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When public diplomacy faces trade barriers and diplomatic frictions: the case of the Korean Wave

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Abstract

South Korea’s cultural entertainment products such as popular music, TV dramas and films have recently enjoyed growing popularity in Asia-Pacific rim countries and the rest of the world. The cultural phenomenon called the Korean Wave or “Hallyu” has elevated South Korea’s national brands, increased their overseas exports, and promoted human exchanges. This study finds that the remarkable success of the Korean Wave is due to collaborative efforts by the Korean government and private cultural industries by utilizing Korea’s pop entertainment products as an effective tool for global public diplomacy. This study also discusses recent setbacks in the Korean Wave due to protective trade barriers in several Asian countries, as well as strained diplomatic relations and anti-Korean Wave sentiments in Japan and China.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Journalism, University of Colorado at Boulder, Armory 113D, 1511 University Avenue, Boulder, CO, 80309-0478, USA

    Hun Shik Kim

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  1. Hun Shik Kim
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Correspondence to Hun Shik Kim.

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Kim, H.S. When public diplomacy faces trade barriers and diplomatic frictions: the case of the Korean Wave. Place Brand Public Dipl 14, 234–244 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41254-017-0076-4

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