K-Pop's Role in Exporting Korean Foreign Policy

• In Event: Poster Session: Political Science Education; Information Technology and Politics & Politics Literature, and Film
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Politics, Literature and Film

Abstract

Korean pop music (K-pop) has become a global phenomenon, climbing charts in Asia as well as around the world. Interestingly, the Republic of Korea has coordinated with the global celebrity of K-Pop to represent their state in the global system. In this paper, we consider how the ROK government uses certain acts as part of their foreign policy. Korean pop stars are widely used by the government to promote South Korea abroad and increase Korean soft power via negotiations. We expect that K-pop acts visit countries that limit the influence of Korean culture in order to appeal to the growing Hallyu(Korean wave) community. K-pop foreign policy can assist with the strengthening of cultural ties, which also can lead to stronger political and economic agreements as well. In this paper, we will explore the use of K-Pop diplomacy in North Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and China.

Authors

• Christina Fattore, West Virginia University

• Jeanee Remy, West Virginia University