The 'Korean Wave' and television drama exports, 1995-2005

Evidently, Korean dramas have become, within just a decade, one of the types of broadcasting content most in demand in many Asian countries, but this popularity, frequently called the Korean Wave, seems to have been obtained rather unexpectedly. This thesis examines how the Korean broadcasting indus...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Jeon, Won Kyung
Published: University of Glasgow 2013
Subjects:
Online Access:http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.578581
Description
Summary:Evidently, Korean dramas have become, within just a decade, one of the types of broadcasting content most in demand in many Asian countries, but this popularity, frequently called the Korean Wave, seems to have been obtained rather unexpectedly. This thesis examines how the Korean broadcasting industry succeeded in breaking into neighbouring markets over a relatively short period of time, and whether the Korean government played a certain role in supporting the fast acquisition of Korean dramas of Asian audiences. Through the analysis, using a combined research method, the thesis uncovers how the government’s support policies have not provided meaningful help for drama exports. Rather, the subordinate relationship of Korean broadcasters to the government and the relatively early marketisation of the Korean broadcasting industry have more efficiently stimulated Korean dramas’ entrance into neighbouring broadcasting markets.