digital age; Major artistic … [Read More]
Balli Balli: Quick Korean recipes for every day
Exciting Korean recipes for people with busy lives that want delicious meals in a hurry. Recreate your favourite Korean takeaway with this collection of over 70 super speedy recipes. Simple and quick recipes to whip up in your kitchen for easy weeknight dinners. Korea is often described as having a balli, balli culture (balli translates … [Read More]
Rogue Allies: The Strategic Partnership between Iran and North Korea
In Rogue Allies: The Strategic Partnership between Iran and North Korea, Bruce E. Bechtol Jr. and Anthony N. Celso examine the influence of two rogue states whose rebellion against the United States and US-backed countries has serious consequences for international relations. Iran and North Korea have profited from illegal activities, such as the arming of terrorist … [Read More]