sociopolitical

The global ascent of the South Korean musician Psy in 2012, fueled by the viral success of his hit single "Gangnam Style," introduced international audiences to a specific and biting form of Korean social satire. While Western listeners largely focused on the infectious beat and the "horse-riding" dance, domestic audiences in South Korea recognized a ... Read more

The transition of power in South Korea between late 2012 and mid-2013 marked a significant juncture in the nation’s democratic history, characterized by the inauguration of Park Geun-hye as the first female president of the Republic of Korea. Representing the conservative Saenuri Party, Park’s narrow victory in the December 2012 election was framed by many ... Read more

The year 2013 marked a transformative era for the Republic of Korea, characterized by a unique convergence of historic political shifts and a rapidly evolving popular culture landscape. In December 2012, Park Geun-hye, representing the conservative Saenuri Party (New Frontier Party), secured the presidency by a narrow margin, becoming the first woman to hold the ... Read more