Constructing Culturally Proximate Spaces through Social Network Services: The Case of Hallyu (Korean Wave) in Turkey

Abstract

This study aims to understand the factors and actors of Hallyu (Korean Wave) in Turkey in the context of the characteristic cultural and technological conditions of network society. Two contex- tual factors -time and space- motivate this particular case study. While the consumption of Korean pop cultural products in European countries has noticeably increased, few studies were conducted on Hallyu in the European continent. Especially, network media technologies including blog, SNS, and various online communication platforms enable the international fans to consume Korean cultural products across the time and spatial barriers. In addition, this case study is also interesting because of the shared historical and cultural heritages maintaining and developing cultural linkages between South Korea and Turkey. Thus, this study contextualizes the Hallyu phenomenon in the context of historical, cultural, and technological relations between the two countries.

Keywords

Korea, Turkey, SNS (Social Network Service), Hallyu, Korean Culture.

Citation

Oh, Chong-Jin and Young-Gil Chae, “Constructing Culturally Proximate Spaces through Social Network Services: The Case of Hallyu (Korean Wave) in Turkey”, International Relations, Volume 10, No. 38 (Summer 2013), p. 77-99.

Affiliations

• Chong-Jin OH, Prof. Dr., Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Department of Turkish-Azerbaijani Studies
• Young-Gil CHAE, Prof. Dr., Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Department of Media and Communications