Between Hallyu and Han: Global Celebrities, Local Narratives, and Melodramatic Sensibility

• Published in: Ewha Journal of Social Sciences Vol. 30; no. 2; pp. 107 - 139
• Main Author: Sueen Noh Kelsey
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 이화여자대학교 이화사회과학원 01.12.2014; 이화사회과학원
• Subjects: 사회과학일반; Hallyu; Korean Wave; pop nationalism; Han; melodrama; hybridity
• ISSN: 1975-8987; 2671-9029
• DOI: 10.16935/ejss.2014.30.2.005

This case study explores the intersection of Hallyu and Han in globalizing South Korea by analyzing celebrities’ narratives on a national talk show, Strong Heart, aired from October 6, 2009 through February 12, 2013. Most specifically, it focuses on stories shared by the so-called K-pop idols who have taken the Korean Wave phenomenon beyond Asian borders since the 2000s. As evidenced in this empirical analysis of the 11 personal, often melodramatic, stories, the long-held sentiment of Han is embedded in their narratives about success, stardom, family tragedies, filial piety, and even romance. What is interesting about this phenomenon is that the personal lamentations brought about collective catharsis on a national level. This paper proves that Han is an experiential reality to contemporary Koreans, which is revisited and relived through the collective memory and national identity in present day Korea in the wake of the Korean Wave phenomenon. Furthermore, the celebrities’ Han stories were shared by online global fan communities simultaneously. The local discourse, thus, becomes globalized and refutes the local versus global dichotomy. KCI Citation Count: 0